Everett - Weeks 1 and 2

Wow! I am a mom now! It has been a whirlwind of adventure since Everett came into this world. Giving birth to him was hands down the most intense experience of my life. Yes, the hours and hours of labor were not always fun, but the moment he was born and I heard him cry, I fell in love. I can't be more excited about my new title, "Mom," and all the joys and responsibilities it entails.

After a few days in Phoenix, the Paulson clan hopped on a plane bound for Minneapolis to make our way to our Wisconsin home for the month of November. Everett was a champ and Bristol was just excited to go along for the ride. Being only 4 days old, Nels and I were shielding Everett from the masses of snotty-nosed travelers. Craig and Patti greeted us at the gate, a treat we hadn't had since before 9-11. We were soon off to Menomonie so that Everett could get acquainted with his Grandma Patti and Grandpa Craig.

The following day after Craig and Patti left, I suddenly came down with H1N1 symptoms. I couldn't believe I had swine flu!! But, luckily I know a few good doctors and Adrienne Kurland called in Tamiflu for me. I had my first dose within 90 minutes of my fever. I love you, Adrienne! I felt a lot better by the next day but wore a mask for the next three days so that I wouldn't get Everett or Nels sick. I was so sad that I couldn't kiss my brand new baby!

The drama continues. A few days later, poor Bristol got sick. We thought his autoimmune hemolytic anemia was back because his gums were all white, but after a trip to the emergency vet in St Paul, it turned out to only be an allergic reaction of some sort. Thank goodness! This was my breaking point. In the past seven days, I had given birth after a not-so-simple labor, traveled across the country, picked up swine flu and then my dog got sick!!! Really? When Bristol got sick, I just sat on the floor with him and cried. It felt good to cry.

Luckily, this would all turn around. Everyone has stayed healthy. Everett's bilirubin came down, Bristol perked up after a shot of steroids and some benadryl, I recovered quickly and Nels managed to get some sleep and start functioning a little better. I have really enjoyed all of the little moments with my family the past few weeks. It has been those little moments that have filled me with delight and seem to give purpose to my life. Dinner with Nels, giving Everett a bath, walking Bristol, and at the end of the day, all four of us snuggling in bed together. It is good being a mom!