Aug 22-28 (Senja 1 wk old)

Oma and Gimpa (Grandma and Grandpa Luoma) came to visit this week.  It was great to have them here to meet Senja and help out with Cadel.  This was a challenging week with Senja -- she was not gaining weight so we had quite the feeding schedule.  Every two hours Stacey nursed her, then pumped, then Justin gave that back to her in a bottle.  It was exhausting, but worth it.  By the end of the week Senja was back on track with her weight and back to only nursing and everyone was getting more sleep!  Cadel kept Oma and Gimpa entertained by taking them to Multnomah Falls and Sauvie Island, and sitting quietly while they read many books.

We were able to reunite some of the Topper's this week by having Ryan and Alishia over for dinner.  (Ryan and Alishia were our saviors by watching Cadel when Senja was born -- nothing like moving to a new town 3,000 miles away from family and friends weeks before a baby is born!  They were fantastic and stepped right up, coming over at midnight when we left for the hospital.)

Day 6 - Baking Day

Cadel gets up early on Saturday and does the weekend baking.  He looks around for his family, but after finding them all still asleep he decides to share with his new best friend, Gus. 

Day 4 - Cadel and Senja

Cadel has been commenting "Mama has a Baby".  Today Cadel asked "Del hold Baby?".  We had him climb up on the bed (the very center of the bed) assuming that was the safest place to protect little Senja from the unexpected movements of her 2 year old brother.  He sat happily and held her, and she looks pretty pleased about the idea.

Senja takes a snooze after an exhausting photo shoot. 

Day 2 - Settling in at Home

We are settling into life at home.  So far Senja has been great (though we didn't get too much sleep last night!).  She is catching up today.

Cadel is adapting well to his new role as big brother. 

He has already taught Senja where her nose is.

Day 1 - Cadel Meets Senja

Cadel (now 2 yrs 2 months old) and Senja meet today.  Cadel brought Senja a stuffed elephant and Senja brought Cadel a stuffed chipmunk puppet (named Augusta, we call her Gus for short).

Justin tries his hand with both kids...so far so good...

Cadel gives Crowder his "big brother" gifts when we all arrive home.

Stacey attempts story time with both Senja and Cadel.  We didn't get too much past the "A's" in the Chesapeake ABC's book (learning our alphabet Maryland-style thanks to the Bakers!) before Justin had to jump in and save Stacey.  

Senja Arrives

Senja Anastasia Luoma Cox arrived at 4:49am on Sunday, August 15, 2010, weighing in at 8 lbs. 13 oz. and measuring 21 inches long.

So far Senja's favorite spot is snuggled up on Stacey or Justin's chest.  No complaints about this from the new Mama and Papa since it's a perfect excuse for a nap!

40+ Weeks Pregnant

Cadel has a chat with the Baby.  Seems like he/she is telling him something important.

Cadel and Crowder  prepare for the baby's arrival.