Welcome Lillian!

The proud big sister.

Getting the weight with the midwife: 8 lbs 6 oz

We have had quite an amazing couple of days, starting with Monday night when I started feeling a little contractiony in the evening. I ended up calling Irene at around midnight, asking her to come over. The midwife showed up around 2, the birth assistant shortly thereafter, and Lillian Marie Collins was born on our basement couch at 5:30 in the morning. The birth was so easy and beautiful (I guess they say that second babies are easy)-- up until the very end, we were snacking and chit chatting between contractions, and then Lily was born in two big pushes. And there have been few days that I have felt so surrounded by love, between our little family, our larger family, and friends it has been truly a beautiful time.

So, we're still catching naps with Lily as we can, and have help lined up with Zosia for the next week-- who, by the way, has stepped up to the role of big sister beautifully. Lily is a very sweet tempered baby, and an all-star nurser, which is such a relief. I am struggling to comply with midwive's orders of essentially being on bedrest for two weeks, but know that it's just what my body needs. Ben is home full time for a couple of days, and part time for another week. And we are all counting our blessings and giving thanks for the beginning of a new life! Here are a few pictures!