Oh JOY

Three weeks and three days have elapsed since the birth of our new little girl: Sophie Grace Barnes Ray. Being a week overdue I went in for a non-stress test on Friday morning, November 27th. After an ultrasound they told me that my amniotic fluid level which should have been at a level of 11 was only a 4 and thus I couldn't go home...in other words "You'll be having a baby TODAY." Wow. My induction started at around 9:30am and Sophie's first cries were heard at 2:31pm. I was SO very grateful for a short labor and SO grateful to meet my new daughter. Amazing. These weeks have been filled with joy, learning, weariness, fun and lots and lots of adjustment. Andrew loves having another girl and has enjoyed bonding more with Michaela as my arms and lap now have to be shared. Michaela has been a bit more emotional, but for the most part has really demonstrated patience (with me) and love for her sister. For the first time last night, while reading before bedtime with all four of us, Michaela said, "We're a family!" Very dear. My heart has been stretched to love another child so deeply already...I didn't think it was possible. Such blessing!

Here is a smattering of photos from the past weeks. Enjoy!

WELCOME HOME Sophie!!

We're all getting used to eachother around here...

 

 

We had a GLORIOUS first snowfall in Philly which was nice and wet...a.k.a good for making a snowman! Michaela was over the moon about it and really didn't seem to mind the cold. Her little hands were mighty chilly when I finally convinced her it was time to come in. I love raising daughters who appreciate and want to live life out in creation. Fresh air is so wonderful. Sophie even made a 6.5 minute appearance on the snowy day. Really just long enough for the photo!

 

My parents got a great Christmas tree which we thoroughly enjoyed helping set up and decorate. M helped Grandpa drag the tree around the house...and held the front door open all by herself. Then she got to launch the angel to the uppermost branch while sitting atop Grandpa's shoulders. Grandpa, mind you, was balancing atop an ottoman while Nani held on to him from behind and tried to direct Michaela on the angel placement. It was a hysterical production...I hope you have a good visual!

 

After Andrew finished exams (YAHOO!!) we packed and packed and packed some more...and headed up to Boston to be with the Rays for Christmastime. Thus far we have had a wonderful time. We are all healthy, we got 8inches of pristine powdery snow yesterday, Michaela has seriously bonded with her Mimi and Papa and all her cousins, we had a lovely visit with my Grandmother who loved meeting her second great-grandaughter, we've gotten to see my sister and her husband in their sweet little apartment near Good Harbor beach in Gloucester, and I've had some wonderful naps. All this blessing in 5 days! 

Puzzles with Papa

Two purple cousins in the snow

Popsicles aren't only for summertime!

Proud Great-Grandma!!

Uncle Matija with his new niece

I love my Hannah-Bean

Michaela was quite fascinated with the concept of the beach in the freezing cold. She would have happily stayed and made a few sand castles, but we couldn't take the bitter wind for too long. It was wildly brisk and beautiful. A great day. Cheers!