Please give a warm welcome to...

Gracee Lyn Staten



Born April 26th and weighing in at 5 lbs, 15 oz and measuring 18.5 inches long. She's gorgeous, she's sweet, she's tiny, and we could not be happier to have her join our little family. Love to hear the birthing story? If so, read on! If not so, at least scroll down to look at the rest of the pics, because this 1st one doesn't really do her justice. But then, none of the others do either. You just have to see something this adorable in person to fully appreciate it! But then, I may be a little biased.

The day of Monday, April 26th dawned and we were on our way to the hospital for my scheduled induction. So, I'm a bit of a wimp and asked to be induced. I was miserable (for personal reasons you'll all thank me for not sharing) and I caved. I was stripped of my clothing... and my dignity (as all of you who have given birth before will understand), hooked up to an IV and the waiting began! The first couple hours were the usual misery, until the epidural. Oh sweet epidural... How I love thee! Then we waited another hour... and another... and another, and so on. At 4:00 pm I almost cried when they said I was only dilated 4 cm. I was starving, on the verge of a migraine, having my usual panic attacks at being so numb that I couldn't wiggle my toes (even the sweet epidural has drawbacks) and since the baby's heart rate kept dropping dramatically at every contraction, I was also stuck with a lame oxygen mask on my face... which sucked (or technically, blew... whatever). Thankfully, luck was on my side at 5:00 when they checked me again at I was ready to push! Hallelujah! Let the pushing begin!! Two little pushes later and my little baby doll was born.



The rest is history. Recovery the first night was hard (and may or may not have included me puking a few times. I'll spare you the details.) But each day got better and today I'm feeling pretty darn good for having just given birth.

The kids were so excited to meet their new little sister. Especially McKenna. Not that you can tell at all by the huge ol' grin on her face in this picture. Even Nathaniel has been quite enthusiastic and inquisitive about "Baby Geecee". We'll see how he feels when his morning chocolate milk/cuddle time with mama is delayed because I'm feeding her.

I seem to be doing this a lot lately, but I would AGAIN like to publicly thank my amazing parents for keeping and caring for my kiddos while Gracee and I were held up in the hospital. Gracee has no idea how lucky she is... yet.



As always, I loved the peace and quiet of my hospital stay, with just a short visit from my crazy kids.



Though, truth be told, this morning (day 3) I was missing those crazy kids and very ready to go home. So we took our baby Gracee, draped her in WAY too much pink, and took her home.



So here we are! It feels good to have our complete little family all together. More stories to come for sure. But for now, I'm going to assume my usual position on the couch (because if I'm ever going to lose this baby weight, I have to enjoy what little couch time I have left), and enjoy this incredible feeling... at least until my post-partum psycho crying begins.
Thanks to those of you who have already offered your congrats, visits, offers of help, gifts, and love. What would we do without you all?