Francie's Birthday

After having an emergency c-sec with Audrey, Shelby Claire and Francie's birthdays were nicely planned and scheduled. We knew months ahead of time what day Francie would be born. Initially, the doctor suggested February 14th but we didn't want her to be born on Valentines Day. We knew that would not be fun if she were a girl! I am a planner at heart so this type of delivery set well with me! We had plenty of time to arrange child care for our big girls and to get everything ready! 

Clay's parents came up on Valentines Day to spend the night and to watch the girls for us while we were in the hospital. We had to be at the hospital at 5:15am to prepare for Francie's arrival. This photo is of me in the parking deck- I was ready to meet my new little girl (or boy! We didn't know!)!

Having done this twice before, I knew what was coming but still had lots of nervous energy. I knew what they were about to do and it was a little scary! I will say, the insertion of the IV is still the hardest part for me!

This is right before surgery which was scheduled for 7:15. All of the people in the operating room were so excited to find out what we were having. It was a fun, festive environment! I was feeling pretty anxious at this point. I was ready to get the show on the road!

Here she is!!! They announced that she was a girl and everyone cheered! So fun! We were THRILLED to add a third girl to the family! Everyone was hustling and bustling around and it seemed like it took forever for her to cry. I could hear the commotion going on behind my head and behind the curtain in front of me but kept waiting for that precious sound of her first cry. I know it was only seconds but it seemed like it was minutes. I formed the words in my mouth to ask about her right when I heard that sound that is better than nothing else.. crying!

The nurses commented on how red Francie's hair was right from the beginning. I have always dreamed that I would have a red headed child but have been blessed with dark haired children so far. I was so surprised when they said she had RED hair! I was also surprised at how big she was-- our biggest baby!

First meeting... :)

One proud, proud Daddy!

They put this hideous red hat on her because they had ran out of the normal newborn hats. They said they had these to celebrate Heart Health month. She's still beautiful but I was so surprised to see her in that hat!

Right after that picture was taken, they transferred me to a hospital bed, handed me Francie and wheeled me back to my room. It was so strange to be in the hallways and elevator of the hospital. It seemed so PUBLIC! I was still in my hospital gown and was being wheeled around for the world to see. It was a strange feeling!

She was officially born at 7:31 and by 8:00, we were all back in my room. These pictures are of her first bath-- she did not care for it much! I can't say that I blame her- she'd had a pretty shocking last half hour! 

All clean and calm-- being warmed up by the warming lamps.

This photo was taken about 30-45 minutes after delivery. Although I don't look like it, I was feeling really good at this point! I had lots of good pain medicine and I think that if I had been able to move my legs, would have been able to run a marathon! :) It wore off by lunch though. Ha!

When we got back to my room, my parents and sister were waiting for us and waiting to hear if it was another granddaughter for them! Francie makes FIVE girls!

It wasn't long after we got back to the room that Too Too and Granddaddy brought the big girls to meet their new sister. I was so excited to see what their reactions would be-- Audrey had declared that she wanted a "brudder" and I was a little worried she would be disappointed. I shouldn't have worried! When I told her that she had a new sister, she lit up like the sun and we haven't mentioned a "brudder" since! 

Shelby Claire is seeing Francie for the first time in this picture.  I love her expression- she was really studying Francie! 

Here Audrey is getting her first kisses in for Francie. I'm sure there are going to be many, many more!

Francie was very thoughtful and brought gifts for her big sisters. Both girls love "lovies" and especially puppies. Francie knew exactly what to get her sisters! :) 

This next picture was of Audrey sitting on the couch in the hospital room just soaking all the commotion in. She looks like such a big girl. 

First family photo of five. I love it. Audrey has a look of extreme pain on her face but that's just because I was pinching her. Ha! Just kidding-- she is giving us that face anytime someone asks her to smile. :)