Today was a long, exciting day!  Yesterday morning my sister, Ashley, and I went walking, both determined to get these babies out of our bellies!  Last night we were both timing contractions starting at about 9 pm.  Mine were 10-15 minutes apart and hers were getting a little closer.  At 2 am she texted me and told me she was heading to the hospital.  I was awake until 6 am timing contractions, and finally fell asleep for ONE WHOLE HOUR!  I just knew we would both be at the hospital together.

Ash’s contractions continued to get stronger.  Mine continued, but didn’t get stronger.  I packed.  I showered.  I got everything ready to join her at the hospital.  We even asked the nurses to reserve the room next to Ashley.

By noon, Ashley had a baby.  We didn’t know what it was yet, but she had a baby.  As I did squats in the waiting room, I was losing hope that I would have mine today.  I was right.

Attractive isn’t it?

Sorry.

Anyway, Alan came and got Caleb and Truett so they could be the first to find out if they had a brother or sister.

Then we all got to go into their room and find out that Ashley and Alan had a beautiful baby girl!

Miss Laurabeth Anne was a whopping 6 pounds, 3 ounces and 20 inches long.  She’s tiny and perfect and we love her already!

Sweet little hands!

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Sweet little toes!

Then these maniacs arrived to meet her!  (Thank you George and Kay!)

Truett told them it was a boy.  :)  He’s such a mess.  Have I mentioned that he stuck a peanut up his nose this week?  I love that little man!  And he LOVES his new baby sister!  He could NOT stop kissing and loving on Laurabeth!

Neither could this little one.  Truett and AnnaLeigh just love her so much.

We gave her a little pink outfit…that may one day fit that tiny little body.

And she has already received a birth-day cake from Aunt Sugar (Aunt Anne).

As Truett and AnnaLeigh were loving on her and kissing on her, Lilly Katherine, Caleb, and Preston were much more entertained by a cell phone.  Kids these days…

Uncle Taylor and Aunt Kelly were able to drive in today to meet sweet Laurabeth.  Taylor has been in the military, and he was overseas more than he was home.  They have never been able to come on the day the baby was born, so this was a special treat…to all the kids!

Laurabeth is already fussing at her cousin, “COME OUT!”

Hopefully soon.  I wish I had pics of my new little maniac today, but I know the Lord has much greater timing than I.  After the afternoon I had with the 3 I’ve got, the Lord may be teaching me that I need a little more time to grow than my precious baby does.  Some days are exhausting.  Only getting 1 hour of sleep doesn’t help.  Now, I need to get off the computer and get sleep while I can!

Nighty Night!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!  And praise God for sweet Laurabeth!

I can’t wait to spoil you, sweet girl!  (And AnnaLeigh can’t wait to “polish” you…with nail polish!)

-“aunt” kate

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