Rachel's photoshoot

More to come very soon!!! 

Thanks JoAnne!

Welcome baby Rachel!

Born on May 20, 2012 at 11:07 AM

Weight: 7lbs 10oz

Length: 20 1/4 inches

Hair color: Brown

The whole process started Saturday morning around 6am when Erin started having regular contractions.  Matt went off to help his Grandma move into her new place.  The contractions were consistent throughout the day and gradually intensified.  Matt was still working on the move in the afternoon so Marie (Matt's mom) went over to be with Erin and Ellie.  When Matt got home at 6pm, it was time to go the hospital!  Erin was admitted on the spot and with the help of a special balloon, some drugs, a lot of great coaching from Barb T. and enduring some extreme pain on Erin's part, Rachel was delivered after 26 hours of labor and about 45 minutes of pushing. 

Everyone is doing great and we really appreciate all the support and well wishes we have received.

Ellie was really hungry when we she met Rachel so after just a few moments of "Hey, how you been?" and "How was the move?", she was ready for dinner but here's a picture of the reunion:

  The new family addition just minutes after birth

 Special thanks to:  

• Barb for being there the whole way and being such a wonderful comfort and support to Erin.  She probably got less sleep than Matt and braved some serious lightening and rain!

 

Rachel and Barb

• Mike, Niki and family for taking great care of Ellie and getting her all gussied up for Sunday.

  Rachel and Niki (Aunt)

• All of our other visitors: Larry and Marie (Matt's parents), Laura M., Mike, Niki, Adam, Anna, Camille and little Calvin!

Rachel and Grandparents Larry and Marie

Matt thinks she looks just like he did when he was born (the old grainy picture is Matt).  Let us know what you think...

Rescuing Victoria

I mentioned this in a previous post but wanted to remind everyone that a good friend of ours is adopting a sweet girl from Eastern Europe through Reece's Rainbow who has Down syndrome.  There are lots of expenses involved and every little bit counts!  To learn more about Victoria and to make a donation, please go here: http://rescuingvictoria.blogspot.com/ 

If you donate, you can show off one of these cool labels:

Happy 4th Birthday, Ellie-belly!

We had Ellie's birthday at grandma and grandpa Gray's house last Sunday.  She got to wear a special pin and crown.  Lots of people sang to her during the week and she LOVED it! 

We are so proud of you little girl!!!  We love you so much!!!