Playing Catch UP!!

More Birth Pic's of our sweet, new, little Sophie!

 This being our fourth, the nurses and my midwife were so hands-off, it was actually kind of strange.  They listened to everything I said!  I go into each birth experience having in mind the last, thinking it will be a similar experience, or at least I hope to be able to draw from it.  With each one, I have had more and more control due to the fact, I believe, that I am realizing I had it all along.  I just know what to expect now and what works best for me.  So, after Sophie was born, and everything was calm and I was all put back together, they handed her right over to me with just the blanket, and we called grandma to bring the kids up soon, as it was their bedtime...being about 8:30 or so.  I couldn't wait to share her with them!  I had about 30minutes to myself with her, put her to breast right away and just held her.  No poking, prodding.  No testing, no diapering.  No sucking out stuff or probing her sweet, new little soft body yet.  We just loved each other and it was sweet.  So sweet.  My in-laws arrived and got to share in the quiet first moments with her before the kids and my mom all arrive about 40 minutes after the birth.

Then, the goo.  

I know it's necessary, but I just feel bad for the babies who are trying to use their eyes for the first time and have to try past this icky, clear crap.  

I read something that clarified the distance a newborn can see.  

It isn't any coincidence they are able to see the distance to their mother's face as they are in her arms nursing or being held.  Amazing.

...and...the kids arrive.  Mia had some nice bonding time the next day as the boys had to go to school.  She came up with Grandma and spent the day with us.  It was very special for her, as her long-awaited sister had arrived!

Time with Grandpa Carlos and Grandma Darlene!  This makes 15 grandchildren for them!  Multiply and replenish the earth we shall!

Enjoying the solitude of the hospital's care...before I have to go home.

Eli's turn!  Man, does he ever love his sisters'!

Now, Lucas.  This is the first baby that is not a threat to him.  I could NOT wait to see how he reacted!  All is well!  He is loving her just as the others do.  Good big brother!  He likes his short, quiet moments with her, every now and then.

Mia has had her picture in the mall now TWICE!!  Morley Portraiture has loved having her as a model for her advertising.  We have too!  Here is her latest display!

Montessori does an art display in the Library each spring.  Here is Mia with her's behind her!  The theme was from The Peace Book by Todd Parr...We LOVE Todd Parr!!!!  Anyways, the kids were to paint a picture of what Peace is to them.  For Mia, Peace is Making New Friends.  Sweet girl.  Just love her.