Welcome baby Halas Nicole!!

On Friday, 7/30 at 1:23pm our daughter Halas Nicole was born. She was 8lbs 3oz. and 20.5 inches long. Having a scheduled c-section was a completely different experience this time around. Laboring for 30 some hours first really tired me out last time and made my recovery much harder. This time, I checked in about 2 hours before the surgery and was able to actually spend time with Halas in recovery.

To those that have asked, yes, we stuck with our love for all things football and the name Halas came from good ole Papa Bear George Halas. Maddyn and Halas, quite the pair! We plan to use the nickname of Halle (pronounced Hal-lee) as well- either is fine!

Aside from a few issues here and there along the way, recovery has gone very well!!! I have had some swelling and retention that was alarming at first, but they told me it's common. The hernia has caused a few issues- but none that are unmanagable. Halas has been a champion nurser, so that has been so awesome compared to the challenges I went through at the beginning with Maddyn. Right now, my biggest issue has been engorgement- and I'm hoping to be over that in the next day or two!

We should get to go home from the hospital tomorrow. Maddyn has been staying with family the last 4 days and is excited to meet us at home and introduce "baby sister halas" to Rylee. She's had lots of fun coming to the hospital and getting the royal treatment from the nurses and everyone. She's really been an AWESOME big sister so far, so we are hoping the helpfulness and excitement lasts once we are all home.

I posted some photos from the first few days on the Shutterfly site. You can view and download them there. I plan to get out my good camera and get some fancy shots of the baby and Maddyn this week. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted better. Now that I'm home I'll have more time for photos and blogging :)

Thanks to everyone for the gifts, cards, emails, calls, messages, etc. We miss you all and are looking forward to catching up soon!!