Visit from the Youngs

The Youngs came to visit the weekend after she was born (August 26 - 28). They seemed to like her just a little bit...

Because Hurricane Irene was coming to pay us a visit, we didn't get to do much except sit around our condo and hold her. They didn't seem to mind.

They came bearing lots of gifts. These sunglasses were my favorite.

The Sunday dress from Aunt Sarah was a close second.

Three generations

Alert, Strong and Smart!

Yes, we are those parents who think they have a wonder child. Jovie has been alert since she was born, and has impressed us with her strength and development. She held her head up off Mike's chest on the first day in the hospital and just looked at him. She loves to kick around on a blanket, and she "marches" with her legs and "swims" with her arms. She tries to stand on our legs when we hold her on our lap, and when she's awake, she's always moving. She looks at EVERYTHING - the decorations on the walls and even Howie.

We're certain that she's one of the smartest babies ever. :)

Coming Home!

We came home from the hospital on Sunday, August 21, 2011. Here are some pictures to commemorate the occasion.

Jovie really enjoyed getting dressed to come home...

First time in the carseat

Walking into the condo

All the lovely flowers

Howie and Jovie meeting for the first time

First pictures together at home

Doesn't it look like she's waving? ;)

Hanging Out at the Hospital

We spent two days at Virginia Hospital Center getting to know one another as a family. There were lots of snuggles and time together to admire how beautiful Jovie is.

Getting clean in the nursery

Jovie found her thumb a lot!

She likes to take a pacifier, too!

She listens when we read to her.

We took a couple family photos. Can you tell which is day one and which is day two? :)

Our wonderful friends came to visit

The Schuhs

The Mancaris

The McGinnis'

Thanks for the flowers, everyone!

Last weigh-in before going home

Welcome to the World, Baby T!!

The long anticipated arrival of Baby T came on August 19, 2011! Jovie Rae Traylor, 7 lbs, 7 oz and 21 3/4 inches long was born on Friday at 7:59 am. Her due date was August 23rd, our eighth anniversary, so we were quite happy that she came a few days early.

Baby T was a surprise from the beginning, and we didn't decided we wanted to be surprised all the way to the end. Labor and delivery was fast. I woke up at 4:30 with mild contractions about eight minutes apart, and by 5:45-ish, we were heading to Virginia Hospital Center. I was having really hard contractions, with really no time in between.

When we arrived at the hospital, I was eight centimeters dilated, and shortly after I was complete and ready to push. However, the doctor hadn't arrived! He did about 45 minutes later, and Dr. Fernandez attended the birth. Baby T made her appearance and Dad called it: "It's a girl!"

She is a beautiful baby girl, and we love her a ton! She was sucking her thumb within the first couple hours of being born, and was awake and alert right away. We are in love!