Caitlin's first bath

Caitlin did good with her first bath at home. In attendance - Caitlin, Mommy, Daddy, and MawMaw. She didn't cry much either.





All finished!

Our first day home.

These are some pictures of our first day at home.

Daddy just sitting and holding Caitlin.
All bundled up and snoozing in the pack-n-play.
Bright eyed in her Daddy's arms.

Caitlin Elizabeth Collins arrives

Caitlin Elizabeth Collins arrived on February 19 at 6:45am weighing 6 pounds 6 ounces and was 20 1/4" long. She made a quick entrance. My water broke while sleeping about 1:30am. When I arrived at the hospital around 3:00, I was only 1-2 cm. Imagine my surprise when things progressed so quickly. I did get an epidural, but I should have saved my money. I had gotten beyond the point of it helping by the time I received it. But you never know what will happen. Everyone was surprised how quickly my labor went since it was my first baby. Lee was beside me all of the way...even when I fussed because he was talking too loud - oops! My parents were also there at the hospital when she was born, although they were in the hall. Carmen and the girls arrived a few minutes after she was born. Unfortunately, Lee's parents were sick when we called them to come. His dad was admitted to ICU that same day for the flu, pneumonia, and a urinary tract infection. They were not able to see Caitlin until she was twelve days old. We didn't want to spread any germs. We sent pictures to their email from our cell phones and their grandson printed them out for them. What would we do without technology? Thankfully, Papa has improved and is home now. They are making up for lost time with Caitlin. We stayed in the hospital overnight and came home as our new family.

This is the first picture of our new family. This was about thirty minutes after Caitlin was born.
One of several trips to the NICU during her seven hour stay. The proud papa!
Daddy listening to the nurse before she was sent to the NICU.
Her daddy taking a minute just to look at his new little girl. She is the apple of his eye already.
In her going home outfit that her great grandmother Mama Rhetta bought for her. We thought it might be snug, but it was so big on her!

Baby Showers

This is my baby shower on Feb 16 given by my sister Carmen and my mom's friend Terry Abee from Charlotte. We had a great time visiting with all of my family. Let me say thank you to all who gave me showers - Lee's mom hosted my first shower at South Side Baptist Church in Abbeville; First Baptist Church in Ware Shoals hosted by Jamie Woodard, Shelley Strickland, and Lauren Smith; my coworkers at Self Regional Healthcare; my family shower hosted by Carmen and Terry; Rice Memorial Baptist Church hosted by my friends Lori Shaw and Julie Westmoreland. We were so blessed to have this many showers. I was told that I couldn't go into labor until all of my showers were finished and we had youth Sunday at our church which was Feb 17. I obeyed all orders and didn't go into labor until Tuesday morning Feb 19.


Love the diaper cake Carmen made. They had everything decorated in pink and brown which matched the colors of my nursery. This was two days before I went into labor.
Carmen Wash, me, and Terry Abee
Carmen and me.