Week 15

Today marks week 15 of our little girl's life. Sierra Marie Vardiman arrived at 1:31 am on May 29, 2012. She weighed 8lb. 12 oz. and was 21" long. The labor process went very well. We started the induction process on May 28th around 1:30 am. We started with cervidil to get things started. Around 11:30 am the doctor broke my water. We then began pitocin. We rested for a few hours and I took a nap. During my nap I went from 4 cm to 9cm dilated! That was one productive nap! Around 12:30 am on the 29th we called the Doctor to come in. He arrived just before 1am. I started pushing and our beautiful Sierra emerged. The first time I saw her was absolutely the most amazing, overwhelming feeling of relief, love, joy, and exhaustion!

We were visited by our close friends Woody, Kristene, Mina and Maurizio at the hospital. We were discharged on the 30th and allowed to go home with our new family member. I remember holding her as we were wheeled out of the hospital thinking, "Holy moly! What do we do now? We've worked so hard for THIS moment and here it is, happening right now." We got home and introduced Sierra to our pets. They were all very curious, but timid. Over time they decided that Sierra could stay in our pack. Momo and Papa (Beth's mom and step-dad) arrived late on May 31st (Beth was VERY happy to see Momo).

Shortly after Momo and Papa left, Gran and PawPaw arrived (Tony's mom Pam and step-dad Jim)along with Uncle Rob! It was a busy day!

Our wonderful friend Kristene took a few pictures of Sierra when she was a little over 4 weeks old.

The dust settled and we started getting into a groove with our little family. Beth started going to a lactation group meeting at the hospital where we delivered Sierra. She and Sierra go every week. They have made friends with a few mommies and their babies. They enjoy meeting new mommies and babies every week and supporting the mommies who are having difficulties. At our first visit to the lactation group Sierra weighed 9lbs. 5oz. At our most recent visit she weighed 12lbs. 6.5oz.! We are fortunate enough to have another friend that enjoys photography as well! Our friend Sue took these photos when Sierra was almost 2 months old.

Sierra giggled for the first time on August 2nd! Sierra got her first round of vaccinations on August 6th. It was a rough afternoon for Beth. Sierra was fine after a short nap=) Meeting the Barbers! Autumn, Anne, Anson and Ayla escaped Phoenix for a weekend in the cool, pleasant weather of San Diego=)

Gran arrived on August 15th! We moved on August 16th to a 3 bedroom townhouse in Rolling Hills Ranch in Chula Vista. Tony started a new job on August 20th with Websense. He is now a manager of Technical Support. The East Coast Fosters made a trip to San Diego in August. Zack and Olivia were very excited to meet their youngest cousin!

Sierra and Beth recently traveled to visit Beth's mom and Grandma. While there, Sierra got to meet many people! Sierra's first plane ride!

Sierra's first train ride!

Sierra and Momo

Meeting Great Grandma Margaret

Meeting the Petersons

Meeting Uncle Matt and Dean

Visiting Great Grandma Margaret again

Meeting Cousin Hanna

Meeting Cousin Jack

Meeting Great Aunt Mitzae

Meeting Grandpa Tom

Four generations!

Meeting Laura, Bryn and Johanna

Meeting Great Aunt Amy

Meeting Chris and Allison

We had a wonderful trip! Sierra was a wonderful traveler! Sierra turned from her tummy to her back all by herself on 9/9! It's been a VERY busy summer! Becoming a mom has been the most amazing experience I could have imagined, and more! Even on days that don't go so well, the baby is cranky, I'm cranky and everything I pick up, I drop twice, when that little smile spreads across her face, my heart melts and everything doesn't seem so serious any more. I'm blessed beyond measure that my child is healthy, growing well, and we have a safe, happy place to call home. I look forward to sharing my experiences with other moms with the lactation group. I have really found a niche where I feel fulfilled, empowered and valuable outside of my home. It seems strange to put that out into the ethers. After working from home for 2 years, and now my main job revolves around a small person, it is nice to be valued for other talents. I'm looking forward to establishing a routine that we can follow on a regular basis (I'm sure not every day) while we settle in to our new home, new job for Tony, new baby and new adventures!