How Sweet She Is

I have fallen in love. It took maybe two seconds, but who wouldn't immediately adore this face?

For anyone who missed the previous pictures (which I would have appreciated Jeffrey combing through and editing a bit -- I surely look my loveliest right after major surgery!) or post, I had to take a minute to introduce:

Elisabeth Jane Merchant

Our beautiful Elsie Jane arrived Monday evening. The ease and timing and miracles associated with her birth were such a personal manifestation of God's love and care for my family. She came at just the right moment, when we had my mom here to care for Mia and Maggie, perfectly healthy and plenty big for being a month early, and without any complications.

I am once again amazed at how smitten I am with her. Even having two other beautiful daughters did not prepare me. I love her smooth, olive skin. I love her dark hair -- I have never had a baby with hair before! I love all the resemblances to her sisters and her dad -- I have yet to see much of me in that little face. I adore her long, slender fingers with itty-bitty nails on them. I can't help but just pull her close and take long deep breaths of her scent every chance I get. I like to watch her tuck her knees up to her chest and rest in a little ball -- I always marvel that only 5 days ago that little ball somehow fit inside of my body! Every time I gently rub my cheek against hers or next to her silky hair, I get a little teary. Truly nothing can be as miraculous as a newborn baby.

Plus, Elsie Jane is the ideal baby. She sleeps well, eats well, and has cried for maybe (and I seriously mean maybe) one whole minute in her little life. She radiates a peaceful spirit and captivates anyone who has come in contact with her. (I took her to the pediatrician today and had to wait an extra five minutes to see the doctor while the nurse showed her off to everyone else in the office.) She has not had even the slightest hint of a set-back or a health issue for arriving at 36 weeks. She has been nothing but joy.

Elsie Jane also has a sense of proportion. She was born one day after Mia's birthday and one day before Jeffrey's. So, for the second time in the last six years, Jeffrey received a baby for his birthday. What a way to mark the year with his three little girls.

Being barely able to get up and down, still in significant pain, and exhausted from the c-section, the energy and curiosity with which Mia and Maggie have welcomed their new baby sister is a bit overwhelming. Once again, thank heaven for daddy and grandma! Maggie needs some training in basic safety if we are to keep Elsie Jane alive and healthy with all the love and help that Maggie heaps upon her. Mia is actually quite grown-up and helpful, but they have both been exhausted and overwhelmed at my hospital stay, late night visits, and the excitement of a new baby. I trust I will again feel functional and we will figure this all out.

In the meantime, I just don't want to take a moment of these sweet times with Elsie for granted. I can't wait to introduce her to friends and family in person, but for now, this will have to do.

Elsie Jane smiling...

Elsie Jane resting...

Elsie Jane wishing...

Elsie Jane celebrating...

Elsie Jane sporting the "crazy hat" that my sister Ellie made for Maggie....I am not sure what Elsie thinks of it.

And, by the way, thanks for all those who commented. You will notice her name is ELISABETH Jane. We love it!