Sisters

Sisters are different flowers from the same garden. ~Author Unknown

I never had one, but it is a very beautiful thing to see!

Wrestling Match

Hmmm, who's on top? The older and heavier, or the younger and more bullish?

Wrestling match turned into tickling match...

How many more can you handle, Daddy?

Grandma for the Weekend

We all were thrilled to enjoy Grandma's stay for a weekend. After a long day at the hospital, here she is holding a bundled Hannah, ready for bed.

And another evening...hmmm, who was more sleepy?

Settling Into the Family

It has been over a week since we took Hannah home, and things are quickly settling into our new 'normal'. The excitement has not diminished, but Hannah has definately been welcomed into our family!

We still get numerous requests thoughout the day to hold our little bundle of joy. Judah lasts for only 5 minutes or less with Hannah in his arms, but Selah can hold her up to almost an hour! And if Hannah is a bit fussy, we just pass her to Selah who has the knack to calm her (must be all that communicating Selah did with the baby in the womb!).

Isaiah likes to get as close as he can. As you can see from the picture below, he even shared one of his toys with a sleeping Hannah.

Sitting calm and alert on the kitchen counter...

Home Again with Hannah

Wednesday we brought our brand-new daughter home.

Here she is resting in her hospital bassinet after getting changed into another new outfit. Notice the note about pacifiers and bottles? The first few days of breastfeeding are always a bit of a struggle, but every day continues to improve!

Posing with Daddy and Grandpa and Grandma...

Another shot with her favorite nurse and namesake...

Daddy with his Mom and daughter...

Yes, we love you!
(Pssst: These very blessed parents also love each other very much, and have enjoyed 6 years of marriage, which we celebrate today!!)

Ready for the ride...

Leaving the hospital floor...

Grandma making sure the infant carrier gets settled in just right...

HOME!!

Is she going to stay home with us?!!!

We All Love You, Hannah!

On Tuesday Hannah had a busy day greeting so many people who love her.

Here, in the morning, Hannah Helena is being dressed by her favorite nurse and her other namesake, Helena (aka Grandma)...

And Hannah's big brothers and sister came for another, longer visit...(marveling over her tiny fingers)

(and tiny little feet!)

Sisters bonding again...

Pure love at first sight...

Big sister hospital bracelet to match Hannah's...

Good morning, precious one!

Excitement over the toys Hannah 'gave' her siblings...

Selah's friend Julia came to visit Hannah (and picked up Selah for a fun sleepover)...

'Aunt' Michelle holding Hannah...

Grandpa's turn!

Aunt Carol & Shifrah...

Hadassah, another baby lover...

'Uncle' Mike stopped in on his lunch break...

2nd Cousins Silas, Tia & Asher...

Aunt Rebecca...

Catherine, Bethany & Meghan...(more baby lovers!)

Aunt Wendy...now, who does she look like?

Aunt Kelly...

My favorite shot: Willa & Hannah, born 13 days apart. When you need a shoulder to lean on, count on your big cousin!!

Girl time! Tia, Hannah, Willa & Helena

Uncle Don...

And it's time for a new diaper after a busy day of loving- Daddy's first diaper change for Hannah

Welcome Hannah Helena!!!

We share our joy and overflowing gratitude over the birth of our 4th covenant child!

"For this child I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him"

(Words from Hannah's namesake in the Bible)

Hannah Helena arrived at 6:44pm on Monday, March 7 to two very proud and thankful parents.

Hannah weighed 9 lbs. 12 oz. (our 2nd biggest child- Judah was 10 lbs. even!)
She is 22 inches long, and very adorably chubby!

Our 3 oldest were allowed for a very short visit that evening to welcome their new little sister.
Lots of loving!

Selah's turn to hold her little sister...

Selah was the first one we called from the labor and delivery room.
"I knew it was going to be a sister because I wanted a sister!!"
(repeated several times with much excitement)

Big brother Judah's turn...

"My arms are warm so I can hold Hannah"

Tiny fingers!

Isaiah's turn... pure captivation!

Finally, Daddy's turn to cherish his little daughter...

Welcome, Hannah! We love you, and have been waiting a long time to hold you!!!