Baby Boom!

We’ve had a little baby boom over the last 2 months here at Graco.  There were lots of big bellies and now there are lots of beautiful babies! I asked some of the new moms if they’d be willing to share a little bit about their latest experience (most of them are 2nd time moms and in Kristie’s case, a 4th time mom!) Here is what they had to say…

Laura Braunecker- Director of Consumer Research and Insights
“Belo” (baby boy)
6/16/09
9lb. 11oz.
21.5 inches
I always wondered how I would feel when (and if) I had a second child. Well, it was just as wonderful as the first time but without many of the, dare I say, negatives..The labor was shorter, 5 hours compared to 30. This time the epidural worked. I actually knew what to do when we took this baby home. And, I remembered to remind my husband to get at least one picture of me holding the baby. More specifically one where I was recognizable. There is nothing like the experience you have with your first. But as I have recently experienced, with your second, the ride seems much smoother with more time to really absorb each moment. My husband even had his wits enough to capture the very elusive picture of mother and child that shows as my good friend describes “the moment you fall in love with each other.” I couldn’t have wished for a better delivery or a more amazing son.

Kristie Weik -  Sr. Graphic Designer
“Little Beaner” (baby girl)
J7/1/09
8 lbs. 11 oz.
20.5 inches
For the birth of our fourth and decidedly last child, I wanted to have a nurse midwife for the delivery. She was a wonderful coach (next to DH, of course) and it has left a lasting impression on me. I highly recommend it to anyone who has had prior uncomplicated deliveries and would like to experience total control over their next child’s birth.

Laura Derrico – Marketing Manager
“Fred” (Nickname appointed by proud big brother)
7/16/09
6 lbs. 11 oz.
19 3/4 inches
What I have learned about becoming a mom of two: It is possible for your heart to grow larger than you could have ever imagined. I am basking in “new mommy-ness” and feeling extremely blessed!

Melissa Parlaman – Commercialization Manager
“Ladybug”
7/17/09
6 lbs. 12 oz.
19 inches
Everything about this pregnancy and birth was so different than my first, which totally makes sense since I can already see the differences in personalities in my daughters. I love how excited PP gets when she sees her sister (it is even funnier to see PP cover her ears when Ladybug cries). Have to love our house of lil’ ladies!

And with the move into the new building in Atlanta, I’ve heard several people in the hallways quip “Don’t drink the water!” because there definitely seems to be something in the water at Graco