The Hartsell Family: Madelyn's First Week

Day 1: Tuesday, July 12

Madelyn had lots of visitors the day she was born. Both sets of grandparents and both aunts came to welcome her into the world.

Madelyn with Grandpa Hartsell

Madelyn with Grandma Hartsell

Madelyn with Aunt Laura

Madelyn with Aunt Beth

Madelyn with Grandpa and Grandma Giese

I was completely out of it this day so I am so grateful to Brian and Beth who helped me and Madelyn after my surgery. Brian took care of Madelyn by doing Kangaroo time right after the surgery so that her temperature would regulate. Beth took care of me while I was so emotional after the surgery.

We really wish had had taken a photo of Madelyn's cone head. It was pretty much gone by day two.

Day 2: Wednesday, July 13

This was an exciting day for me as I was able to 1) get out of bed!! & 2) eat solid foods! Unfortunately, it was also the last day that the Hartsell Family was in town.

Brian did a great job taking care of Madelyn while I was on bedrest. He had to change all her diapers. He also did a wonderful job soothing her.

Day 3: Thursday, July 14

We were hoping to get out of the hospital today but the doctor who was on rounds was a very conservative doctor and didn't want me to go home because I had had a slight fever yesterday. We talked to our midwife and our nurse and both said there was no reason for me to stay. The nurse even contacted the doctor to tell him that we really wanted to go but was unsuccessful. Today was a LONG day in the hospital.

We were able to take some good family photos though:

Madelyn also did some tummy time which is supposed to strengthen their neck muscles so they can hold their head up. Madelyn already has a very strong neck as can be seen in this video!

Day 4: Friday, July 15

We finally got to come home! Luckily since we had been pushing the nurses and doctors to let us go home, we were actually able to get out of there at a decent time. Both my doctor and the pediatrician came by before 7:30 am. We were ready to leave around 8:30 am or so but had to wait for a discharge nurse to arrive at 9 am. Our nurse though said she would make sure we were the first family she saw to get us out of there asap. We left the hospital at 10:15 am. Hooray !!

Madelyn Ready To Leave!

In the car

When we got home, we were surprised by a welcome home sign for Baby Madelyn from Cousin Juliana.

Preta was the first to meet Madelyn since Leia was still at doggie daycare. Here are some photos. He was curious but after a few hours was bored of her.


Preta peeking at the new baby sleeping

Then we had Andrea & Caroline and Beth, Connor & Juliana over. It was so much fun to see all the cousins interact. Juliana was so excited to meet her cousin. I am sure Juliana will teach Madelyn lots in the years to come. It's hard to believe that Connor, Caroline and Madelyn will all be in the same grade!! Connor looks so much bigger but the girls will catch up to him soon.

Juliana with Madelyn

Cousins: Caroline, Connor, Juliana & Madelyn

1st Cousins: Connor, Juliana & Madelyn

Here's a photo of Caroline (left) & Madelyn (right) who are second cousins. They were born exactly 2 weeks apart. Andrea and I (1st cousins) were born 8 days apart. Although when I was born, Andrea was the bigger baby but now Madelyn is the bigger of the two of them. Funny how things work out.

2nd Cousins: Caroline & Madelyn (Born 2 weeks apart)

I guess we didn't take any photos of Leia meeting Madelyn but Leia really loves her. She is always wanting to be near her and licks her feet. Madelyn doesn't seem to mind either animal.

Day 5: Saturday, July 16

On Saturday, Madelyn had her first doctor's appointment. She weighed in at 8 lbs 11 oz which was surprising since she had dropped as low as 8 lbs 5 oz in the hospital. Hopefully by week 2, she'll have no problem getting back up to her birth weight (8 lbs 15 oz), something I thought would be an issue. To celebrate, Brian and I went out to lunch and were happy that Madelyn slept the entire meal!

Since I was feeling up to it, we also ended up taking a short walk around the block. Madelyn and Leia had a wonderful time.

Day 6: Sunday, July 17

On Sunday, Madelyn had her first sponge bath at home. She didn't like it too much. Here are some photos:

Even Leia was interested in the bath!

Later that day, Juliana brought over some purple flowers and a balloon for Madelyn. Beth brought over dinner which was so nice! They even read Madelyn a story :)

Juliana & Madelyn

Beth, Madelyn and Juliana

Day 7: Monday, July 18

Today my friends from the neighborhood came over with their little babies. Madelyn is the third baby girl to be born since June 20th.