She’s Here!

Clara Margaret was born August 1 at 1 in the morning. Clearly, she wanted to be an August baby, and decided to wait patiently until that date.

At 10 days overdue, mom was waiting less than patiently, but baby/nature knows best. Clara took only 2 and 1/2 hours to be born after we reached the hospital and the delivery was smooth, med-free, and relatively fast.

As soon as she arrived, Clara stared around intently at everyone and everything. She didn’t cry much, and focused on eating and snuggling. She would not sleep long if left alone in the hospital bassinet, and would snuffle and then cry until snuggled against a warm body. Once she was snuggled up though, she was (and is) content to doze happily.

Clara was soon had a lot of visitors, all wanting to welcome her to the family. (Big sister, Eleanor, spent the night with grandma Sue, who had come over to stay at our house when I realized I was, finally, truly, really this time, going into labor).

As for mom, I am feeling well enough, if a little sleepy. Mostly, I am feeling profoundly grateful for a healthy baby, a healthy self, and the support of a loving family. I am looking forward to the challenge of being a parent of two with a little trepidation, but also with excitement. Family is truly one of the greatest blessings in life, and I am thrilled that we have added to ours with beautiful little Clara.