Sammy: take 2

Ok, to start I will explain Sam's name because people keep asking us why we named our child after a beer (which, in our defense, is at least a good beer). The first name we picked out easily; Seth's initials spell Sam, and we both like the name. The middle name was a little tougher. We thought it would be neat to have Sam's initials also spell Sam. Our favorite choice for a middle name was Seth's middle name - Adam. We went back and forth between James and Adam throughout the pregnancy, and on the way to the hospital, we decided to go with Samuel Adam and hoped that maybe someday (much) down the road he'll get a free beer or two and thank us for it.

As far as his arrival, labor lasted about 13 hours (half the time of Elena's!), only 2 of which were hard labor. Once I started pushing, he came out so quickly that the doctor hadn't even been called yet. That didn't surprise me much considering that the midwife at Elena's birth said she "came out like toothpaste." I was actually glad he didn't make it. For one thing, the doctor I planned on having was out of town, and I wasn't thrilled about the one I got (rumor has it he has given women episiotomies without their consent). Also, we knew my nurse from Minneota and we were thrilled to have her deliver our baby. After he was born, she told us he was her first so it was a neat experience for her, too. Of course, the doctor (who showed up 10 minutes after the birth and stayed no more than 5 minutes) will get paid for the delivery.

Once again, Seth was a great help during the birth. Our nurse actually said that she wants Seth to prep her husband for labor whenever she gets pregnant. So far, I have somewhat enjoyed the labor process (up until the end part) because it is such a great bonding experience for Seth and me.

Elena stayed with my parents the 2 nights we were gone and she had a great time. We were worried she would struggle being gone from me so much, but she didn't seem to mind a bit. She came to visit in the hospital and fell in love with Sam right away. She wasn't quite as thrilled when we brought him home. Sharing Mommy and Daddy has been a bit of an adjustment, but her temper tantrums are gradually decreasing day by day. She loves holding Sam, giving him kisses and helping change his diaper (she hands us the wipes).

Holding Sammy for the first time

He loves being bundled up in his car seat.

Kisses