Baby and Christmas and Holiday Cheer

She's only been here 2.5 weeks and already we're spoiling her. Christmas was rather low-key for us because we couldn't travel to California to be with family, but that doesn't mean Alaina didn't get plenty from Santa. 

Here she is with most of her presents: Some new bottles, some headbands, an adorable hat, and a boppy. 

She also got a mobi wrap, which I LOVE. 

Not to mention all the new friends she has now:

These are our adorable neighbor friends, Gelise and Byron. They LOVE babies, so we've seen them a lot lately.

And here she is with her cousin Ella. 

And how could we forget the special visit from Gma Snell?

But the best present, in my opinion, was the nursery. My mom and I had a blast decorating while she was here. I'd sleep in there myself if I could fit in the crib. 

 I still haven't decided what to put in the other frames. Any suggestions?

 My favorite part of the project was repainting this free changing table we got. I had lots of fun with the swirly designs.

We may have gotten carried away, but they say you can't spoil a child til she's at least 6 months old. :) 

She's Here!

Alaina Beth Miskin joined our family on Monday, Dec. 12 at 10:14am. We are so excited to have her safely here with us! Here are some photos from the day. Please forgive my appearance. Childbirth is rough.

 At my last appointment the doc said she would probably be between 7.5 and 8 pounds. Liar.

 She is HUGE. The nurses were joking that I gave birth to a toddler.

 You know, we never really think about how traumatic the birth experience must be for the baby. I think I'd have a swollen face too if I just made a trip down the birth canal.

 We're thinking she'll be a linebacker. Look at those shoulders!

 Best husband award goes to Caleb. I could not have had Alaina naturally without his help. Poor guy was up with me all night and never left my side. He even has a few bruises and scratches to prove it!

 She finally decided to open her eyes!

 I've changed my perspective a little on natural childbirth. Before I was really into it because I am all about having control over my body, promoting a speedy recovery, and letting the body do what it knows how to do. But after having Alaina, I have changed my views a little. Why? Well, because first of all, when I was writhing in pain from contractions, there was no control no matter how hard I tried to focus. An epidural may take away some control of your body, but at least you can smile through it. Second, a natural birth does not guarantee a speedy recovery. Case and point: me. I lost a lot more blood than I should have, which led to me losing consciousness three separate times after birth. I ended up needing a huge bolus of fluids and two blood transfusions. I was so weak that I could hardly pick up my baby. If I were born 100 years ago, I probably would have died. So much for a speedy recovery, and three cheers for modern medicine!

 I'm not saying I'm against natural childbirth now or anything. I still ardently admire any woman who chooses to do it; I'm just simply much more open to other options now. I also can't help but think how much better I'd look in pictures too... but that's a rather vain reason.

I know I'm partial, but I just think she is the most beautiful baby in the world. I love her so much, and am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing us with a happy, healthy baby girl. Christmas came early for the Miskins!