Birth Day - Aug. 20, 2008 (Part 2)

Stats I forgot:

8 lbs. 9 oz. (our biggest baby!)
20 1/2 inches long



Meeting the anxious tribe...
Getting dressed to go home!
sisters...
Ready to head for home...let the adventure begin!

Birth Day - Aug. 20, 2008 (Part 1)

A very special day...Claire Anne French entered our lives! She's a joy to everyone and we are so thankful to finally meet her!

5:45 am...getting ready to head to the hospital
Waiting...
In labor with my wonderful long-time friend and coach, Sheila Taylor, by my side! Robb's position until he was really needed!

She's here! Born at 1:29 pm!

Overheard at our house...

Lauren: "Mom, Preston is turning into a textured baby instead of a smooth baby!" (He has some sort of little rash, maybe a heat rash)

Tucker, our three year old, after his dad had talked sternly to his biggest brother about not antagonizing him: "Mommmmm, Drew is 'pushing my buttons'!!"

Ready and waiting...

Life, however crazy and insane as it is now, will soon change!

We are so excited to meet our new little one, and our days have been busy starting school to get ahead a little, putting up the crib and cradle, washing little girl clothes, putting food in the freezer, rearranging the suburban to make room for another car seat, buying groceries, and packing a diaper bag. Though the days (and nights) are somewhat long and uncomfortable, I have been reminded today of what a privilege it is to carry this little one. I realize, once again, that every kick I feel is a miracle and every hiccup a blessing, as I read about a couple who just lost their unborn child. (Mark and Beka at www.more-love-to-thee.blogspot.com/. ) I do not know this young couple, but I can feel their pain as they speak of their journey. I can also feel their submission to our Father as they, who do not understand His ways, bless His name through their sorrow.

As Robb and I were on our date last Friday night, he asked me if our children were totally committed to God. We frequently talk of this, as we know that they are not ours, but just gifts that we have with us for a time. Robb and I also talked of how life would be unbearable if something should happen to one of them, and we had not tried to keep that in mind. We love them, all six(!), but strive to remember that they are God's children, not ours. We don't know what a day will bring, and today, instead of grumbling about my uncomfortable state, I will thank Him for this time.

Update from the OB Doc: She's a big girl and weighs 7 lbs. 10 oz. as of Monday. She is measuring about 2 weeks ahead. The Dr. will induce me on Aug. 20th if I have not had her yet, so even though that is still two weeks away, there is an end in sight! We ( a good friend and I) got to see her in her quiet little world...it was fun to watch her little hands by her face! Robb is sitting on "go" and is ready for it all to be over (or for it all to start!). He has been such a help with the other children, and just a big encouragement (as always). These are good days!