Baby Girl is here!

Aaron's co-workers had this cute little shirt made for our baby girl. 

On Wednesday, Nov. 18 I had to take my Covid test by spitting in this container. 

Aaron's parents arrived Thursday evening. We had Texas Road House for dinner - I wanted a big meal to fill me up because I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight. 

Aaron and Duane then gave me a priesthood blessing. I'm so grateful for the priesthood and the peace and comfort that came to me as I prepared for one final c-section. I was so nervous about a big surgery again. In the blessing, Aaron said this delivery would be a spiritual experience. Each time we've had a baby, I've definitely felt so close to the spirit and I know each child is a child of God. Adelaide's birth was even more spiritual than I anticipated. 

Here is the first time meeting our new baby!! Aaron brought her over to me as I waited for the dr's to finish up the surgery.  I originally liked the name Abigail but when our saw our sweet baby, the name didn't fit the image I had in my mind of how our baby would look! 

We were in the post-op area for a few hours before we were taken to our hospital room. We got into the room in time to watch a special broadcast by our Prophet, President Nelson! He talked about how this year has been unique because of the pandemic and he invited us all to focus more on gratitude - gratitude in our prayers as well as expressing gratitude on social media. As we were in the hospital for 4 days, I loved seeing my friends and family members share gratitude on social media. I've expressed this so many times that I have a love/hate relationship with social media... I felt like social media became uplifting as I read and shared posts of gratitude. 

Aaron was required to wear a mask while at the hospital because of covid. My test came back negative so Aaron was allowed to leave the hospital, but he was required to wear a mask. 

Aaron's the best dad. Here he is changing a dirty diaper and then rocking his baby girl. 

I had my tubs tied during the surgery so we won't be having any more babies. I love babies so much and oh how I dreamed up having 6+ children, but during this final pregnancy and c-section, I felt so much peace knowing my physical body did the best it could in bringing children into this world - definitely another answer to the blessing that Aaron gave me about this birth being a spiritual experience. Pregnancy has taught me so much and I'll forever be grateful for my body in allowing us to have a family. 

Newborn cuddles are my favorite! 

Because of my gestational diabetes, I couldn't wait to eat sugar. I was happy to receive this surprise cupcake one day when I ordered dinner from the hospital. 

On Sunday, Aaron went to church with Eli, Austin and Eleanor and his parents. I was grateful to be able to watch sacrament meeting as well as RS and YW over Zoom! Aaron came back Sunday afternoon and spent the afternoon having church meetings. I'm so grateful for his dedication to serving faithfully in his calling. And here he is holding our baby girl in the sunshine. 

On Monday morning, we were able to go home! We missed our other kids and although I was sad they weren't able to come and visit us at the hospital, I was grateful we could show them their new baby sister over FaceTime. Eleanor giggled on FaceTime and said, "My baby sister got to come out of mom's tummy!" 

We decided Adelaide fit her best! We love that her name means "Noble." We went back and forth on middle names and decided to use Aaron's Grandma Volk's name - Leona. When Aaron called his Grandma to tell her the news, she cried! It was so sweet as Aaron told her that we wanted to use a name of someone that is dedicated to God and her family. Grandma Volk told us that she had lit a candle of me and our baby all day on Friday. She is a dedicate Catholic and I love her faith and diligence in praying for others. 

I LOVE when I see my kids getting to meet a new sibling for the first time!!!! It truly feels like heaven on earth. Eleanor squealed with delight! 

Austin and Eli jumped off the bus and ran into the house! They couldn't wait to meet their little sister! 

Adelaide is almost a month old already. When I look at these pictures, I feel so much gratitude for the blessing and miracle of families. I'm grateful that my body is slowly recovering. My Dr said that there wasn't a lot of scar tissue for having 4 c-sections. So many family members and friends reached out to let me know they were praying for us. Our family is complete and we're so grateful for answered prayers!