Our Sweet Little Princess

UPDATE:
(From Tim) Jace, Braxton, and I have spent quite a bit of time together since Ashlyn was born. It's both fun and tiring to be around them all day. I don't know how Kristin does it day after day. Jace and Braxton say the darndest things! Jace and Braxton have taken well to Ashlyn. They always want to hold her. I wonder what Ashlyn thinks about that! Ashlyn is a very good and sweet baby. It must be the girl in her. I think she will bring a sense of calmness to our house.

On Friday, May 23, we went into the hospital at 6 am. In some of my business dealings I have come to know the hospital administrator. He must have pulled some strings because Kristin supposedly got the best room (very good size, big windows, and great view). When we were checking in, one of the nurses was going to put us in Room 114 before another nurse said, "No, they should be in Room 116". The administrator stopped by the room to say hi and congratulate us the day after the birth. The whole birth process took longer than we expected because the doctor did not show up until 1 pm to break Kristin's water. After her water was broken, things progressed rapidly which we expected based on Braxton's birth. Had the doctor come in the morning to break her water, I'm guessing the birth time would have been before noon rather than 3:16 pm. Additionally, the doctor had to go over to another hospital to perform a Caesaran. Because of that, the nurses stalled Kristin (with drugs) until the doctor made it back. Anyways, the birth went smoothly. Kristin may disagree, but compared to the screaming girl in the next room, Kristin seemed calm. It must have been because she couldn't feel her legs due to the strong epidural! At nights, I stayed with Kristin while Grandma watched the boys. I would go get them ready for bed and then head back to the hospital. During the days, I would play with Jace and Braxton (the Nintendo Wii at Grandma's house was the most requested activity), take them to see Mommy and Ashlyn, go to lunch, go to the playground, and one night to Chuck E Cheese's. We are grateful for another healthy baby and look forward to new experiences with three children. I spend a little time working on the basement while I'm home from work this week. It will most likely be complete next week. Just in time since the baby gear has joined the toys in the family room!

(From Kristin) Here are some pictures of our sweet little girl. She is so fun and I am LOVING having a newborn again. I love this stage and it seems to go so fast so I am spending lots of time snuggling her. I already love having a little girl. She is doing great, and thankfully Tim is home this week so I have been able to rest and recover while he takes care of the boys. They love their sister and always want to carry her around and hold her. We have to watch that. : ) So here are some pictures from her first few days of life...

Ashlyn Emilie

With mommy shortly after being born

Our little family of 5!

Saturday...we both liked being taken care of in the hospital : )

On our way home!

Does she look like daddy or mommy?

First day at home...she has been so great.

Braxton loves his baby sister and LOVES to hold her (Jace loves to be in every picture we take)

Jace loves her too, and wants to be able to carry her around all by himself...we will have to wait a little while for that though : )

Sleepy after her first bath at home

We love all the PINK!

Her 4th day here with us wrapped up in my new favorite baby item, the Boppy swaddler. So great if your baby likes to be swaddled as much as she does. I got it as a gift the day we got home and just tried it yesterday and love it.

So we are all loving life with our newest little addition. There is nothing like having a new baby join our family, we feel so very blessed!