She's Here!

The newest chapter in the Leppin family began bright and early Tuesday morning. We arrived at Sherman Hospital at 5:30 am and they quickly got me settled in with my IV and monitors. While I waited for my 7:30 am surgery, I had some alone time with Jason and then visits from both sets of grandparents and my little princess Isabel. I was pretty nervous and the doctor was a few minutes late. However, when they walked me to surgery a little before 8 am I knew there was no turning back..... It would be just a few minutes before we would meet baby girl!

Belly came with gifts for Lucy and mommy

One last kiss before surgery

We won't be a family of three for much longer...

Jason came into the room once I had my anesthesia and was prepped for surgery-- after a little bit of tugging and some deep breathing for my nerves-- I heard the most beautiful noise!! Lucy's little cries! She was born at 8:11 am and weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces.. and 20.5 inches. Almost exactly the same as her big sis. Daddy got to stay in the room and help the nurses clean her up and prepare her to be in recovery with me.

Not sure she looks too happy about her arrival.... :)

My first bath!

The most amazing moment... my first look at our girl

While Jason, Lucy and I were in the recovery room -- our families were waiting (not so patiently) for the good news. Both Isabel and Payton kept busy until they got to see us.

The grandparents are excited

We'll just catch up on our reading until we meet Lucy

Aunt Mimi

Back to my room -- just enjoying the moment

Gorgeous, right?

My girls--- I am so lucky.

Sleeping beauty

YaYa and her girls

"Uncle" Katie stopped in for some Lucy time

Grandpa Davis

Grandpa Leppin (Didn't catch a picture with Grandma Marsha on our camera!! - will need to get one soon)

Aunt Mimi looks happy

I think the princess is very excited to be a big sister.

We stayed in the hospital for the next few days and I got busy trying to recover. I have to say.. I found the Csection more difficult and painful this second time around. I think it is a combination of several things, but mainly I am a little more confident in my mothering skills and slightly less overwhelmed by the baby-so maybe I just had more time to focus on the pain. Breastfeeding got off to a much better start this time and although Lucy lost 10% of her birth weight she almost gained it all back just one week later. By the time we were leaving.... I was SO ready to be done with the hospital. The constant interruptions from nurses, assistants, doctors, photographer, lactation consultants, food service, housekeeping, etc.. were growing old. I think I slept a total of 4 hours during those four days. Jason stayed with me every night on the oh-so-comfortable chair sleeper. He is a super dad! Such a pro this time around. Probably the HARDEST thing about the whole experience was being away from Isabel for four days. We missed her so much. She was in great hands spending the night at her YaYa's and Aunt Mimi's -- being totally spoiled... but it was still very tough.

But now we are home... and we are figuring out how to be a family of four. I am so thankful for Lucy's safe and healthy delivery and all of the love and support we have been given from our parents and friends. This is a new and exciting chapter for the Leppins. We can't wait for you all to meet Lucy.