1st Opening Day

Well today was Isaac's actual due date: Opening Day.  I guess he really wanted to be here at home to enjoy the game in peace instead of from a hospital room, and I can't imagine not having him here with us for the past 12 days! He watched the game with Mommy, Daddy and Grandpa Charlie.  Even during pregnancy Mommy searched high and low for a newborn-sized Oriole's outfit of some sort but they don't seem to make anything that small.  I guess we'll have to wait a few more months.  In the meantime Isaac decked out his orange with a cute tiger outfit and an Oriole's towel that Grandpa Charlie brought with him so Isaac could have some official orange and black.  Isaac's first Oriole's game was a win! Whoohoo! Let's go O's!

Of course all the doxies wanted to watch the game too

Waving to the camera with Grandpa Charlie

Tiger butt!

Isaac and the Wiener Dogs

Everyone has been so curious about how the dogs have been doing with the addition of Isaac, and the short answer is "great"! Lady appears pretty indifferent for now, giving us space and being more patient with her affections. Allie has taken her job of Baby Rest's guard dog very seriously. She can be found in whatever room Isaac is in and when he's upset she is very in tune to how Mommy and Daddy plan to help. Allie who is known for molesting you with her kisses has been oh-so-careful when she approaches Isaac, giving gentle sniffs and sneaking in the slightest little lick on his ear. 

Our pregnancy announcement

Allie just keeping an eye on her new best friend

Both dogs staying close by

We laid Isaac down for a moment and Allie slowly came over and cuddled next to him

Doxie pillow

First Week Home

Isaac's first week home brought many, many visitors.  So many people wanted to meet him! There was Aunt Kim, Uncle Mike and cousins Maddie and Katie, Grandpa Larry, Liz & Derek, Jodi, Tim, and the DeBoys. Everyday there were new faces to meet! 

On Monday Isaac also got to meet his pediatrician, Dr. Beams. We love her! With the help of Ann the lactation consultant, they were able to quickly fix Isaac's tongue tie and he instantly was able to latch on and nurse like a pro! Finally, Mommy could stop pumping 10 times a day! Hooray! 

Isaac is still having trouble understanding that nighttime is for sleeping and daytime is when he should be most awake, but each night gets a little better.  For now, being woken up at 2am isn't so bad when you get to look at such a sweet little face.  

Isaac wearing one of Mommy's old undershirts. Can't believe how big it is on him!

Isaac's post-milk face

Peacefully napping on Mommy

Loving his beanbag chair from Uncle Tom

Enjoying some swing time.

Finally caught the elusive Isaac smile on camera

Welcome Home!

We were finally able to come home on Saturday afternoon! Isaac did a great job on his first car ride, and Mommy & Daddy did pretty well themselves.  Grandpa Charlie was at home with all the dogs awaiting their arrival.  The dogs were super excited to see Mommy and Daddy again and were very welcoming of little Isaac giving lots of space but still being a little curious. Lady hopped in our hospital bag as if to say that the next time we leave for so long we better take her with us! Time to adjust to our new life with our new family. Ah, home sweet home!

Lady made it clear we need to take her with us on our next getaway.

While we were in the hospital Sandy took great care of the dogs. One day she brought Isaac's cousin Declan to help and he hopped right in bed with his favorite dachshund, Allie.

First Photo Shoot

During our stay at the hospital Isaac had his first photo shoot. When you're such a stud it can be hard to keep the paparazzi away!  Here are a few of our favorite shots.

4 Days at Mercy

Mommy, Daddy & Isaac had a very long and exciting four days at the hospital full of learning, excitement, and visitors.  In addition to daily visits from Mommom Patti and Grandpa Charlie (who are just over the moon excited about their first grandchild), Isaac also got to meet great Aunt Margie, great Mommom Louise, cousins Sandy, Kelly & Buddy, Father Tom, Grandpa Larry, and funny aunt Debbie (a little TOO funny for Mommy who was still in a lot of pain with her vertical incision to do so much laughing!).

Since Isaac was breech he has little "frog legs" that make him hang on you like a cute little frog monkey.  Mommy also thinks some of his little noises sound like Curious George. 


Mommy and Daddy were really impressed with all of the staff at Mercy, particularly sweet nurse Caroline who was very accommodating and helpful with bending some rules and sneaking in some late night treats!

Proud, proud papa

Mommy's little frog monkey

Isaac after his circumcision

Meeting great Mom-Mom-Mom

Debbie being silly!

Welcome Isaac!

It was Tuesday, March 18 and Daddy had just made a really nice dinner of grilled pork, mashed sweet potatoes and roasted broccoli followed by a delicious surprise cupcake for dessert.  Over dinner Mommy and Daddy talked about Mommy's plans at school for her last three days and all of the things she would get accomplished the following week while she was off waiting for Baby Rest to arrive. Around 9:30pm Mommy and Daddy were getting ready for bed. Mommy bent down to change into her pajamas and felt a "gush".  She waddled to the bathroom and told Daddy she thought her water broke.  After some stunned silence, Daddy asked if maybe Mommy had (hopefully) just peed herself? Ha-ha. No such luck!

After some quick showers and gathering of hospital bags, off to the hospital they went! Daddy was so nervous and excited that even though we'd been there quite a few times already, he missed the turn to the parking garage. Of course this is when Mommy's contractions started.

After checking in at Labor & Delivery around 10:30pm, they were off to triage where they confirmed that Baby Rest was still breech despite all of Mommy's efforts with acupuncture, chiropractor, yoga, and various other methods to flip the little guy/gal.  So, off to the OR they went for a c-section.  Even though it wasn't their "dream plan", Mommy and Daddy were so excited to meet their new bundle of joy.

We decided Daddy would announce the sex to Mommy, so when it was time, Mommy and Daddy took one last minute guess; both guessing Baby Rest would be a girl.  A quick peak over the sheet covering and Daddy announced with a giddy grin, "we were both wrong!".  Isaac Ernst Rest came into the world at 1:25am on March 19, 2014 testicles first with his feet up by his ears weighing 6 pounds, 5 ounces and 19 inches long. Quite an entrance!