Happy Birth Day

Everything went beautifully.

Beautifully, happily, wonderfully normal and uneventful.
What a blessing.
My final delivery room performance.
I couldn't believe I was doing all this again.
And now I can't believe it's all over!

I checked in to Labor & Delivery at about 8 in the morning to be induced, wearing my 'Knocked Up' shirt for the last time.
Then waited awhile for IV fluids to go in & epidural to be put in, then pitocin to be dripped in......
Meanwhile, my cheering section, Brian & Marlee, made themselves comfortable on the couch in my room, doing a little light reading & online shopping & ..........

doodling.


Mars wanted to be there when her baby sister was born, and we felt she was old enough to not be traumatized by it & would be a such a great experience for her. She also agreed to be the birth photographer & I think she did a fabulous job.

It makes me SO happy to have all these pictures of this amazing day.........

I don't think there's ever a moment in life that tops this one right here.
Holding your baby for the first time.

My beautiful baby girl.

So precious. So perfect. So looks just like her brothers & sister did!

I was instantly, absolutely in love with that fat little face.

Little Caroline Lily was born just before 4 PM, on May 14th.

We decided on her middle name just days before she was born. We weren't even going to give her a middle name, but Marlee persuaded us to, and we decided on Lily, which was Brian's grandmother's name.

She weighed 7 pounds and 12 ounces. My smallest baby.

And she measured only 19 inches long, so they were calling her short & fat in the delivery room.

The fat's all in those cheeks! They're so kissable and yummy!

The next day Brian brought the other kids to meet their new little sister.

(Except Zane who was playing with cousins)

Welcome, little Caroline, to our family.

We're so excited you're finally here.