Here She is!

Charleigh was born May 26th at 1:56pm. Our original due date was May 27th, but were scheduled for an induction on the 26th at midnight. I was very thankful for the scheduled induction, however really prayed that if at all possible that my body would go into labor naturally on its own. The story of my labor still gives me chills and brings me to tears. Lance and I were packing the car at 11:45pm on the 25th, when the hospital called to tell us they were so many deliveries going on that they had no rooms available and we needed to wait to come to the hospital until they called us back. They said they would call us in an hour or 2 or worst case scenario the next morning around 6 or 7am. Well, I was super super bummed. I finished putting the items in the car that I was carrying and sat on the edge of the trunk, and felt the "gush". MY WATER BROKE! Oh man! At the time, I didn't realize without a doubt that my water was indeed broken. Lance and I had decided to try to get some rest until we received word to go the hospital. My contractions started right away. The hospital called us an hour later at 1am, and told us they now had a room available, and we were now able to come up there to start my induction. At this point, I was still not sure my water was broken. I kept thinking, that would be way too coincidental. On the way to the hospital, my contractions started to get way more intense. When we arrived at labor and delivery, it was confirmed that my water had indeed broken and I was already dilated to a 3 (which if you don't know, I was not dilating much at my appts). Tears just flowed from my eyes. What an answered prayer. God is so good. The original plan was to start cervadil at 2am, pitocin at 6am and break my water at 8am. Since my body started this process on its own, I was in active labor and none of this had to take place. The delivery process was a great experience, and our little angel arrived at 1:56pm on the 26th. She weighed 7.7lbs, was 20.75 inches long and had a full head of dark hair! It was an instant love and appreciation for a little being that we were so graciously given. Lance was so in love with her, that instant tears of joy flowed from the moment he saw her. We have a running joke that Lance cried more than Charleigh did when she was born. Ha! We love her so much! She has already been such a joy to have in our family, and Mayer loves her so much too! She is a great night sleeper so far. The most we have been awake is twice at night and this week, she has slept through the night except for one day! We like a night sleeper! She is now 5 weeks old, and changing everyday. She has started making new noises that even surprise her, and she locks in on our faces and she will smile several times when we talk to her. It is the most rewarding thing ever! Here are some pictures of our little beauty. Time is already flying by!! We love you all!

Sweet Girl!








I just love this pic!!














Week 1 of life!








Our first dinner out with Charleigh...there was an hour wait, so Lance brought the chips and salsa out the the car while we sat and waited with Charleigh in the AC. It was almost feeding time. :)














Love this picture too! Mayer loves his little sister!








This is my favorite picture of Charleigh thus far! I just think it's so sweet!






Dad is so smitten by this little girl!






Why is it so precious when babies yawn?





Week 5 of life!





After her morning feeding! Very alert!





This has been the most rewarding thing...seeing her smile when we talk to her. This is at 5 weeks. The websites have reassured us that smiling at this point in her life is intentional. It's not just gas :). Love all her smiles!!