My Emma Girl

Three years ago yesterday, at a ridiculously early hour of the morning, we welcomed our first daughter into the world.

Emma on her first birthday, opening presents and sitting in her pink chair.

Emma's second birthday. Aidan had a little trouble not being the center of attention. Notice the tear stained face and red eyes.

And here is my sweet Emma, yesterday, looking very grown up, about to blow out the candles on her third birthday cake. Where does the time go? I feel as though I have blinked and she has grown up without my noticing. Happy Birthday Emma girl, we love you so very much!

Getting me through

These last two weeks have been really hard. A new baby is a blessing, but also a hardship for me. Four is definitely harder than three, nursing isn't working, and I am pumping every three hours to make sure my milk doesn't dry up. I have already had mastitis, and blocked ducts. My house is a mess with no end in sight, and I worry every moment that I am not meeting one of my four children's needs in one way or another. I am depressed, sad, lonely, and overwhelmed. All things to expect the first few weeks after having a baby. I know it will pass. I know many have it worse than me. I know many things, but have a hard time feeling them at the moment. This has helped me feel hopeful. I watch it several times a day. I hope you will take a minute and watch it, too.

Here

It's a....

GIRL!!
Olivia Rose Carpenter was born at 4:34 a.m. on Monday June 7th. She was exactly 8 lbs. even and was 18 1/2 inches long. I woke up around 1:30 a.m. with very, very intense pressure and knew it was time to go to the hospital. When we got there at 2:30 a.m. I was 6 cm dilated, and by the time I got to my room I was 8 cm. I just barely got my epidural in before it was time to push. There were no epidural difficulties like in the past, and no complications afterwords like with Emma. It was a very wonderful delivery experience.

Proud Papa feeding baby.

I've never seen Aidan so excited about ANYTHING, as he was about meeting and holding his new baby sister. Ever since she's been home, all he's wanted to do is hold her.

Even Parker was excited, and did really well with her. He was gentle, and gave lots and lots of kisses.

Emma's turn! She was so thrilled at the idea of a sister that was going to get to sleep in her room. Then, the first night when Olivia woke up at midnight screaming, Emma told me I didn't have to bring her back in, that she could sleep in our room. Too funny.

So, we are home now, adjusting to our new little addition. Aidan and Emma are spending the next few days with Matthew's mother, while Parker stays with us. So far, it's been relatively quiet and calm. Matthew is home from work until Monday, to help me, thank goodness. I am sure next week, when I am on my own with the kids, things won't be so blissful, but for now we are enjoying the peace.

Still waiting!

We are still anxiously awaiting the arrival of Baby Carpenter! No signs yet of his/her grand entrance. This is actually the longest I have gone without going into labor on my own, or being induced. I still have three days until my due date, and am hoping this weekend brings us a happy surprise. I'll keep you all posted!