Gracie Armstrong

Bryan’s work usually has a week or two of shut down time during the summer because it’s the slow season.  Grace was due July 7^th, which meant she would be born right in the middle of Bryan’s two weeks off.  I was convinced she was going to be a week late, meaning all of Bryan’s time off would have been before she was even born (not so useful).  

Grace—ever the thoughtful baby—came one week early, which meant Bryan’s time off started right after she was born.  It couldn’t have timed out better.  It was so nice having Bryan home those first two weeks.  He was my movie-watching buddy since I felt like Grace wanted to nurse 24/7.  

This video is a little peek of what we spent those first two weeks doing: lounging around with Grace, and occasionally making her lip sync.

Two Weeks

Grace was not happy about having her picture taken.

Grace's first walk

 We had the idea of taking Grace on a nice, long walk.  It was a good plan until we started sweating under the hot Utah sun.  One lap around the temple and we called it good.  Even though she slept through the whole walk, I think Grace enjoyed it. 

 

One Week

My sister Amber posted weekly pictures of my niece Clara for the first year of her life.  I really enjoyed it because even though I wasn’t able to see her much, I felt like I still got to see her growing up.  Babies change so much in that first year, and it’s fun to look back and track Clara’s changes.  I decided I wanted to do the same thing for Grace (it’s only fitting since she and Clara share their birthday).

I was not exactly on the ball that first week, but here are some pictures of Grace at one week.

Home with Gracie

We've loved having our sweet baby home with us.  She's already changing so much!

  

(baby feet)

Hospital

Grace was born at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, and I have to say that I might have stayed there permanently if they'd let me.  The nurses went above and beyond to make me happy and comfortable.  And the food situation was pretty cool. You call in all your orders and then someone brings it down to you, which felt like getting room service at a fancy hotel (minus the part were I was in an awkward hospital gown).

Pregnancy at a glance

It's crazy looking back at pictures from my pregnancy because it honestly seems like it never happened now that it's over.  I didn't do a very good job documenting my growing belly, but here are a few pictures I did take:

 18 weeks

 23 weeks when I feel like I finally crossed over the from "is she just fat?" to "I'm pretty sure she's pregnant"

 31 weeks

 34 weeks (Memorial Day)

39 weeks (this was actually the day before Grace was born)