It’s a GIRL!!!!
Mabrey Larew {MAY-bree luh-ROO} was born Friday, March 30th at 5:00 a.m. on the dot, weighing 7lbs 12oz and measuring 21 inches long. She is healthy as can be, eating well and filling diapers like a champ. Learning our baby’s gender upon birth was so wonderful and such a true surprise! I think we were all subconsciously assuming that this baby would be another boy – which we would have gladly welcomed. We feel lucky to get to experience life with two boys and a little girl.
Pops of pink are already showing up in our house. Layne came to the hospital to meet his new sister with a pink bouquet that he picked out himself. The boys are in love with Mabrey. Layne has a lot of concern for her, wanting to know how she’s doing at all times. Everett can’t get enough of her, asking to hold, kiss and hug her every 5 minutes. I’m sure this selfless sibling affection won’t last forever, so I’m savoring it while I can.
Today is our first day home from the hospital and we’re quickly learning that having another person – a newborn – in the family will be an adjustment. We’re taking it one day at a time and learning along the way. Please forgive me if posting is sporadic over the next few weeks. I’m guessing my days {and nights!} are going to become filled with feedings, diaper changes, baby-staring and cuddling. Not to mention trying to find small snippets of time to show my boys how much I still love them.
Our last day in the hospital, Handy Hubby went back to the apartment to shower and I stood holding Mabrey looking out the big windows of our room. The world below seemed so distant and busy compared to the quiet of our room, Mabrey’s shallow newborn breathing being the only sound. I was completely present in that moment and grateful for her, for HH, for our boys, for our family. We’re healthy and happy-tired and so thankful for the sweet gift of life.
Throughout my pregnancy, I kept telling people that “this one wasn’t planned.” But at that moment standing at the window with Mabrey, I realized that this one was planned. Maybe not by us. But planned nonetheless.
images: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking
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