A New Little One

Our friends, Tim and Stephany, added a new little one to their family when James was born last Friday, November 23. It's kinda funny because Emmaline was due on their other son, Peter's, birthday (March 4th), but she arrived 11 days early. Our oldest, Jacob, was due on November 23rd, 2002 (the day James was born this year), but arrived 16 days early. Since I don't have anything to write about today, I'll send you over to Stephany's blog. Who doesn't love looking at pictures of newborn babies?!

She's Here

Emmaline Kate arrived on February 21, 2007 at 9:13 am. She weighed 7 lbs. 11 ozs. and was 20 3/4 ins. long. Jen had a very short labor and was able to go without an epidural like she wanted. The joy of Emmy's arrival was dampened somewhat when we learned that she has Down syndrome, but it doesn't make us love her any less. God knew that she would be the perfect baby for our family and we feel blessed that He chose us to raise such a special baby. She spent 4 days in the NICU at MVH and was finally able to come home on February 25. We had a "Welcome Home" party for her with our families. Jacob and Ellie were especially excited to finally get to hold her and now they can't keep their hands off her.

So far, Emmaline has proven to be a content baby. She even slept 6 hours straight last night! Nursing and making dirty diapers seem to be her hobbies at the moment. Jacob and Ellie love to help take care of her and are becoming experts at throwing away diapers and locating pacifiers. Nathan has been a big help too: washing dishes, vacuuming floors, doing laundry, keeping everyone fed, and tending to the oldest 2. Jen, meanwhile, is enjoying the time off and keeps busy taking care of Emmy and reading up on DS.

We have so much to be thankful for and can't wait to see what God is going to teach us through our newest little one!