Fresh From Heaven

First Day ~ William Davis Dalton joined the family on Saturday, June 22, 2013, a new little bundle of joy to cuddle and coddle and love! 

6 pounds 9 ounces, 19 inches

 

 

I arrived at the hospital just as Brad was escorting Will into the nursery from delivery. They both looked like champs! It was immediately obvious that this baby looks just like his dad, but he definitely has the same long bird legs Tanja did when she was born. While I watched them bathe and check this new little one, a patient on a hospital bed was wheeled behind me with her entourage of doctors and nurses. I didn't even realize it was Tanja until she said, "Hi, mama!" (not sure I've ever seen Tanja in a shower cap). They were taking her into recovery, and let me go in once she was settled. So different from when I had my babies and Keven wasn't even allowed in. Hurray for progressive thinking!

 

Tanja was amazing! She quickly got through the weird shaking that is part of coming out of the anesthesia, and it seemed like they were escorting us to her regular room in no time.*

 

Look at those beautiful cheeks, perfectly ripe for smooching!

And that absolutely perfect skin.

 

 I think he's happy to be here!

 

This itty-bitty little man just turned the world upside down!

 

 

First Looks ~ William and his parents are so loved. Lots and lots of people came to meet him and congratulate the new mom & dad.

 

 

Kelly & Brei booked it up to the hospital that evening. They brought a beautiful pot of petunias and lots of love for their newest nephew.

  Tia Paula brought smoothies for the new parents and lots of love for the new baby.

Logan hurried up from Provo on Sunday evening to meet the child who made him a first-time Oncle. He brought a giant stuffed penguin wearing a bib giving him favorite uncle status. And of course, buckets of love for William.

 

Paula came back on Monday with Keri for more baby love.

 

Going Home ~ Tanja was a dream patient, and they let her out on good behavior Tuesday. She was ready! The nurses on her floor had dubbed her "The Rock Star" because of how well she was progressing from a C-section.

 

 William wasn't sure about putting on Big Boy clothes, but he sure looked cute in his little rhino outfit!

 

Do you know why seeing Tanja wear this skirt makes me smile?**

Home, Sweet Home

 

 

Meeting the Cousins

 

 The day before Williams's scheduled arrival 7 of his cousins joined in letting him know they could hardly wait to see him!
(Please note Aubree's pose!)

 On Tuesday Brei brought Jake, Elena and Kyle to meet him, but she made sure she was the first to hold him by jumping out of the car and locking the doors so she could get into the house first.

 Jake & William

 

Elena & William

 



Kyle & William

 



Soren & Rachele brought Mitchell, Curtis & Aubree to meet William on Thursday.

They also brought cinnamon rolls (yum) and of course, lots of love for the baby!

 Uncle Soren & William

 

 Aunt Rachele & William

 

 Mitchell & William

 

 Curtis & William

 

Aubree & William

 

I love the awe and tenderness and joy that each one of my grandkids had as they saw and held their newest cousin for the first time.

FYI, before I left William told me that he can't wait to meet the rest of his cousins and aunts & uncles. This is the face he pulled when I told him he only had to wait a few more weeks: 

 

 And then he pulled this one:

 

 And this one:

 

But he decided he could wait just a little bit longer to meet everyone. He'll stay busy eating. And sleeping. And eating. And sleeping. It's a pretty nice cycle, after all.

 

 

Meeting Gus ~ the other member of the family

Let's just say that Gus has displacement issues. For the first several days he totally ignored Tanja & Brad, and wouldn't even smell or show any interest in William. But he would come to me and let me brush him and hold him. He posed nicely for the following pictures though, and by the time I left had played a mediocre game of hide & seek with Brad. He's starting to warm up a bit more. It's only a matter of time before he's the protective watch cat, I'm sure.

 

First Outing ~ Can you tell where? 

We won't talk about the second outing to the pediatrician where an inexperienced phlebotomist caused unnecessary trauma and drama to poor William and his momma :( 


Growing like a weed and changing every single day, that's what newborns do. It's a miracle every time I see it!

I did my fair share of hogging the baby. Sometimes I had to remind the new parents that it was OK to let me know when they wanted a turn!

Meeting the Greats ~ they don't come any better!

Great Aunt Janis & William

 

Great Aunt Sandy & William

 

 

Great-great Uncle Duane & William

Adjusting ~ Can you say, "Sleep deprivation"?

 

I think this little guy is adjusting just fine!

Tanja & Brad are already great parents. I'm so grateful they would allow me to come and be a part of this very special time. I was impressed by all they had done to be prepared to bring this new little spirit into their home, and by the many, many people who care about them and are there to help and support them. The adventure is just beginning, and it will be wonderful to watch this tiny little boy grow and develop his talents and abilities. Grand parenting just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter!

 

 

* This hospital is amazing! I was more impressed than I have ever been by the competency, professionalism, and friendliness of everyone. The grounds were very much like a resort. And the chocolate cake from the cafeteria was divine! 

  
** See post from April about Brei's piano recital :)