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!