The Hopkins Clan: June 2006

Well, she got her first of many casts today and it went very well. At first she cried and then she just went to sleep. The doctor and nurse were very good with her and she doesn't seem to mind the cast too much. Her brothers are fascinated by it and constantly want to touch it.

Her brothers adore her! They were very sick while we were in the hospital and when we got home so they haven't gotten to see her or love on her too much. Now that they are getting better they can't get enough! Jaydon hugs her every time she cries and JJ makes up songs for 'my baby sister so she will feel happy'. They are so cute!! (I may be biased)

JO JO

Five days old Jocelyn is streching from a long nap and falling back into one--she sleeps more than JJ or JT. This is great as the whole family's been sick with a virus. We think she has JT's forehead and JJ's eyes and nose. We're not sure about her cheecks and mouth yet. And her hair is darker than our other kids; actually it's the exact color of Pete's.

Here she is....

So she is finally here!!! So, the basic story is that on the one day Pete didn't come with me to the doctor (a long drive, not pleasant for the boys) I go into labor and the doctor decides to do an 'emergency' c-section!! How exciting! The baby was fine, there was a lot of factors in the decision for surgery, but she is here and doing well. We took her for an appointment about her club foot on the way home from the hospital and found out that it will be a long process to correct the problem. She will get a cast put on every week for six weeks, then have a small cut in her achilles tendon, then another cast for 3 weeks. After that she will wear a brace that tethers her feet together day and night for 3 months. Then she will wear the brace at night and nap time until she is 3 or 4 YEARS old!! So, it's more involved than we thought, but if we are strict about it she will be much better off at the end of the process! We are so happy that she is so healthy otherwise!

I have to say that a c-section is over so much faster than natural labor!! The first two days were very difficult as I couldn't stand up straight and had a hard time moving around. After that, though, things have been going very well and we are enjoying having our little girl!! She sleeps much better than the boys did (so far) and even her cry is more of a girly one!!!

The Boys Are Back In Town!!

Well, it's pretty much been Pete and the boys for the last 10 weeks!! Now they are becoming Daddy's boys! Well, almost! Soon, my 'vacation' will be over and I will be in over my head!

We took the boys for a day out at the pool and it was so much fun! They both LOVED jumping in from the side.

With their new floating swimsuits JJ thinks he is such a big boy and can swim all by himself. Actually, he's pretty good and never gets tired! Oh, to be 3 again!!!