.....she's here.....

.....I have had two very quick labors with my girls......literally, they have gone something like this......my water breaks, contractions begin and my babies are placed in my arms all within hours.....it has happened this way both times......so, this being our third sweet blessing, my doctor has continually said to me, do not call me from your house.....when your labor begins, hail and cab and call me on your way to the hospital because it's all going to go down very fast......
.....so I must confess that of all pending labors, this one has caused me the most angst; as I have two babes to worry about before I can even think of heading to the hospital.....and as wonderful as it has been to have neighbors on call for the big moment, it still will take some shuffling, multi tasking and arranging to make sure that the girls are settled before I can concentrate on having a baby.....

.....but she arrived just the other day......

.....and baking was on the list of to dos within hours of her arrival......Elsie had a Swedish Apple Knuckle Cake to make for her potluck All About Me party......and so she and her Bambi pulled out the butter, flour and sugar and away they baked.......

......leaving me with time to sit back, watch and listen to their conversations.....all while being able to completely relax......because now, labor can begin and I can simply walk out of my house without a worry in the world......

......because there is nothing like having your own Momma in your home to take care of you.......or better yet, to take care of your girls.....

......and so we push on with routine, all while doing so with our Bambi (she started off as Grammy, but Elsie pronounced it as Bambi and the name stuck) in the mix; making for more excitement with our regular activities like ballet, school parties or pizza lunches with friends......

                               .....Callie got to join the party at Elsie's school and she loved being part of the fun......

                                                   .....Miss Lauren.....Elsie's teacher this year, Callie's teacher next year.....

......and we are all getting spoiled.....between the crafts, baking and games, the girls have been entertained and enthusiastic at every new surprise their Bambi unveils.....and I have been relishing in the extra hands for help, as these final days have been long and at this point, I am quite large.....

......but as spring begins to reveal itself after a long dreary winter, we are reminded that every moment of anticipation is also a gift in itself.....

......but for the record, sweet baby, who we are longing to meet......you can show up now.....our house is full of those waiting to love you......