A Fun Little Visit

I love watching Gracie hold a brand new baby. She just looks down the whole time, with a quiet peaceful, almost reverent, look. She just loves to hold them, even when they cry.

Ivy was a bit fussy until we handed her Grandpa Rod. Then she suddenly was very happy and looked around at all of us.

Clara was quite taken with her, sort of squeezing up with the joy of looking at such a tiny darling baby!

Breaking Down is So Much Fun!

We had a lovely time breaking down on the way to visit Brittani in the hospital. From my dramatic screaming to pull off, to the obvious demise of the engine when John found smoke coming from the transmission dipstick, to the surreal lights of a big ol' tow truck zooming up and backing to load us,

to the absolute coolness of riding in the tow truck, and finally the relief of a quick rescue from Grandpa Rod, the Hero of the night! There really couldn't be a more breath taking night, I say.

It Takes the Sting Out!

Brian is so delighted with his tiny cute bundle.

John meets little granddaughter Ivy

with a delighted smile!

I have to admit,

darling little Ivy,
takes the sting out of
"So wow, that makes you a grandma then, eh??"

And this is was I saw....

as we were leaving.

Ivy Lyn Cooper!

Brittani was so happy to reach a "10"

She worked her way to about an 8 and then got an epidural and was really rather relieved. I was so impressed with how strong Brittani was. She did an absolutely amazing job.

Brian had to be the cutest person I've ever seen in a delivery room. He was very pleasant and happy, sympathetic, and patient. I was so grateful.

Brittani's Mom, Tonya was very sweet also. I loved how happy and energetic she is and how she always includes me so completely, even though I am, in fact, the wicked stepmom! ;) I also loved how she grabbed my hand and held it all the way out the waiting room where we emerged to tell everyone the great news!

I love that moment of birth!

A brand new person who wasn't really there 5 minutes ago, now here, ready to make us love them, so much.

A new baby,

so vunerable, and so, so strong. So them.

My very, very favorite is...

the beautiful, knowing look that comes into the baby's dark, newborn eyes when it hears it's mother's voice and locks eyes with it's her, for the very first time.

I love love this picture of Brian and his amazement and the doctor in the back ground looking on with a thoughtful, amused expression.

Brittani, Brian, Isaiah, and a Little Mystery Girl?

Their Big Day Finally Came!!!

Brian was awesome, Brittani amazing,

Isaiah super!!!

Although not completely sure what were were all so worked up about.

and John was pleased.