Pillow Fight

Seriously, I had no idea how many pillows and pillow configurations it would take to figure out how to nurse a baby comfortably. Silly me thought all I needed was a Boppy. Here's a look at the land of pillows...

What's In A Name?

Ah, my first blog since Zoe's arrival! That must be a sign that things are calming down, right? Jody's taken over blogging duties and I've been quite impressed. He is the master of posting new photos, isn't he?

So, I just wanted to write a quick blog to share how we came up with Zoe's name. Jody and I decided before her arrival that if we had a girl we'd name the baby after my side of the family and if it was a boy we'd name after his. So, since it's after my side, here's the scoop on how we came up with Zoe Emma...

In Jewish tradition, you typically do not name after people who are still living. So Zoe is named after both of my grandmas. In our case, we decided to name Zoe after my grandmas based on their Hebrew names. My Grandma Ida's Hebrew name was Chaya, which means life, and the name Zoe means life as well. Then my Grandma Ar's Hebrew name was Etel, so we chose Emma as her middle name using the first letter from Etel. When Zoe receives her Hebrew name, she will be Chaya Etel. Both of my grandmas were amazing women and I am so proud that Zoe will be carrying on their names.

Making her birthday even more special is the fact that she was born Feb. 15th, which was exactly 30 days after my Grandma Ar passed away. In Judiasm, 30 days marks the end of mourning and the beginning of new life, so Zoe's birth was truly the most perfect way to move from mourning to celebration of life. Little Z knew what she was doing holding out for Feb. 15th.

As for her last name, I was certainly hoping to sneak Schirel onto the birth certificate. Didn't happen. Someday we will be The Schirels. Someday.

Super Grandma and More Pictures

Super Grandma Grandpa and Zoe

Proud Papa

Baby Burrito

Family Portrait

Today is Zoe's original due date. I am happy to report that Diana and Zoe are doing well. D is learning the rigours of breast feeding and Zoe has learned that she will only sleep if swaddled.

We would not have made it here without the help of Diana's mom: "Super Grandma" Barbara. When we arrived home our two person home was transformed into a baby ready condo. She set up a temporary crib (pack'n'play), changing station (kitchen table), and organized Zoe's closet. Then she ran around town picked up all the baby items we needed, cooked, cleaned, did laundry and did pretty much everything sleep-deprived us couldn't do.

We have not posted in a while, so here are some more pictures:

http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=264642325/a=7624975_7624975/t_=7624975

Zoe's First Days

We are home from the hospital and Diana and Zoe are doing great. I am so lucky to have the most incredible wife in the world.

Zoe's loves to feed, but does not like to be independent and sleep outside of someones arms. Now we know why everyone said to enjoy sleep while you can.

Thank you so much for all the wishes. We are so incredibly lucky to have the support of the best family and friends in the world. We have not wanted for anything. You have made this incredible experience manageable for us.

I know everyone is eagerly awaiting some pictures, sorry for the delay:

http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=345181234971922156/l=468278070/g=16710076/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

Welcome to the world Zoe Emma Schwartz

Zoe Emma Schwartz was born on 2/15/09, at 12:07 PM, 7lbs 0 oz, and 19 inches long.

Diana and Zoe are doing great. Zoe is the cutest baby ever, but we are probably bias.

P.S. We have dedided to spell Zoe without the 'y'.

We will post more pictures soon.

Happy Birthday, Edin!

Happy Birthday yesterday to my favorite niece! I'm sorry I did't get a chance to post yesterday on her proper birthday. I really cannot believe E is already 3 years old. It's been so much fun lately talking to her on the phone and actually understanding what she's saying. She is just getting to be such a big girl. So much fun.

With the gazillion toys these two kiddos have, they really seem to be enjoying this box the most!

Shower Power

I vowed not to post any more pics of myself up here until post-baby, but I liked this sister shot.
This is a gorgeous blanket Jody's mom knit for the baby. Making it even more special was that it was her very knitting project.


The milk and cookie bar. So cute, so yummy! Cookies courtesy of Heather.

Still no baby. This is how I have to answer all emails and phone calls these days. This little one is taking his/her time, that's for sure. I really thought yesterday was the day. I was feeling bad, having contractions all day and well into the night and then, boom, they stopped and I slept like a baby. I never thought I'd be bummed to get a good night's sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. But seriously, I'm just so ready to meet this baby--and so ready to be done being pregnant!

I've realized that the last few weeks of pregnancy are definitely not my favorite part of this whole 9-month process. But, having the baby shower a couple weeks ago definitely helped make things much more fun in the final weeks.

A couple weeks ago my sister, Beth and Courtney held such a nice, fun shower for the baby. It was so fun having Lisa in town for the weekend, and I had her all to myself since she left her hubby and kids in DC. We have not really had sister bonding time like that in so long and it was really fun. My mom also came into town and even stayed an extra day, so I was totally spoiled with Mirel girl time!

The shower was at Beth's house and the three of them really outdid themselves. With Jefferson Hill Tea Room-inspired foods (where me, Beth and my sister all worked in high school school), a milk and cookie bar, adorable decorations and great friends and family, it was such a nice day.

I had been unsure about having a shower, but I'm so glad we did. It was awesome having so many of my favorite people all together to celebrate the baby. Jody and I know how lucky our baby is to be coming into a world with so many people who already love him/her so much. Thanks to everyone for such a fun day. It really did make the end of this pregnancy road very special. And and a huge thanks to Lisa, Beth and Courtney--the hostesses with the mostestess!