Grace's First Week

As you can see from the picture above, we are all getting used to the color pink around here...

We've managed the first two weeks at home and all I can say, is thank goodness for family and friends.  We are in survival mode with the adjustment to two kids and Rick being crazed at work on a major deal at *just the most* convenient time.  My sister came to stay for the first week, my mom and Jeff came to stay for the second week, and Rick's mom has been in and out throughout the entire period.

Thanks to family and friends, our fridge is stocked with food and groceries and we are getting used to our new rhythm.

Here's a look at the first week:

Aunt Samantha kept Mr. Palmer entertained with fun activities in the kitchen and morning outings (to keep him occupied and give me a break!)

Samantha was truly a god-send: simply tireless in her willingness to help out with every aspect of the family and housework while I tried to recover from surgery.

Tears were definitely shed when Samantha left for DC.  I really don't understand why she needs to live so far away...

Meanwhile during that first week, we knocked out Grace's first bath (with one naked little helper):

We visited the doctor for the first appointment:

First week stats:
Length: 20 1/4 inches (50-75%)
Weight: 8 lb (50-75%)
Head: 13.7 inches (25-50%)

We had family reading time:

Learned how to put two kids in a cart:

Made an important first visit to Northpark:

And stopped for pit stops along the way:

Dear friends showered us with love:

Big brother Palmer practiced holding his sister (and both kids need to practice keeping two eyes open in a photo):

Meanwhile, Miss Grace is a doll.  I'm learning about the importance of bows in a girl's outfit and relishing this special time with our newborn.

One week old:

Whew, I'm tired reading this post...

-Bethany