It’s unclear where yesterday ended and today began, but sunrise seems like a good place to pick up. Much to Mom’s frustration, I had no interest in breakfast; who knew I would get so little dietary variety out here!I had my my first doctor’s appointment with Dr. Papacek from Town & Country Pediatrics. I kind of expected a more rigorous examination, but after confirming that my “hips work” and shining a bright light in my eyes, I was deemed “perfectly healthy.” When I learn what a mirror is, I might discover a very small birthmark on my back.
Then the nurse came in and wheeled me away from Mom & Dad so I could get my mandatory hearing test and phenylketonuria (PKU) screening (thanks, Illinois Legislature!). I passed the hearing test just beautifully; I’ll get the results of my PKU screening on Saturday.
I got back to Mom and we had a great feeding session. After going 7 hours and 15 minutes since my last feeding, I was starving! While I was distracted eating my brunch, Mom filed my fingernails for the first time. After I ate, Mom pumped me a delicious drop of dessert, which the nurse fed to me through a syringe. Dad changed my diaper and took off for a photo shoot (Hey, I thought I was supposed to be the center of attention!).
Grandma & Grandpa Droste and Aunt Sarah came to visit me. After hanging out with me a bit, Grandma & Grandpa went to get some lunch, so I got to spend some quality time with Aunt Sarah. She helped Mom get all set up for my lunch feeding and even changed my diaper. (Now that’s unconditional love.)
After lunch, Grandma & Grandpa Droste came back. Grandpa decided to empathize with me by taking an after-lunch nap in my room. Then a funny-looking lady with a big camera came into my room wanted money in exchange for taking my picture. I’d had over 500 pictures taken of me in my first 30 hours — all for free. So Mom sent her packing!
Then an official-looking lady came and asked Mom if she wanted register for a birth certificate and apply for a social security number. Apparently these are way better than an official picture, because Mom went along with it this time (interestingly, Dad wasn’t needed to sign, even though he had to be listed as the father). So, I became official: Margaret Droste Yagan. I also have an Arabic name — Laila. As if Margaret & Laila weren’t enough, Mom and Dad (mostly Dad) have already come up so many nicknames for me: Maggie, Mags, Magster, & Magalicoius. Then, out of nowhere, Mom throws out “Corndog.” We’ll see if Uncle Marty can beat that.
Finally Dad got back at 4:00 pm, having just missed a whole 15% of my life! I would have been pretty upset, except that he brought with him “Cool” Uncle Chris Coyne! I was on my best behavior and he did a great job holding me; he didn’t even come close to dropping me once! (Aunt Jennie, I think he’s totally ready to be a dad!)
Soon after Chris took off Grandma and Grandpa Droste left, too. I won’t see Grandpa again for a week, but Grandma will be around tomorrow, which is cool. I was so full from my 3:00 feeding that I wasn’t hungry for dinner before Grandpa and Grandma Yagan came for their daily visit. Grandma and Grandpa each brought a balloon representing all of the good wishes from each side of their family back in Syria. The balloons matched perfectly the flowers Grandma & Grandpa sent me earlier in the day. Then I was the star of my own photo shoot Grandpa and Grandma to send to our relatives.
At around 7:00 pm, Uncle Shadi came to see me. He also brought really pretty flowers (finally I own something that’s not pink!). Shadi’s one of only two people in Dad’s extended family living in the US, which made his visit extra special. Dad tried to show off to everyone by identifying a dirty diaper and changing me, but alas, when he took off my diaper – ha! – it was perfectly clean. He changed me anyway (Dad – that doesn’t count!) just to save face. Then Dad, Shadi, Grandma, & Grandpa all went out for dinner (suggesting there’s a world beyond this building??).
I had dinner of my own and then hung out with Mom until Dad got back. Dad got me cleaned up and danced with me until I fell asleep. I slept a bit, woke up for a bit, slept again, and then had supper with Mom (though I kept dozing off). The nurse came in and wheeled me to sleep with the other babies so Mom & Dad could get some rest.
I decided to let Mom & Dad get a little sleep tonight. I ate at 11:15 pm, 2:45 am, 5:00 am (just for a snack), and then 6:35 am. And so ends Day #2.
margaretyagan 
Hi Margaret! I’ve seen hundreds of adorable pictures of you already, and you’re only 2.5 days old! I’m so glad to hear you’re healthy and that your parents are doing well! (How are you feeling, Jess?)
CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes to all!!!
What a beautiful little girl! And Margaret and Laila are both SOOO nice.
What a joy you have vrought to all of us who have waited patiently to finally meet you.
Your parents are the best and with your aunts, uncles, grandmas and grandpas – you couldn’t be loved more.
We are all so happy you are here safely and so beautiful.
Blessings to you and all of your family.
The Riney clan in southern Illinois
My heart is just melting for you guys. I can’t WAIT to meet her!!! Congrats!