Makenna Betty

Our new little bundle of joy has arrived! Makenna joined our family on May 5th at 4:28p.m. after what Daddy calls a 15 hour labor (he started the count with the first contraction). I went into labor in the middle of the night. After having several nights of contractions throughout the night I wasn't sure to trust that this was the real thing. When we arrived at the hospital and up to the labor and delivery floor my contractions were probably about every 3 minutes apart. They admitted me and were happy with the progress I was making, as were we! There was a time where my contractions spread out, so they had to help me along with a little pitocin, but this got things moving along again and I had an awesome epidural. Our exciting day was completed with a successful "natural" delivery with our awesome nurse Kathy and my doctor! We couldn't be happier with how the delivery went, the people who were there to help us (and the people who were at home with Denver...thanks a million to Paula, Grandma Kim, and Grandma Verni), and our beautiful, healthy, baby girl!

My labor nurse Kathy (who also taught me the ropes on L&D when I did a 120 hour internship during nursing school). We were so happy she was there to help us!

Denver meeting his baby sister for the first time!Denver loves his baby sister Makenna!Makenna's first bath!Getting her hearing tested (this is a requirement for all

babies before they go home...of course she passed!).First family photo.Mommy and her kids!

Makenna's first name was chosen just as a name that we both liked. Her middle name, Betty, is after her only Great-Grandma that she will not get to meet. For those of you who knew her know that words cannot describe her fully, as she was truly an amazing women. My hope and prayer is that Makenna and I are able to follow in her footsteps and live our lives with as much purpose and strength as Grandma Betty (and Grandma Verni too) did. We have big shoes to fill, but I believe we can do it!

Look how strong I am at only 30 hours old!Daddy's Girls!Daddy didn't know he could love a little girl so much!

Makenna and I were discharged from the hospital today and are very happy to be home. Denver is adjusting well so far. He likes to go quick love on her and then be about his way again. I am anxious to see how our first night goes, but I did keep Makenna in the nursery at the hospital so I could get some good sleep before my sleepless nights and days began! (Link to her cradle roll picture http://www.sanfordhealth.org/CradleRoll/BabyList.cfm?CradleRollParentId=26025)

Going Home!

Finally at home!

We want to thank each and every one of you for all of your prayers for us, my delivery, Denver, and Makenna. God truly listened and answered! We ask that you continue to pray for us as we transition into our lives as a family of 4!