The PRINCESS has arrived....

introducing Kara Elizabeth born on April 17th, 2008 at 5:25 am. She was 8lbs. 4oz (can you believe that?) and 21 inches long. Directly after she was born (and hearing that first prayed for cry) they placed her on my stomach. She was still quite blue but I was amazed that Nick and I had made such a sweet little thing. As they tried cleaning her up, I felt her wrap her tiny hand around my finger. It was so surreal to me. Before I started pushing I was overwhelmed with emotion. I felt so thankful that she was going to be healthy. However at the same time I felt that loss of my son all over again, wishing I could have experienced the same with him. It was a bitter sweet moment, one I will never forget. After they took her from my stomach, I watched them from accross the room as they did all the regular things with her, Nick by her side. After they were done, I watched as he held her for the first time and wept with joy. It was a beautiful moment.

My favorite memory from the day of her birth was hearing the little noises she made. She made the sweetest noises. She's such a wonderful baby. She doesn't cry very much and loves to cuddle. She is the most precious baby and I couldn't be more thankful for her. She has her daddy and me wrapped around her finger already.

Maddy was also very sweet with her. You couldn't find a prouder big sister. She was mad that she had to go to school that day. She told me that I was charged with having the cutest babies in the whole world (meaning Conner and Kara). How sweet is that? It breaks my heart that she will be leaving us soon. I am so thankful that she got to be here for this moment.

I am so glad she's finally here! Life is so much better with her. Welcome Kara, you make our life complete!