Our New Obsession

Her first photo.

She's here! Maren Lydia joined our family on Thursday, November 5, 2009, at 3:36 am. She weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces, and was 20.5 inches long.

Properly attired.

Maren so far is a very good baby. She only cries when hungry or when I change her clothes or diaper. And she's a pretty good sleeper too. The first night we had her home (Friday) she slept for 7 hours! And on Saturday and Sunday nights she only woke up one time during the night, after a four- or five-hour stretch. What a good baby! The only thing we need to work on is eating. Maren will only nurse for about 5 minutes before she starts to spit it all back out. I guess we'll eventually figure that out.

Holding Maren.

Audrey, Dallin and Sterling love their new baby sister and can't get enough of her. Dallin and Sterling are particularly attentive. They love to kiss her head and touch her little feet. (Dallin is especially fascinated by her tiny features. One of the first things he said when he saw her was, "She even has tiny feet!" He giggles each time he is allowed to touch her little fingers, feet, and nose.) And I am notified the instant she starts crying. They also love to take turns holding her.

Me and my shortlings.

My attempts at nursing discreetly by using a cover (thanks again, Shan!) have not been successful so far.

We are all so glad Maren has joined our family. She has already brought us lots of joy and laughter. We are thankful she is healthy and both she and I are doing well. While I'm realistic in the fact that getting my body back to normal may take some extra time (this is baby #4, after all, and I am not my sisters-in-law!), I'm hoping that it won't take too long. Dallin has already asked me if I'm going to have another baby tomorrow! Good thing he's little, cute, and I love him. If I get any of that sort of remark from the rest of you, you will rue the day!