Bunny Slippers

A couple friend of ours came over the other night with a present for Brielle. Inside was the cutest pair of bunny slippers ever! We just had to try them on. Thanks Ken and Meagan!

Week 2 Checkup

Brielle had her first checkup on Friday afternoon. She was a little trooper. They had to do another newborn screening test, which meant more blood work. She hates the needle, but she was so brave. I was mad at the lab tech because she wouldn't let me hold Brielle while she took the blood samples, and Brielle was mad about it too. She cried and cried. Last time when I held her, she didn't cry at all.

Then it was time to see the doctor, and that was painless. Brielle is in the 73 percentile for height (21 inches) and the 26 percentile for weight (7 lbs 10 oz). She gained about a pound and a half from when she was discharged from the hospital! I'd say we have a champion eater on our hands.

We've been trying to get some good pictures of Brielle when she's awake, but she won't cooperate very well. She's such a little wiggle worm! Here are a couple we managed to snap with her eyes open:



And another sleeping pose. She just looks so angelic when she sleeps!

Week 1

Dear Brielle:

I can't believe it has already been one week since you were born. Where did the time go? Already I can't remember or imagine a time when you were not in our home. You have made life more fulfilling for Daddy and me than we could ever have dreamed possible. We are so happy that Heavenly Father sent you to us.

Here are some things about your first week home:

1. You had some jaundice, so we had to take you to the doctor the first two days you were home to get your biliruben levels tested. They pricked your foot and took some blood samples, and it just broke Mom's heart to hear you cry at that first doctor appointment. Luckily, the second appointment was not as bad, and the nurse let me hold you. You didn't cry at all that time, and we were so proud of you for being so brave!

2. You sleep ALL the time. We even have to wake you up to feed you! Dad changes your diaper, which you hate, so that works for a little bit, but by the time you are 10 minutes into eating, you are fast asleep. Then I have to tickle your feet or get a cold wet washcloth and wipe your face with it. You hate that too.

3. You love the sunshine. You are happiest when we put you in a sunny window and let you sleep.

4. You also love your baby swing.

5. You can't sleep at night without being swaddled.

6. You already love story books. Mom and Dad read you a story at least once a day.

7. You can't go a whole day without at least one 20 minute episode of the hiccups. Poor little thing. At least they don't seem to bother you!

8. You are a born sucker. You took to a paci like a fish takes to water. You love it!

9. You are never fussy.

10. You are very alert when you are awake. You love to look around you, and you especially love to study Mom's and Dad's faces when they're holding you.

We love you so much, Brielle!! We are looking forward to many many more weeks with you!

Love,
Mom and Dad

Daddy and Brielle
Chillin'

Bringing Home Baby

We're home and ready for fun!

Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!

Our sweet baby Brielle Anne Herbst made her debut into the world this morning!

It all started around 9:00 last night, when after going out for yummy pumpkin shakes, Mark made me laugh, which made my water break. Woops! So, we were off to the hospital. By the time we got there, my contractions were 5-8 minutes apart. They hooked me up to the IV and waited for my contractions to get stronger. We didn't have to wait too long, and I was uncomfortable enough to ask for the epidural. Just a little plug for epidurals: I LOVE them. It made my life so much more comfortable.

At around 7:30 this morning, I was fully dialated, so we started pushing. We pushed for an hour and a half, with no success. The baby was just not moving down like she should. Her heart rate started dropping dramatically with each contraction, so the doctor decided it was best to do a C-section. I wasn't thrilled, but I was concerned about the baby. So, they got me ready, wheeled me into surgery, and baby Brielle entered the world at 10:00 this morning. She weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces and was 20 inches long. She is so precious! It was such a great experience for both Mark and I. I have never felt so close to the Lord as the moment she was born and I heard her cry.

In the few short hours we have spent with her today, here are some things we have already discovered about our baby girl:

1. She has just a little bit of dark brown hair covering her little head.
2. Her beautiful eyes and long feet come from Mark.
3. Her long fingers and long legs come from me.
4. We're not sure yet just who she got her cute little nose from.
5. She is very alert and is very good at finding her fists to suck on.
6. She doesn't like her fists to be wrapped up. She has to have them near her mouth.
7. She doesn't like having her diaper changed or being chilly at all.
8. She hardly ever cries, and is a healthy eater!

Welcome to the world, Brielle! Your daddy and mommy are so happy that you have come to our home, that our Heavenly Father has entrusted you to us. We're so lucky to have such a sweet little girl!!

What Matters Most

I've been thinking a lot about this topic lately. I love what President Monson has to say on the subject. Click here for the message.

Rise and Shout, the Cougars are Out!

One of our favorite things about fall:

BYU FOOTBALL!!!!!

We love the anticipation of the game. The donning of blue, white, and khaki. The masses of tailgating fans. The chill in the air (thank heavens for air conditioned Texas stadiums!). The rollercoaster ride of emotions as the score flops back and forth. Singing the fight song at the top of our lungs. Analizing every play after the game.

That's what we wanted when we drove up to Dallas this weekend to the BYU/OU game with Mark's family. We weren't disappointed. I've never been to any game quite this exciting! The stadium was jam packed - over 75,000 screaming fans. Most of them were cheering for OU. But what our small BYU section lacked in numbers, we made up for in spirit! We screamed ourselves hoarse, jumped up and down over our touchdowns, and hugged each other when the game was won. It was a sweet victory!

The Fam - Brian, Rachelle, Kyra, Mark, Spencer, and Paul

Nothing like seats at the very top!


Our view of the field. Thank goodness for that JUMBO screen!


Look at that sea of "Crimson and Cream"


Making a Victory Phone Call to the fam


Proud to wear the BYU Blue!!