Introducing...

Well, Taylor Sage Francis made her grand entry into the world Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 7:56am. She weighed in at a healthy 8lbs 2oz and she was 20 1/2 inches long. She arrived a full week early but I was very very ready and happy for that. I'm not sure I would have wanted her getting much bigger! To put it in perspective, Mackenzie weighed 6lbs 4 1/2 oz, although 3 1/2 weeks early.

Here's the short story...I visited my doctor Wednesday and he figured we would have the baby in the next few days. But really, who knows! I was feeling pretty miserable and just done with the whole pregnancy thing. I had not been sleeping well and was pretty uncomfortable. We went for ice cream Wednesday night(I could still eat well!) and faced another night of interupted sleep. I was up almost every hour going to the bathroom. I was getting up at 5:00am to go (again!) and my water had broke. Huh. So I called the doctor and he told us to come on in. So I called my friend Katie to come and stay at our place since Mackenzie was still in bed and we didn't want to get her up. I had not had any contractions at this point, just some minor cramping. We checked into the hospital at 6:00am (for those who don't know, we live 2 blocks from the hospital). Are you starting to see why this is the short story? :)

We got settled into our room and the contractions started coming pretty hard and consistent around 6:30am. By 7:15am, the doctor came in and checked how things were going and he really didn't leave. This baby was coming...and soon! The rest is pretty much history. A little bit more than a half hour late, Taylor graced us with her presence and a really great set of lungs!

Not a flattering picture but after what just went on, who cares!

Look at those wrinkles!! So funny...

She came out pretty dirty...just kidding. They had to ink her up for footprints on some identifying papers.

I would say this is a pretty proud papa. I don't know how I would have made it through without him by my side and encouraging me. He may have feeling back in is hands by now too but I'm not sure!

Double chin and no neck. Makes me laugh.

Mackenzie's first visit with her new little sister. She was a little uncertain for about the first 10 mins she was there but it didn't take her too long to warm up to Taylor.

It's little bit of a challenge holding 2! Let the fun begin!

Kenzie came back in the evening for another visit before her sleepover at her friend Lena's house. There was no uncertainty this time and she was anxious to hold Taylor and be "big sister".

My favorite picture so far...

Love the hands above the head.

Headed home by noon the next day. We don't look tired, do we? ;)

Thanks already to all of you who have sent congratulations, come visited, brought food, called, looked after Mackenzie and just been there for us. We love you all and I look forward to keeping you updated with the blog and pictures!