Burgundy Lane: Welcoming Mary Claire

She's here!

Our precious third angel made her entrance on Tuesday, February 21st, at 5:27 p.m. weighing in at 7 lbs 13 oz and 20 inches long. She was our 2nd biggest baby and definitely the one with the most hair!

She also came the quickest. I started contracting (lightly) Monday night. They got stronger Tuesday morning, and by Tuesday at noon it was time to call the doctor. (because I was in agony, and they were 2-5 min apart for an hour!)

At 1:30 pm Dr. Rister checked me, and I was at a 4. Woohoo! It was time to go! Mom and I met Sean at the house and grabbed all of our bags. (The big kids were at school.) We checked into the hospital at 2:00pm. I got hooked up to receive the antibiotic for the Group B strep, and shortly thereafter got my epidural. Thank goodness because I was at a 6 at that point! :/

About an hour later Dr. Rister came by to check me. When he did, his response was, "Well, you don't have much of a cervix left!". Translation: Time to push! ah! That was fast! (It was a whirlwind for us since my other two kids took between 16-21 hours to come once we checked in to the hospital!) So we were shocked at the timing. Anyway, here's some shots from the day:

All hooked up and waiting for the epidural to set in. :) (and I'm trying to hold Clarky still for a pic!)

Having popsicles with Mommy---and feelin the groove

The first glimpse of our doll!
The third time was so neat because our excitement and longing to meet her heavily outweighed our nerves and anxiousness. Third time's a charm! ;)

Falling in love...

First family of five picture! Such a neat moment letting the kids meet her for the first time!

Meeting Uncle Josh

One of my favorite quotes: "It is not a small thing when they, so fresh from God, love us". How true! How true!

Pretty flowers from Gigi

Sean is the sweetest and gentlest Daddy. These three kids are truly blessed! The best thing about the hospital stay this time was our precious, quiet time alone with Miss Mary Claire each morning. Just bonding and cuddling her.

Meeting her Gigi (Papa was there too---we just didn't get a pic.)

Meeting cousins Brooks and Sarah Catherine and Aunt Julia

What a blessing to be loved!

Meeting her Gamma and Pepaw

This shot brings me to tears. The Lord has shown grace and mercy to us through His perfect blessings. All perfect gifts!!

Just the girls---how blessed to experience sisters!!

Wow. Who would have thought those two 22 year olds back in 2001 would be here in 2012? :)

Mary Claire came bearing gifts! :) Clark got a trumpet (kazoo)

And AnnMarie got a guitar. They have really been into instruments lately. Maybe from watching The Fresh Beat Band so much? whoops

Wearing big sissy's gown. Wearing her own headband. :) I am having TOO much fun buying these!

Sweetest little things! They're already holding hands! (And yes, I promise they're related.) :)

My little Eskimo

Little baby in a bonnet? darling

Yowzas pretty swollen mama! ;) But had to document Mommy and Daddy all alone with our little third munchkin!

Mommy taking pictures of every possible accessory

Gigi got a cute wreath for the door!

All dressed up, packed up, and ready to go home! This beautiful blanket was thoughtfully made by my friend, Mrs. Lisa. A treasure we'll keep forever! And it's SO soft!