Still Amazed

Even though this isn't our first child, I am still in awe at the process. There is no way, in my opinion, someone can go through this experience and question the existence of God. Every single fingernail, eyelash and toe are uniquely designed - every organ developed at just the right moment to prepare the baby to enter the world.

I've always grown up learning and reading about God's unconditional love for his children. When Ava was born - I began to see this in a whole new light- it became real to me - really real. For the first time in my life, it wasn't just words I was reading or hearing it was something I was now experiencing. Now with Emma, it becomes crystal clear all over again.

The most recent addition to our family entered the world last Monday. Emma Lynn was born at 12:57 p.m. She is completely healthy, weighing in at 6 lbs. 8 oz. (even though Michael will tell you she is 6 lbs. 7.7 oz!) and 20" long. She is perfect and beautiful.

We are so completely excited to welcome her to our family. Ava is doing well adjusting to being the big sister in the house, learning how to be gentle...and helpful. In addition, Michael and I are doing well adjusting to being the parents of a toddler and a newborn (or at least we think we are!).

More updates to come shortly...but for now we introduce to you Emma Lynn Garland!

P.S. Thank you, Carrie Fay, for capturing Emma's first moments on camera! The pictures are amazing...

10 Days and Counting

Just a brief update on the status of Emma. Due to the fact that my blood pressure is doing really well (today it was 109/62), Emma won't likely be coming early due to a medical induction. So, while at my doctor's office today, we picked the date for my elective induction - which my doctor will perform at the 38 week mark. If I don't go into labor on my own before this time, she will allow me to be induced on November 17th! Thank goodness there is an end in sight - this is great news for me!


However, Dr. Branaman did say today that I'm almost 4 centimeters dialated and 75% effaced, so there is a high chance that I could go into labor on my own before then. I'm praying for that option - obviously - but we’ll have to wait to see what happens! It just feels good to know, that in 10 days or less our family will be a family of 4 and I will no longer be pregnant!