{introducing miss caroline}

Caroline Elizabeth was born at 12:44pm on March 20, 2013.  She weighed 8 pounds 7 ounces, and was 21 1/2 inches long.  She came with a double chin, chubby cheeks, and the cutest little face you've ever seen.  

 

 

Because of two past c-sections, and the fact that I had been carrying twins both times, my doctor confirmed at the beginning of my pregnancy that I would be delivering via c-section at 39 weeks, unless I went into labor on my own before that.  The risk of pre-term delivery was higher this time around, since my girls were born at 34 weeks, and boys at 35 weeks.  Even though their prematurity was due to the fact that they were multiple births, once your body has been through early labor, the chances go up that it will happen again.  

My lovely and amazing parents came the third week in February to stay with us and help me with kids and house, and with Rick still gone over 100 hours a week or more, it was perfect timing.  I ended up going all the way to 39 weeks, and I honestly believe that it was in part due to the fact that I was able to rest so much more than I would have otherwise.  My dad has taken on the kids, and entertained the boys everyday. He's currently putting our new (and huge) play set together in the backyard, and let me tell you, it's quite the undertaking! They've gone on a million trips to the park, snake-hunting adventures in the woods, packed lots of lunches in backpacks, ridden the trolley, been to the library and story time, ridden bikes and scooters all over the neighborhood, and more.  My mom has been the laundry queen, and with five (now six) kids, that's a job in and of itself. They've both taken on ballet, piano practice, soccer games, bath time, bed time, homework, taking and picking up from school, making meals, packing lunches, and so much more.  I really couldn't have made it through it without them, and I'm so grateful for everything they've done.  We are really going to miss them when they leave next week! 

It was wonderful to have them here while I was in the hospital. I ended up needing to stay in the hospital longer than usual--five days--and it was really nice to be able to have Rick with me each night.  Because I wasn't able to take care of the baby much at all, someone was with me at all times.  My mom came three days in a row and stayed all day, bringing with her our favorite movies to watch.  When she was 4 days old, Caroline had already watched Pride & Prejudice (BBC version), and all of Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea!  It was so fun to have her there with me, and it made the experience so much more bearable.  Rick and my dad stayed at home to man the fort, finish the boys' bunk beds, and set up the crib.  They were super busy, and made it all happen.  All of them are super stars!!!

The kids came up to see the baby and me when she was just a few hours old, and it will always remain one of my favorite moments.  They have been anxiously awaiting her arrival for a long time, and finally the time was here to meet her!  The look on their faces when they saw her will stay with me forever--it was so sweet. They each held her, and each had to take a turn feeding her.  I could tell that I was going to have plenty of helpers once we got home--they love their baby sister!!!

{Seeing the world for the first time...}

 

{First Visitors}

{Going Home}

This picture was taken the morning I went into the hospital--the fab five for the last time!!

Now there were six...

 

  

Every seat filled!!! 

This little baby girl is absolutely adored by us all, and we are smitten!  ♥♥♥♥♥♥