Marie Aurelia

She's here!

{And in fact, she's been here for almost two weeks!  But between a busy two year old and a baby who insists on being held all the time, is it any surprise I've barely been able to open my laptop?}

Our second daughter, Marie Aurelia, arrived on Friday, May 9th, at 11:29 pm -- twelve days after her estimated due date.  She weighed 7 lbs, 13 oz., and measured 20.5 inches long.

Like her big sister Nell, she arrived with a full head of dark hair, and a healthy set of lungs.

Her Mom cried.

Her Dad cut her umbilical cord.

There was much rejoicing.

We were so grateful for the wonderful attending midwives we had, for our immensely helpful and supportive doula, and for the incredible nurses that work in labor and delivery.

Approximately 24 hours after her birth, we finally named her: Marie, after my maternal grandmother.  Her middle name, Aurelia, means "golden one" and is also the tune name for the hymn 'The Church's One Foundation.'

We spent the next day, Saturday, at the hospital, and Nell got to come meet her "Baby Ree."  {Which comes out more like "Baby Wee," and is oh-so-sweet.}

I thought my heart might explode, seeing Nell hold Ree and give her dozens of gentle kisses.

We went home on Sunday afternoon as a family of four.  I was a very tired, but very happy mama.

It's so wonderful having this baby girl here in our arms.  I keep thinking how grateful I am that I get to do this all again, this having a newborn baby.

There's nothing sweeter in all the world.