Friday the 13th has always been a special day in my mind, never unlucky. My grandpa was born on Friday the 13th and soon, my sweet Neva will have Friday the 13th birthdays. Today is her 3 month mark. Let me let that sink in for a minute.... we have a daughter.
Neva Rose was born on October 13th (due date was the 31st)at 11:06am, she was 7 lbs, 4oz and 22 inches long. Big feet too.
3 months went by so quickly. I can't even pretend like I'll be able to capture all of it in this blog. The actu
al birth itself...indescribable. I remember thinking that I'll remember all the details, but it was scary and amazing and at the end of it, Evan and I had this amazing little girl. I ended up having a c-section, which was a big change from my wanting to go ALL natural and no pain meds, but my little lady had a different plan. So after about 24 hours of labor, 2 pushing, we finally went in for the c-section and there she was.
We were so lucky - had an AMAZING nursing staff...seriously amazing and both grandparents (my mom and Evan's parents) were able to get there the DAY she was born to meet her. I was so so happy about that. My mom stayed for two weeks and then right after that, Carolyn and Jessica came for the weekend then Kathy, Evan's mom came for another 2 weeks with an added bonus of the Martin family the last day. Then Aaron randomly had a flight layover in Houston and got to meet Neva as well. Somehow Evan was off for that entire time as well. I do not know how we would have survived that first month without the grandmas and family here
. Evan and I seriously lucked out on families. They're so amazing!! Neva got some sweet threads while Auntie Carolyn was here too and a little spoiling from Jessica who DID NOT put her down the entire time. It's okay though, babies can't be spoiled that young is what I'm telling myself. In addition to this amazing family, our neighbors have visited, both in the hospital and at home and also some of my members from my military unit v
isited us while in the hospital. It's 
crazy the support system we have.She is AMAZING (have I used that word enough) and grows so fast. We are learning as we go. My sweet baby sister, Erin, came this past weekend to help out and watch Neva while I went back to "work" - just my first drill weekend back after having her. It was so tough to leave her for the first time, but I could not imagine a better person to leave her with for this stage. Erin is a nanny in "real life" and I'm not kidding, the girl worked wonders. Neva is more active, talks more, mastered tummy time and rolled over for the first time while Erin was here. Erin also reorganized Neva's closet and it flows MUCH better now, setup a tracking system for sleeping, pooping, eating AND kept the house clean which I'm SURE Evan appreciated! While I was away, she sent me pictures of what was happening and even kept BOTH of my dogs happy and entertained. She stayed up for the 2, 3,4am feedings with Neva so I could sleep. And did I mention she cooked for my husband AND had skyline dip waiting for me when I got home. Oh and followed Mom's orders and put her in every dress she owns and took pictures. I learned a LOT while Erin was here. Does it get better than this? I cannot WAIT for the rest of the Sweeney family to meet her.
I actually had to take her to the base with me a couple days and she was perfect. This was her all day. I swear this little girl is so amazing. When she went in for her 2 month vaccines - not even a tear, from her. From me.. tha
t's another story. See the band-aids?We've learned some lessons the hard way, like how expensive professional pictures are! What I wouldn't give to live in Cincinnati where I KNOW and have amazing photographers as close, personal friends. Learned not to lift her up by her butt after she poops and that I don't know all the words to any nursery rhyme like I thought I did.
We have been so lucky. Lots of hand-me-downs. Constantly getting packages from family and friends and surprise showers all over. I think Erin has bought every newborn book possible. And I am INCREDIBLY lucky to have the friends and "brain bank" to call and ask all my questions - thank you everyone that has given me advice. And thank God for Skype!
For those of you that know my new obsession with doggies - ours are doing great and are so gentle with Neva.
Best of all.... not only did I marry the most amazing man and husband I could ever dream of but also the most and by most, I mean most times infinity AMAZING father. Evan is so so good with Neva. It is so sweet when they play or he sings to her or she gives him the biggest smiles she has to give. He gets her in the morning and lets me sleep in, he jumps to change every diaper and will just hold her and
dance with her all day. It makes my heart melt every day. He is so wonderful.I'm sure there is more, but for now, my little one is passed out so I am going to catch a snooze too. Here are some pics for now - more to come and also you can check out my Flickr site. I try to update it as often as possible and Neva has her own album.
