day 3 - time to go home!

The anticipated check out time of 11:00 AM came and went. I was pretty antsy and ready to leave. Sierra's blood sugars weren't quite where they needed to be consistently so there was even talk of keeping her another night! I cheered her on as much as I could, nursed her often, and just prayed we could go home today as a family.

Finally we did in the afternoon! Time to start real life... I'm glad it went better than the preparation for a new baby did. Kelley brought down the car seat from the attic. It was not fresh, unfortunately. The straps were in the wrong spot because Sydney had used it last. We are grateful for my sweet sister-in-law who washed the newborn clothes for us. People probably thought we were first-time parents as I struggled with moving the straps as the car was running. Poor 3rd child!

Ready to take my baby girl home!

Getting a little rest in the big bed as we wait to find out if we can go home today.

Just waiting...

She may have been a bit larger at birth but that newborn outfit is still big on her.

All bundled up and ready to go!

Little head, big hat.

Whew - the parents got the car seat in OK. Time to snooze because that was hard work!

Elated that we are ready to leave the hospital. Nobody was around to take a photo of all three of us. Again, poor 3rd child! Haha!

"Daddy, I missed you!!"

"This is my baby!" The first thing Seoul said as she walked in the door was, "Where is my baby? I missed her!" No love for the mommy or daddy.

Getting started early sleeping on daddy's chest.

First sleep in the cradle from Grandma Salway.

day 2 - resting at the hospital

Since Sierra had low blood sugar at birth they had to monitor her every two hours. Poor baby was so tired of being poked! So instead of going home today like I thought we might, we got to "rest" all day long. Fortunately there were visitors to keep us company. I think this day we actually snuck in a short nap as well!

It truly is amazing how much more love you have to give to a new baby. I'm a lucky mama!

Uncle David telling her how it is :)

These girls already can't get enough of their new baby sister while daddy looks on proudly!

Sisterly love.

Seoul loves her daddy!

Sydney and Aunt Kendy are buddies!

Silly Aunt Kendy! They brought some toys up for the big girls - so nice!

Dubbee loving on her newest grandbaby!

Daddy getting in on the fun!

Loves from Aunt Klorissa!

Keeping the little ones entertained.

Snuggles from Aunt Kendy!

That's my baby. So strange I had her in my womb just a day before. Proud mama!

So many personalities... good times ahead!

Cason loving on his new cousin!

Grandpa getting his time with his new granddaughter!

Love from Aunt Ashley!

From the beginning she was holding up her head. Strong baby girl!

Proud daddy!

Can't beat a daddy's love for his baby girl.

I think the girls are a little bit tired with their zoned-out look... lots of change!

Cousin Ella looks happy to have a new baby in the family :)

As he might say, he looks "pleased as punch!"

Entertainment these days...
And this is as close to the baby as cousin Trevin got...

Proud parents of our newest little addition to the family!

Wow - look at all that hair!! Snuggling my sweet baby girl :)

I'm not a huge fan of these binkies they provide. Sierra nursed OK even though it wasn't often because of the glucose stuff they were giving her through IV.

Seoul really was in awe of all the little baby parts and how tiny they were.

Sydney must have decided I was in dire need of fixing up so she did my hair.

Family love. Need I say more?

Day 1 - after the big event

Sierra entered our lives with a bang and we loved her immediately! The two comments we received over and over (and still do) are: "She was a big baby!" and "Wow - look at that hair!"

It is so fun introducing the baby to all the family she will come to love. Lots of snuggling, recounting details, and enjoying each others' company.

Aunt Dana

What a perfect little face... with those oh-so-kissable chubby cheeks!

Dr Kelly - great lady!

This babe slept way more than the other two at the beginning of life outside the womb, I believe.

This is the beginning of Seoul holding Sierra non-stop...

Sydney trying to make an escape while she can... 

Sweet love from Grandma and Big Sis.

Cuddles - she loves her baby sister.... still grasping that "I'm a big Sister!" sticker.

Cousin Amanda getting her loves on.

Aunt Mindee lovin' on that new little niece!

Sydney's "I'm mad!" face... no more the baby of the family - haha!

Here it is in full glory: tired looking mommy, daddy wrangling the crazy young one while she shows us the silliness she is going to teach the new baby, and Seoul is thinking, "What have we gotten ourselves into?!" Through it all Sierra sleeps peacefully.