We Really Had a Girl.

Pre- baby

Displaying the baby blessing dress from my Madre at the baby shower.

WOW - I grew many things this go around - a belly, extra chin... thighs... pretty sweet.

Farewell photo shot to an only boy Fam -
dropping the boys off at the Andrus family's abode before we embark to the hospital.
Little C hung out with his Dad so we're missing his cute face from this picture.

Our kids playing their hearts out while awaiting the arrival of their new baby sister.
Thank you Candice and Timothy for taking such great care of our chillens!
(photo by Candice Andrus)

Getting the party started -

She's here - and the first words out of the doctor's mouth to ease my uncertainties were "and there's no penis".
:)
Wow. No penis.
It's true then.... we really have a daughter.
I'm in love.

Chunko baby - just how we like 'em.

Proud Papa cutting the chord.

We meet.

Then introduce her to the rest of her family -

Little C

Lou

Ruckus

The (former) Baby - but two is still a baby right? There's my baby holding our new baby.

Daddy

A bow!!! Can you believe it?

Cuddling with my oldest baby.

And giving love to my youngest boy baby.

Flowers from Buckabu and Papa

Aunties arrive to meet their new niece and man the fort while The Beloved and I are away.

Aunty A 

Aunty E

Trying to get the perfect photo.
I love my sisters! Thank you for traveling all the way to ID to take care of my kids and to gush over this new little girl.
I adore you both.

Ruckus and Cousin G at the hospital

My sisters made some great memories with my kids -
here's one example of letting them have a picnic underneath the table.
Plus, they decorated my house with beautiful flowers, delicious meals and new soft white towels and wash cloths.
They did take Little C to the movie AustinLand which made him throw up in his mouth a bit... but he learned his lesson.
Sometimes 10 yr old boys don't want to do what the aunts are doing.

Isn't that the best kind of sleep? Mouth wide, jaw hanging open. I sleep almost identically - regular Sleeping Beauties up in here.

Some mini doctors in our midst.

I had a gorgeous view of downtown Boise from my room. What made it even better were the dozens of finger prints covering the window left by my little humans while peering out.
I love those fingers more than any view.

Back Home -

Fell asleep while trying to read my children a story -
made me feel close to my mom as this was a usual occurrence with her when we were growing up.
Tender.  Miss you Mom.
And I miss you too Little Poppy.

The Beloved took two weeks off of work. I loved it. He was an excellent Mr. Mom and it was fun to have my best friend around to talk to all day.

More help -

Aunty S arrived to maintain the peace and help out with the work load.
Her and the baby became fast friends.
She worked her BUNS off - doing LOADS of laundry, dishes, stocking my fridge with frozen meals, taking six kids to church by herself - and being my pal.
I love you dog.

Our first trip as a family in public -

The (former) Baby dining with Cousin AR

 The boys all wanted colored mow hawks - cousin DR was the instigator.
I think they look smashing. Our sweet little baby isn't photoed but she did great - hiding safely away in her car seat.

She's Perfect.

I'm not going to lie - we did come directly home and try all of the bows on her head.

Welcome to our new family of 7 Little Girl! 
I can't believe you're real.

Your Dad told me a few years ago after hearing over and over again the opinion of others - being that we would never have any daughters - that he felt very strongly we would. At least one. And that her and I would be very close; the best of friends. 
This idea was great and strange me to at the same time. 
I love your brothers. Adore them. They're totally my buds - but it's funny how one doesn't realize something is missing until it finally arrives.
You.
I love you sweet girl.
There's a softness and a gentleness to your spirit that comes from being female.
I love that boys and girls are different.
They're meant to be.
Each having different roles and responsibilities to fulfill.
I'm looking forward to our journey together.
You make my heart melt and you do make pink look so good.
When the doctors were pulling you out your father kept saying,
"Oh she's so cute. She is so cute."
Instantaneous love.
From all of us.
Your brother directly older than you calls you honey.
"Hi, honey" he says, then plows his full two year old body onto yours while trying to bestow a kiss.
Danger.
But we'll keep you safe.
We all will.
You were born into a family of protectors.
Four older brothers - wow, good luck.
But how they adore you.
It's been a wonderful two weeks being the mother of a daughter.
Thank you for coming to our home.
Love,
Mama