Introducing Sarah Katherine

Our baby sister is finally here! Sarah Kate was born on Monday, April 27 at 2:14 p.m. She was 8 pounds, 5 ounces and 20 inches long. She entered the world looking very purple and slimy, but she got adorable really quickly. This labor and delivery were such a breeze compared to the boys, and we are all doing great.

After 9 long months of waiting, Christopher and Will were thrilled to see her. I called them right after she was born so they could hear her crying (she screamed almost non-stop for the first hour of her life), and they came to the hospital to see her that evening. They gave her toys and oohed and ahhed over how adorable she is. Christopher said, "The best baby in the world has come out!"

The next day, the boys couldn't wait to come see her again at the hospital. Christopher said he planned to come visit her every day. He was excited when I told him that he wouldn't have to visit her anymore, because we were bringing her home the next day!

Now that we are home, everyone seems to be settling in well. Christopher is an extremely attentive big brother. He always wants to know where Sarah Kate is, what she is doing, and if there is anything he could possibly do to help her. He loves to go give her a passy when she is crying and can't wait for her to start taking a bottle so he can help feed her.

Will refers to Sarah Kate as "my baby." He likes to check her out briefly and then move on to playing with her toys. He loves to share things with "my baby" and offers helpful suggestions for her care. The other day when she was crying, he said, "I think she is hungry. We need to order she some food. From McDonald's. I think she would like some french fries!" Will has already asked when we are going to have another baby.

As for Sarah Kate, she is adjusting to life on the outside well. She is a great eater, and a great sleeper about half the time. (Unfortunately, it is usually the daytime half when she sleeps.) She has dark blue eyes right now, and just a little bit of light peach-fuzz hair. She has long fingers and toes. She also has an elusive dimple in her right cheek that you can only see when she makes certain faces.

Sarah Kate has already mastered one skill every newborn should have . . . knowing when your parents have just sat down to eat so you can start crying. Last night, we were getting ready to eat dinner, and it was being delayed by a litany of requests from the boys and trips to the potty with Will. Noel finally sat down with his hot food and said, "cue Sarah Kate." And immediately, she started crying. Fortunately for Noel, I had gotten a head start on eating and went to get her.

We love you, Sarah Kate! We're so glad you are finally here!