Great Grampa and Great Grama Pobst with their 3 greats: Miles, Mitch and Shannon.
The beginning of the walk has a big wreath and tunnel of lights. We walked through this section about 10 times, per the "request" of our son.
She is her own little person, the Queen of Grunts, a flesh dumpling, and a favorite little squirming bundle around here. Mitch loves to hold her, give her kisses, and provide attention when it's needed. When he hears her crying, he runs to her saying, "Shannon, you need me?" This girl does not like to sleep without being held, but will sometimes be tricked into doing so if she's on her stomach. She is getting more alert all the time and stares out at the world with her big blue eyes. Her hair continues to be an unknown as it's very light in color. We're eager to see what the next month will bring!
Sharing the ipod . . .
Explaining the use of a calculator . . .
A pause to hold her . . .
Introducing her to Poly . . .
Helping with a change . . .
and keeping the swing arockin'!
Now, having a renovation done whilst expecting a child (and raising one) is far from ideal. Strange men roaming the hall, visiting the toilet in the garage in the middle of the night, bathing your child in a rubbermaid tub in the garage shower . . . none of these are highlights of the final weeks of pregnancy. Then, when bringing home your new baby, parents don't often dream of chemical seals and toxins awaiting them. However, when all is said and done, we are happily enjoying our new loo. Presenting the new and improved version:
Tonight is Mitchell's inaugural bath. I'm sure it will be very meaningful for him . . .
Shannon went to the doctor this morning for her first appointment. She is healthy and doing just perfectly, which we knew. She did manage to lose some of her birth weight, dropping a whole ounce down to 8lbs, 11oz. However, we'll have her up over the 9lb mark by her 2-week visit! 
She was born Thursday, November 3rd at 10am and weighed in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces. She was 21 3/4 inches long and is a healthy, beautiful little lady.
Mitch is fascinated with his Baby Sister Shannon, and likes to hold her, watch her eat, and has shared some of his treasures with her. He is also quite content to run around happily in his own world still.
Grama and Grampa Allstot arrived as quickly as possible, but Shannon would not wait. She came after just 6 1/2 hours of labor - a far cry from Mitchell's 38! We were at the hospital for just 63 minutes before she came into the world. It was so fast that Mom didn't get the drugs she craved. Turns out for the best, though, as recovery has been much smoother. 
The Johnson grandparents were there by evening, bringing toys and telephones for Mitchell's amusement. Looks like a pretty UW-centric family represented in this photo!
Aunt Rachel came with her folks and was pleased to meet her new neice. I think she's hoping for another redhead in the family . . .
Uncle Russ drove as fast as he could, but also didn't quite make it for the arrival. However, he got to be there right after to meet his newest neice and wrap her up with his affection.
Mitchell is being a very helpful big brother. He insisted on bringing Shannon home and helping carry her inside with his Papa Allstot.
We're home and adjusting to life as a family of four.
He was full of good advice.
Today he wore his lion costume for 12 hours plus, refusing to take it off to nap, eat, or much of anything else. He roared all day long at daycare and loved answering the door for trick-or-treaters. If he had his way, the candy would all be in his "pummy" but Mom and Dad won that battle (for now).
Since we have passed Halloween now, it's officially okay for the baby to arrive. What a relief! I was hoping to wait until the bathroom renovation was done, too, but that's not going to happen. So, bring on labor! My lesson plans are done, my body is done, who needs sleep? Let's get this little muchacha out and start adjusting!
