Vivian's Blog

Vivian has her own blog! As you know, Gavin had his own blog for the first year of his life. I turned his blog into a keepsake book for him using the tools at blurb.com. It was relatively easy and I'm really glad I did it. So... we're doing the same thing for Viv. Here's the URL: http://vivianchard.blogspot.com/

Hugs from Hyrum!

The folks are headed home.

Mom and Pop had originally planned to leave Hyrum tomorrow (Sunday), because Pop wanted to go to the USU Aggies' homecoming football game this afternoon. Our gorgeous weather has taken a turn, however, and the threat of snow on Sunday was enough to make them rethink their plan. So this morning, after our requisite breakfast at Angie's, they hit the road. We are so grateful for all their help and we are happy to have been able to share Vivian's first couple of weeks with them. Safe travels, Mom and Pop! Oh, and GO AGGIES!

ps - I updated the web album with more pics from when the folks were here.

Family Time

Hello from Hyrum, where we are thoroughly enjoying our newest family member. I kept saying how cool it would be for our baby girl to be born on 10/10/10 and, lo and behold, it actually happened. Right from the start she's been nothing but cooperative! Our day started bright and early when my water broke at 3:30 am. Brandon and I arrived at the hospital at ~7:30 am and had a relaxing and easy morning while my labor progressed. I got smart this time and opted to have an epidural. Once the epidural kicked in my labor went into high gear. A couple of hours and not very many pushes later, our baby girl was born. Unbelievably easy. You've probably already gotten all the stats, but for the record, Vivian Kayla Chard arrived at 1:12 in the afternoon. She weighed 7 lbs 9 oz and was 19.5 inches long. I might be a little bit biased, but I'm pretty sure she's absolutely perfect. She had a little bit of jaundice when we left the hospital on Tuesday and it got a little worse after our first day home, but then it got a little better. We think she's well on her way to being in the pink, but we can take her in for another bilirubin test on Monday if we're concerned.

We got home on Tuesday around noon and Mom and Pop arrived around 6 pm - so even though they weren't here when Vivian was born, they sure didn't miss much! Gavin seems to really like his baby sister. He wishes she was awake more and he's curious about and protective of her. When he was fawning over her yesterday, Papa took a picture of the two of them and Gavin yelled at him to stop taking pictures because the flash was too bright for Vivian (whose eyes were closed in slumber). Although he's enamored with his sister, he's also been doing plenty of new things (mostly naughty ones) to get attention. As much of a handful as he's been, he's still a pretty good kid. We went with Nana and Papa on Saturday to the gardener's market and Gavin got to see a few of his friends (and a few of our friends got to meet Vivian for the first time).
We don't have a whole lot planned for the coming week. A trip to the American West Heritage Center is on the list, and I'm going to enlist Papa to help with Gavin's Halloween costume. Nana has been a great help with dishes and cooking and laundry.

I can tell that I'm rambling, so I'll shut up and post a couple of pictures. I'll be adding more to the web album over the next few days as well. Vivian will need to eat again soon and then I hope to catch some zzz's. Goodnight, Family!

2 months old!!!

Hi family,

Today I'm 2 months old! I continue to be an excellent eater! I eat between every 3 1/2 and 4 hours.

I've realized being awake is actually fun, so I'm usually up for 6-8 hours a day. I graduated to my crib about 2 weeks ago. The past 9 nights I've slept from 10pm until 6am. This morning, Mommy actually woke me up at 7!

I'm smiling some and even cooing. Occasionally, I even let out a little scream.

I like my binky on and off, more off though, especially since I've found my hands and enjoy putting them in my mouth.

I enjoy bath time and watching big sister Evelyn play. She makes me smile. Going for rides in the stroller is super fun too!

Today, we went to Colleen & Efi's and Mommy, Daddy & Evelyn went swimming in their new pool. I opted to lounge poolside in the rocking chair. Daddy has the next 2 weeks off. Our plans include going to the pumpkin patch, zoo, park, on walks and lots of relaxing.

As you can see, the photo shoot made me sleepy.

I love you...