Too Cute at Ten Days Old

Bridgette got dressed up for an outing with the girls (KayeK, Gretchen, and Mommy!)

One Week

The Payne babies at one week old . . . I can promise you that there is no mistake - they all three came out of me!

Happenings

Gretchen loves getting to watch the "Cinderelly, Cinderelly, make a dress for Cinderelly" song on youtube!

Opening Big Brother/Big Sister gifts from our friend, Kelly.  Thank you!

Life seemed to stand still after Rooke was born.  Not so much the third time around!  But it is fun to see how one tiny little baby can capture our entire family's attention by taking a bath and looking extra cute with spiky, clean hair!

First Family Saturday as Five

We played "racers"

and read books (classic Winnie the Pooh)

Some of us took really long naps

 

 We went to a festival at Rooke's school and then shared a picnic lunch

We went for a walk and enjoyed the SUN! 

And said thanks that Bridgette is home with us and we are a family of five!

The First Few Days

Bridgette is fitting right in at home.  Big Brother and Sister are smitten (so far) and have enjoyed having Daddy home.

Watching cartoons with Rooke

Putting Gretchen's hair accessories to good use! 

Super Dad of three

Ryan is our family's champion napper.  He's been helping Bridgette master his techniques.

"We want to sleep with her"

Bridgette Kara Payne

She's here!  Our little Bridgette is with us!  More on her name later.

We are extremely thankful for a safe, speedy, and natural delivery.  To sum up: my water broke at 1:30 on Sunday while I was unloading groceries.  My mom had just arrived back home in London the day before, so she brought her still unpacked bag with her and arrived at our house that afternoon.  I started timing my contractions at 8:00 that evening and decided it was time to head to the hospital at 10:30.  By the time we got to the hospital, were checked in and settled, it was 11pm and I was having to really work through the contractions and was dilated to a 7!  Bridgette was born at 12:05am with a full head of dark hair and a healthy cry - what joy!  She was the smallest Payne baby, weighing 7lbs 15oz.  We thank God for His mercy in blessing us with this precious life.   

 . . . breathe, breathe!

Delivering in a local hospital brought about several differences than my experiences with the first two.  Some were a bigger deal than others (like the walls not being sound proof and me having to listen to another woman giving birth in between my contractions).  This was my post-birth snack: tea and toast!

The hospital had strict visiting hours and Ryan was not allowed to stay the night in the recovery bay (that I shared with three other women and their little ones).  Bridgette was so excited when he came back to see us later in the day!

"Oh, Daddy!"

 Getting ready to head home.  We left around 1pm.

The big kids did great with KayeK and were excited for Bridgette and I to come home.  Gretchen was so ready to hold her sister!

Rooke liked the new car that Bridgette gave him and wanted her to see it all put together

 SO thankful my mom was back in the country and able to be with us for this special day!  

 Super KayeK with her Payne grandkids