newborn cloth diapering

Yep, we're loving it. I have to resist buying more! They are just so cute on her....and so practical....and we're not throwing away 2 diapers per feeding. What's not to love about that? :)

Funny Friday

Over the last couple weeks, Keandre has become our early riser.  Rather than sleeping in until 7 or 7:30am, as all the kids have typically done, he is routinely up at 6:30 or earlier.  On this particular morning, I awoke to hear him in the family room, singing at the top of his lungs.  I peeked in and found him sitting on his trike, wearing his tomato hat (not sure where it came from, but it is a favorite right now!).  He was in his element, belting out songs at random....  He was SO happy....enjoying the peace and quiet of an early morning to himself. 

proud big sister

Destany has been waiting a LONG time to have a little sister. She is so excited that Brooklyn is here!  First thing in the morning, Destany comes into our room, her face lit up with a smile, asking, "Is my baby sister up yet?"  She is always ready to lend a helping hand, whether it's by pushing the stroller, or passing me wipes during a diaper change.

sweet baby girl - almost 2 days old

big brothers and sister

special big brother and big sister hospital bands

amazed by this little baby!

Asking lots of questions -- about her umbilical cord, her bandaid (she had blood drawn), tiny hospital bands, etc.  They love her tiny little fingers and toes!

She's Here!

Brooklyn Isabella

arrived at 8:18pm

7 pounds, 9 ounces

19 1/2 inches

Once her water was broken and active labor started (shortly after 5pm), it did not take long!  We walked the halls a bit, and then Kiara got in the tub at about 7pm.  At that point she was 6cm dilated.  Just an hour later, it was time to push.  It was very intense, but Kiara reached her goal of delivering without an epidural.  She was SO happy!  Now we are resting and enjoying some family time. 

Brooklyn, about 15 hours old

heading to the hospital (updated)

hospital parking lot, 5am

4:30am - Kiara had a regular OB appointment yesterday (Thursday) morning.  She was already at 5cm, although not yet in active labor.  She has been contracting and uncomfortable ever since her appointment, so we've decided to go ahead and head over to the hospital.  Because of the Group B Strep, she will need 1 - 2 rounds of antibiotics before it's safe for baby to be born.  (GBS is harmless for Mama, but very dangerous for baby.)  We appreciate your prayers, and will update as we can. 

9:00am - IV antibiotics, then slept for a couple hours.  Kiara was woken regularly by contractions.  It's great to have Laura as her nurse!

1:00pm - Walking to get contractions going further; hopefully doctor will agree to break her water soon.  Kiara doesn't seem to go into active labor w/o having her water broken -- just the same endless contractions she has been having for weeks. 

4:45pm - Water broken, so hopefully things will start progressing faster now...

8:18pm - Baby is here!!! 

no baby yet

Although my doctor told me last Thursday that my body is more than ready to go, baby girl has not chosen to make her appearance yet.  Sometimes I am fine with this.  I am not quite 38 weeks along, and we still have plenty to do to get ready for her.  Other times I am SO ready to meet her and move on to our new normal.  I am trying to be patient.  In the meantime, here is one last belly pic. 

Don't I LOOK ready?!

And here is one from about 3 weeks ago.  The kids are constantly snuggling or kissing my belly.  I love it!

When we are on the way to the hospital, we will post it here on the blog. :)