North to Alaska

The Whitakers have had a big year already.  In January, we found out that Justin was selected to move to Eielson AFB, AK to be the Public Health Flight Commander.  This change will be great for his career and hopefully set him up to get a PhD as his next assignment.  We have already talked to several people out there and they have wonderful things to say.  Eielson is a very tight-knit community.  There are many activities on base and everyone tries to take care of each other.  The weather will be extreme, but everyone says the beautiful sights are worth it. 

Justin joked my entire pregnancy that there would be a blizzard when Claire arrived. Well, he didn't get a blizzard, but it did snow the night before so he got to shovel the driveway at 4am!

Of course, the highlight of our year so far is the addition of Miss Claire Elizabeth!  She joined us February 13th at 8:49am weighing 9 pounds 6 ounces and 22 inches long.  A big girl compared to her sister!  Our midwife took one look at her head and was very glad we scheduled a c-section.  She said there was no way she would have fit! 

Claire's birth was much easier than Reagan.  We scheduled a c-section at the end because she was measuring very big (although they were way off, just like with Reagan!) and my blood pressure started creaping up.  Our midwife scheduled the surgery for a day she was on call in the hospital.  She stayed with me while I got my spinal.  It really helped me to relax since I had a familiar face there.  She also stayed for most of the delivery.  She made sure I was able to hold Claire skin to skin on the operating table while the doctors finished the surgery.  It was so precious to get to hold my baby girl right away!  We still had our wonderful doula, Jennifer come.  It was nice to have someone by my side and Claire's the whole time in the delivery room. 

Claire was very calm from the beginning.  She nursed well right away.  I'm not sure if she knew what she was doing, or mama was better prepared, but it was much easier this time.  She didn't mind her bath or her vitamin K shot, we didn't hear a peep from her. 

Reagan is a natural big sister.  She loves to hug and kiss her baby.  She makes sure that everyone she meets knows there is a baby and that it is her baby!  She also loves to help mommy with the baby.