chris.reese.girls1.2.3.4

The arrival of Finley brought a nice crowd of visitors to the house. Doesn't everyone love holding a sweet newborn?! I, for one, am soaking up my own time with Finley. I insist on cherishing every moment I possibly can - with this being baby #3 I know how short the time is. I am in no hurry for this little one to grow up. But, if you come to visit, I will be kind enough to share... My mom arrived the Sunday evening prior to Finley being born. In the three days before Finley decided to arrive she kept my mind off the baby, helped with the girls, and allowed me to cross the last few things off my list. She also helped me time my contractions when labor finally set in and was good about pushing me out the door to head to the hospital. She stayed until Finley was 9 days old. My mom is one amazing woman. She even sewed two new blankets for Finley. I love her. It meant so much to have her here for almost two weeks.   When Grandma Dalley is around you get to do fun things like... Lick ...

The fact I am now the mother of THREE daughters is still settling in. Today's realization was a bit abrupt when I realized all the girls (myself included) needed showers/baths and hair to do. I had flashbacks of my own mom lining up her four daughters to do hair on Sunday mornings. THAT is my new reality.  But each of the girls are adjusting to this new reality in a different way, and all in all, I would say they are doing pretty well. Brynn and Paige both seem to be a bit more restless, so there is a lot of running, tackling and wrestling going on. This could also be attributed to our weather that continues to hold Spring hostage and keeps us indoors. Paige is more emotional and a tad defiant. Brynn won't hardly snuggle me (I'm sure she'll come back around), and she seems louder with Finley around. I feel like I'm saying "settle down" at least thirty times a day.  BUT...despite all the changes going on, our family is enjoying the newness of our sweet F...

March 30, 2011 Here are pictures of Finley's Birth and Hospital stay...which was super short! And her trip home. The full birth story is on my pregnancy blog. Checked in at Triage - just after 4pm - Yes, I am in labor!! Born at 6:44pm Finley is seconds old. Our first meeting. First time meeting dad Paige and Brynn were at the hospital before she was one hour old Brynn liked her new camera Paige, the big sister for a second time, and a total pro Brynn was sweet and tender Yay for Grandmas!!!    Getting ready to go home  Yay for heading home!   Welcome Home! 

FINLEY APKEN 30 March 2011 6:44pm 7 lbs. 13 oz., 19 inches Sleep has been king around here...hence no blog post and no finished birth story on my prego blog.   But she's here and she's precious and adorable. Her big sisters are like my two little moms, but each is adjusting in her own way (more on that later...) And my mom left today **insert emotional sobs here** She was so wonderful to us. Just cooking dinner, cleaning it up and getting girls to bed tonight was exhausting. Let's hope we adjust quickly and get the hang of all of this!