Tuesday, October 11, 2011

She's Here!

Introducing Miss Sarah Kate Elder...

Kate arrived on Saturday, October 8th at 2:39pm, weighing 6lb 12 oz and measuring 18" long.

This delivery was TOTALLY different (much more painful) than Emma's. Kate arrived within an hour and a half of us arriving at the hospital and was done pretty much drug-free (not my choice!) because it happened so fast that they hardly had time to track down an anesthesiologist. It was crazy, but the end result is this precious girl, so I'm content.


Emma is so in love with baby Kate, probably a little too much, that I spend the entire day saying "gentle" and fending off ferocious hugs.


Now I think comes the even more challenging part, figuring out how to successfully juggle a newborn and a very active 18 month old. My heart breaks thinking about missing out on even a second of Emma's life while I tend to Kate's needs, and it is very hard for me to see Emma trying to adjust to such a shake up in her world. While she certainly loves her little sister, Emma is clearly out of sorts at this time. I'm praying that the adjustment goes smoothly on ALL of us.

16 comments:

  1. Welcome Kate! What a gorgeous family of four you make.

    If you have time, the Advice Smackdown/Amalah and Ask Moxie have had several posts with additional comments about sibling regression after a new baby you may find helpful.

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  2. Congratulations! Hope you guys settle in soon and as smoothly as possible.

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  3. Congrats congrats! She is a precious little girl and I hope you are feeling well. Those unplanned, unmedicated births can be difficult! :) Oh, and I work with a Sarah Elder. Crazy!

    I hope the adjustment goes well. My sister just had a baby, and had a 22 month old, and she has some of the fears you just expressed. Although it will be a tough adjustment at first, someday (probably in the not too distant future) your two girls will be the best of friends and best playmates.

    Congrats again, and she really is a beautiful girl. :)

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  4. So glad I signed on here to see this wonderful news!!! She is beautiful...hope you guys adjust quickly and smoothly to this new family dynamic..lots of fun times ahead!!! :o)

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  5. Congrats!! Emma will adjust, and the two of them will be fighting like sisters very soon :)

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  6. Congratulations! I also have faith that it will all work out! Hope it works out quickly!

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  7. Congrats!!! She is just beautiful!! I'll be praying for all of you, especially for sweet Emma as she adjusts. :-)

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  8. Congrats! Will be looking forward to hearing how it's all going.

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  9. I have tears in my eyes! She is beautiful (as is Emma!!!!). I totally relate to all the worry about missing out on ANYTHING with Emma, since I feel the same way and am terrified b/c in my case I have two. I constantly worry...but such is life, I guess. Congratulations!!!!

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  10. Congratulations on the arrival of beautiful Kate. What a gorgeous family you are.
    Caroline x

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  11. Baby Kate is precious! All four of you look great and happy. I sure hope the adjustment goes smoothly for everyone, particularly Emma. Congrats on your second beautiful daughter! (P.S. Kate was born on the same day as my brand new niece!)

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  12. Congrats! So happy for you! I hope everything goes more smoothly than you imagined. Good luck!

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  13. Hi Hope in Virginia - I stumbled across your blog and just want to say congratulations! Your little one is so sweet ! I live about45 miles south of DC (actually took a trip to the zoo yesterday) I look forward to reading your blog and stop by mine anytime. Its nice to know another VA blogger!

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  14. congratulations!! she's adorable! i'm sure it will take emma a little time to adjust to sharing attention, but i'm pretty sure all kids (and mamas) go through an adjustment period when they get a new brother or sister, TOTALLY normal. i hope you are all doing well :)

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  15. Oh my! I haven't been on in a while and missed it!

    She is too cute! Congrats! Email me if you ever want to vent about life with a newborn and an 18 month old(s)...I feel ya!

    Congratulations again!

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