Monarch Butterflies

This is where you sleep!  We love that the monarch butterflies are watching over you :)

Counting the days til we can go home

Today we had lunch with Grampa's brothers and sisters in Stuart.  All came together to toast your arrival and journey to our family.  So sweet.  Also a surprise visit from Aunt Joanne and Karen.  We are feeling blessed :)  Time to go home though and begin our life together.

Two brothers

This is Wesley holding you and waiting for you to open your eyes.  We already know he will have a watchful eye over you as his little sister.

And this is Tristan and you at the hospital :)  Tristan is just like Wesley with blonde hair and blue eyes and loves to run and play!  You will too soon enough.  

So many people love you

So many people love you!

 You are here with your birth grandmother...

 and Grampa...

and Nana :)

Nap time

Your name

Dear baby girl,
It warms our hearts to be celebrating your arrival into this world.  You are finally here!  Cindy was amazing and brave in every way.  We are so proud of her and humbled.  She's asked what we will name you.  You have been 'baby girl' to us for so long.  We decided our name for you will be Vivien Margaret ~ a feminine name translating to Life and we think you will wear it well with your underlying strength we know you will have.  Cindy's name for you is Dakota which will always have a very special place in my heart and I know yours too.

Us

This is us at the hospital.  

We are over the moon that you are here and we are together!

Welcome baby girl

Dear baby girl,  

you are 5 lbs 4 oz and have strawberry blonde hair :)  

You were born at 3:05pm.  

We are so happy to be writing this!  We finally arrived at Holmes Hospital in Melbourne at 10pm and Cindy met us in the lobby.   She had a long day of labor that began early in  the morning, and our day of traveling began early as well.  But you would never know this.  All of us could not have been happier to be together on this day and be there for you!  You are all bundled up in a cozy swaddle and very sleepy.

November 12

This is your birthday!  You decided you were ready to meet the world today.  We got the call that you were coming early so grabbed our bags, packed strollers and car seats, Wesley and Nana, and  began our journey to you.  Cindy let us know you were on your way and you were coming fast :)  She said you made up your mind this was the day!  She continues to amaze us with her strength and kindness.  We boarded the plane in this photo knowing that we would be with you soon.  Nana and Wesley were truly good sports and kept up with our fast pace so another minute was not wasted.