Baby Sidney is Here!

Last Wednesday, at 8:02am, Sidney Alexis Harding joined our family!  We are so happy to have her in our family, and we are so thankful for a healthy birth and recovery.  It has been a whirlwind couple of days for sure.  Here's the story of our little girl and her first five days:

1.  My dad arrived at 5:10am the day of my c-section, five minutes before we had to leave for the hospital.  Talk about timing!
2.  We had Sid at St. Mary's.  The family birthing center is beautiful, and our room was huge!  They even call food service room service.  So nice.  And, we didn't have to move after the first day.
3.  The surgery went great!  I had an awesome team of doctors and nurses.  The spinal went in smoothly, Shawn joined me, the curtain went up, and before we knew it, a persistent cry cut through the room.  Sidney is our smallest newborn, coming in at 6lbs, 2 ozs, and a little over 19 inches long.  We decided she's also our loudest newborn.  Shawn went with her to the nursery while I was stitched up. 
4.  Sid joined us in the room not long after I returned to it.  From the get-go, she has been a great nurser.  I love the whole experience of pregnancy, giving birth, and then nursing a newborn.  The whole process just fills me with so much awe and wonder. 
5.  Grandpa was Sidney's first visitor!  He welcomed her with her very own Gund Christmas bear, flowers, a balloon, and a holiday sleeper from Grandma.  We are so thankful and excited to have my dad here for Sidney's birth and help us out at home, too.  Since we left the hospital, he and Shawn have been engaged in Operation Leaf Removal.  Quite the process considering the size of our yard and the thick coverage of leaves.  He's also been great with Riley and Adrian, and meal preparation.  Plus, it was nice having some one on one time with dad while I was in the hospital.  Thanks, Daddio!  This week would not have been the same without you!  You've got our vote for Grandpa of the year!! 
6.  Caroline also came up to visit and help us out.  Since I haven't seen Caroline all semester, her trip was doubly exciting!  She is awesome in hospital situations, and didn't seem to mind waking up several times at night to help with Sidney and even change a few diapers.  She definitely spoils me and Riley, Adrian, and Sidney, too.  It was great getting to catch up in person for a change.  Her time here went by way too quickly, though.  I miss her like crazy.  Caroline, thanks for being an amazing best friend.  Thanks for being a part of such a special time in my life.  Thanks for celebrating with us.  Thanks for your generosity and kindness.  I could go on and on.
7.  Highlights of our hospital stay include lots of HGTV, a special lunch for Shawn and I before we left, the nourishment room, walks to the Christmas tree, one game of Settlers, and lots and lots of cuddling with Sidney!
8.  We came home on Saturday.  The weekend was kind of crazy with everyone at home, but it was great to just be home.
9.  On Wednesday, we'll leave for Virginia to see my family for the holidays.  I cannot wait for everyone to meet Sidney, and see her proud and happy big brother and sister. 
10.  Sidney is definitely the best early Christmas present I have ever received.  She is such a sweet and peaceful baby.  Sometimes, she sounds like a squeak toy.  Sometimes, she sort-of smiles.  Sometimes, she tucks her legs under her and lifts her arms above her head in a triumphant-buddha pose.  All the time, she's adorable.  All the time, she's mine.  It doesn't get any better than this.