1) Even if the diaper is full, there’s more where that came from. Beware!
2) Remove socks and any other clothing around the diaper area before changing. (you might get lucky once, twice or even three times, but eventually she’s gonna get ‘cha.)
3) Have at least 2 (clean) spare pacifiers on hand at all times. They WILL go ballistic from time to time…
4) Mylicon: if you plan on getting any sleep, you’d better have some on hand…
5) When your newborn is nearly inconsolable, a motorized glider chair with music may be the answer.

The day Nan and I have been waiting for 9 months to arrive, finally came this past Wednesday with the birth of our daughter Lela. It really is true what everyone says about it being a life changing event. I don’t even think I can really put it into words at this point, but it is truly wonderful. I have to admit it can also be pretty scary. We were on track for a natural delivery, but about half way through, Lela’s heartbeat slowed to the point that it worried the doctors and they ordered an emergency C-section. All of a sudden, there were about 10 people unhooking lines and equipment and prepping her for surgery. In about 30 seconds they had her out of the room and on the way to the operating room while I was told to wait. A little later a nurse came by with some scrubs to put on and they took me down to the O.R. The surgery was already in progress when I got there and in moments our baby girl emerged. Even though everything was fine, I was still worried for Nan for about the next hour until one of our Doctors came by and told me that she was doing well. The doctors did an amazing job, and Nan has been recovering much faster than anyone expected. We were released from the hospital on Friday. It’s been good to be home again. We’re still getting adjusted to our new schedule, but we’re doing pretty well considering. I’ve begun using the flickr account I setup months ago. I hope to have some of those pictures posted here soon.