We're all quite smitten

With Darcy Beth!!

Jeff and I went in early Friday morning for an induction.  I had been dilated to a 4 for over two weeks and was over 80% effaced so the doctor knew that once contractions got serious she would come quickly.  Since I am GBS positive we decided it was better to already be at the hospital when I went into real labor.  Here I am right before things got crazy...

 The pitocin got started and at first didn't progress too much.  Then in a matter of minutes I went from 4 cm to 8.  It happened so quickly that as soon as the epidural was administered I felt something come out, and after a little drama there she was!  She came so fast that the doctor didn't quite make it into the room and the nurse had to deliver her in one big push.  We are so grateful she made it safely.  She is beautiful and perfect in every way, and already such a blessing in our home!

Derek meeting Darcy: "Oh Mommy she is so so cute.  She is just so cute.  I love her."

Some friends gave us the children's book, Not a Box with a baby gift and Derek fell in love with it right away.  He has been so excited to share it with the baby that he brought it along to the hospital so he could read it to her.  So sweet!!

Aiden has been pretty unsure about all of this baby business, but was happy to hold her after all.

And maybe a little unhappy about having to give her up??

Aubrey got teared up when she saw her.  She told me she knew she would love her, but she wasn't sure how it would really feel to finally have a sister.  She was so happy and grateful that she almost started to cry.

Words simply can't express how grateful I am for each of my children and for the opportunity to mother another little spirit.  Each child has brought different blessings and has added something particular, and needed, to our family and my life.  I am so grateful for each of their personalities and for the trust my Heavenly Father has given me in being their mother.

I am also so grateful for their dad!  He is such an amazing, supportive, and loving companion and does so much for each one of us and our family as a whole.  He did a great job holding down the fort while I was at the hospital and even made Father's Day breakfast and lunch for everyone (when it was his day to be treated). Darcy and I came home from the hospital that afternoon so we did get to celebrate Father's Day as a family.  So grateful to celebrate the Dad of our family.  We love him so much!!