Sophia's first hair bow...I have a feeling it is the first of many!

Everyone was ready to go home from the hospital. We got discharged at 3:00 p.m.

Sweet Sophia has a small case of Jaundice. Her billirubins were at 9.6 this morning, so we are going back tomorrow to see if they went up or went down. Hopefully they went down. We sat her in front of a window since it was sunny today. She looks fine in this picture, but she was only this content for about a minute.

John got some new sunglasses today. He was so excited that Sophia came home today. He was a wild man! He gave kisses, her hugs, and wanted to play with her all evening. I don't think Matt and I's life will ever be the same.

Getting ready for bed...look at those big eyes!

We'll let you know the fist night at home goes in tomorrow's blog!

Good night everyone!

Meeting Sophia (through John's eyes)

Today was a big day...I guess because Mommy and Daddy weren't at home when I woke up. Pops took care of me at first and then Nana Barb and Papa came to take care of me. They kept saying today you are going to be a big brother! They even put a shirt on me that said big brother. They let me play outside a lot because the sun was shining. We went to the hospital in the afternoon and my daddy came out and got me. When he came out to get me, he said "We have a 7lb 10 oz, 19 inches long baby GIRL". He was holding a camera and had it taping the whole time he talked. When he said "girl" the whole room got really loud. I clapped too! I guess it was exciting. Daddy took me back to the room where my Mommy was sitting.I was the only one that got to go. I was the first one! I got to sit on Mommy's lap and there was "baby". I sucked my thumb because that is what I do when I get sleepy,worried or shy. Then I met her...the baby I had been talking to in my mommy's belly. I said "hi" in a quiet voice. Then I said " Hi baby". I pointed to my mommy's belly but Mommy said, "The baby isn't in there anymore. This is your sister. I said "sister". I was kind of nervous and I kept looking at this little thing by my mommy's bed. After a while, everyone came in to see "Sophia". They all hugged me and said "John, your a big brother!" Pops came over to me and said "John, your still my boy!"

I gave Sophia kisses and I love doing it. I give her lots and lots of kisses.

I love giving hugs too! Mommy keeps saying "be gentle" and I don't know what she is talking about.

On Sophia's second day of being my sister, I touched her nose and said "honk". I love "honking" her nose. Mommy says "be gentle". She really likes to say that over and over again. She kind of acts nervous when she says it.

Mommy says "no fingers in Sophia's mouth".

I like to show Sophia how I honk my nose too! I am going to teach all her different body parts because I can point mine out too!

A Message From Dad

I am very excited to have a new baby girl. I thought that this new baby was going to be a boy; but I was pleasantly surprised to have Sophia show up. When I first saw her I immediately thought that she looked like a Sophia. I don't know what a Sophia looks like, but she looked like one. She was so pretty and perfect, I instantly was happy that we had a girl. I was looking forward to having two boys and out numbering Mom and forcing all outings to the ball park or a car show; now we are even, but i am glad. She is a great addition. I am already thinking of ways to incorporate pink into her bed room. I am blessed to have two beautiful babies and am excited to see what the future holds.

Meet Sophia LeAnn Turnbough. She was born at 3:16 p.m. She weighs 7 lbs 10 oz and is 21 inches long. I have more pictures to put up but this is what is on the computer tonight...so tomorrow there will be more!

Everyone is doing well. Sophia has eaten twice and nursed for almost an hour

each time. She is an eater! She was a little stubborn during labor. She had her hand up by her head, so the she wasn't able to push as much as the doctor wanted her too. I guess she was ready to shake someones hand right away! For a little while, her heartrate would drop when I was contracting, but that was quickly taken care of and she did just fine. Last...she was born Sunny Side up! She wasnted to see the world right away. She is very alert and makes all kinds of cute sounds.

I am doing well...actually very well. Labor was a little difficult. I had lots of problems with my blood pressure going too low. It seemed that the epideral caused some problems but it all ended up going fine. I pushed for 22 min (started at 2:54 until 3:16). My recovery seems to be going well so far. Matt and I really can't believe that we have a little girl. We were totally surprised when we met her. We had planned on Gracie as the name, but when we saw her we both thought Sophia fit her perfectly.

Daddy is doing well. He is cuddling with the baby as we speak. He loves his little girl and he is a very proud daddy. He did a great job at standing by my side and keeping me calm. He also did a great job at coaching...he is a wonderful counter! He impressed the nurses.

John is doing well also. He was little unsure at first, but quickly pointed to her nose and said "nose". He called her "sister" and "baby". He gave her some kisses and hugs (those pictures will be up tomorrow. He does know something is up because when going home with Nana LeAnn, he was very confused why Mommy and Daddy weren't there. He is in for a big change but I think he will do just fine! He also loved the present Sophia got him....an Elmo and a book that makes sounds. He is going to be a great big brother.

Thank you to everyone for the prayers and the visits today. We are truly blessed with a wonderful family and friends.

Check back tomorrow....

Here is a picture of John just a few minutes old on July 28, 2008

A little over 19 months ago, I was sitting at my house with my parents and Matt, knowing that at 6:00 a.m. the next morning, I would be giving birth to a baby. This would be Matt and I's baby...a gift from God. At 2:45 p.m. on Monday, July 28, our precious John was born.

I got to relive that experience tonight because tomorrow at 5:45 a.m., Matt and I will travel to Centerpointe and become parents of a precious baby. My parents came up, we had dinner, ate ice cream and played cards. Plans are made for tomorrow and hopefully all will go well.

John will become a big brother tomorrow and Matt and I will become parents of 2. It is hard to imagine, but I am so excited. This past week, I have reflected on our life the past 19 months and how much it has changed. I look at how priorities are different and how our plans that we make have changed. I wonder how it will be 19 months from now?

John is going to be a BIG brother! I am so excited for him to meet this new little person. He has talked to this little friend through my belly the last few months. I wonder if this baby will recognize his voice tomorrow? Even though I am excited for these two to meet, I would be lying if I didn't say I was a bit nervous. John's life is about to change and he doesn't really know it. I know it is all for the good, but I pray that God will help me be a mommy to 2 little ones. I pray that I won't show favoritism and I won't compare. I pray that my precious 2 will be good friends, able to grow up together and have so many memories that they will talk about one day.

There is so many things I want to say, but I think I will just end in a prayer before it starts to sound like I am rambling.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Tomorrow is a big day and I thank you for giving Matt and I this opportunity. You have blessed us in so many ways. I pray for good health tomorrow. I pray that if there is complication, that we let You have control and that we don't try to "understand why", but that we will put our complete trust in You. God, I pray for this little one. I pray that as we raise him or her, that we will focus on You and teach Your ways. I pray that this little one will live for You. I pray for John as he becomes a big brother. I know it will be tough, but I pray that You help Matt and I to help him love his little brother or sister. I pray for Matt and I as we become parents of two. Please give us strength when times get tough. Help us to enjoy the small moments and be intentional with our parenting.

God, I can't thank you enough for giving me the job of being a Mom. It is the best job I could have ever asked for. I pray that I draw my strength from you and that I don't try to do it all on my own.

Give Matt and I a restful night and be with us tomorrow.

In Your name,

Amen

Today we went to Barnes and Noble to buy 2 books with a "buy one get one 50% off" coupon...
We walked out with 4 books and a stuffed Elmo...
Matt and I are suckers...
But it does warm my heart that John loves books and reading...

Tonight was a family night...

We decided to make a family night because the baby will be coming soon!

We went down to McCormick and Schmick's and have the famous Chocolate Bag.

So YUMMY!

John loved the chocolate part, not so much the fruit.

We figured we wouldn't be able to go down there for awhile since we'll have 2 under the age of 2.

Enjoy the pictures...

The beautiful chocolate bag...so delicious.

Here is John dancing to music and wanting more chocolate.