Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice...

After my birthing experience with James I was going into this labor with high anxiety.  I was scared of the pain, having a c-section, the hospital stay, leaving James alone, and the recovery…But this time I’ve been reminded that I shouldn’t stress.  Sometimes life takes you by surprise, and everything works out (practically) perfect...

 

The labor was long.  3 1/2 hours of pushing.  But the moment of delivery was so exciting.  I will never forget when John said, "It's a girl!"  I am so glad I was able to experience a regular delivery.  I highly recommend waiting to find out the gender for at least one kid.  It makes the baby's debut such a rush. 

This is how alert she has been since the moment she arrived.

Exxon sent this beautiful arrangement to our room.  A puppy for James and a bear for Clarissa.

John and James hijacked my hospital bed.  I am counting my blessings because this recovery has been a million times easier than with James's c-section.  

I can't say enough about how great our stay was at the hospital.  The nurses and doctors were wonderful, the rooms were comfortable, and the food was even good.  They sent up this cute birthday cake for James to celebrate his little sister.

It's been so nice to have my mom here to help out and spoil James.

She went on a shopping spree and single-handedly gave me a baby shower at the hospital.

We came home to a clean house, the aroma of chicken gumbo simmering on the stove, and fresh flowers on the table.  Nana shines in moments like these.

We sang "happy big brother to James..." 

enjoyed the yummy home cooked meal my mom made...

and we've been cuddling ever since.

During a one a.m. feeding last night, I was reading in my Architectural Digest about Valentino's palace in Paris.  I thought to myself how I wouldn't trade this week with Rissy for all of his riches.  It is so true how little is needed to make a happy life...A new baby, having my mom here to help out, a good pot of soup, a warm house, and family and friends' well wishes.  All things that have made me feel completely content this week.  Life is good at the Gregory house.  Living on love…and very little sleep;)