Everyone is home!

I'm not sure why...but it was really fun to have a full van. Eight seats and each one of them is filled. Crazy. :) We brought Karen and Eliza home from the hospital this morning. The bassinet has been set up in our room for the past month or so. It's nice to have somebody to place in it.

And our "baby" is no longer our baby any more. It's amazing how much bigger and older the former baby looks when you place him next to a newborn. Luke loves Eliza and can't get enough of her.

He's fascinated by Eliza. And so are we.

Tender Moments

It's true that Anya was most excited. She was just beside herself thinking about being a big sister to a little sister. And today she was able to experience the reality of that dream for the first time. Anya's mothering instincts have been coming out more and more lately. She is so pleased with what her mother has accomplished. And she is anxious to become a mother herself someday. This shot of Anya hugging Karen, completely on her own, truly is priceless for me. It wraps up so many emotions in one act.

Here's kind of a sneak of how tiny newborns are. It's amazing how big the former "baby" becomes when there's a new arrival! Luke was hesitant at first--not quite sure how to soak it all in. But he warmed up quickly and became engaged in the excitement of Eliza's birth.

The boys oohing and aahing over their new baby sister.

"Be gentle, Luke" was said on more than one occasion. :) He has recently become fascinated with other babies he sees...and now he has his very own.

Here's a nice close up. She's clean and oh, so very soft! The hair is like silk. Anya says it feels like cotton. The nurses had a hard time drying it last night after her bath.

Each sibling, who wanted to, got a chance to hold Eliza.

Eliza was very alert during a good portion of our visit today.

And here is our most recent family picture. I love these introductions...or re-acquaintances...however you want to look at it. All I know is that I love it!

Introducing Eliza Rose

Eliza joined our family Wednesday, September 16 at 8:51pm. Karen only pushed twice. Yet another miracle. Thank you to Dr. Wolanski and Kim. They were both wonderful to work with.

Here is Eliza only minutes old. She has a full head of dark hair...just like Anya had when she was born.

Life is truly a miracle. What a blessing God has given us. Karen and Eliza are both doing extremely well.

For those who live far away, here's a quick video for you.