Evangeline Kate

On Tuesday, November 1, 2011, the Big Day finally arrived--we were going to meet Miss Evie!  The day before we had gone to my OB appointment and decided, based on Evie's position and progress, to go ahead with a repeat c-section rather than wait and try for a VBAC.  So after a fun Halloween evening and a sleepless night full of anxiety, excitement, and anticipation, we had breakfast (mine was food/liquid-free, of course :) with Charlie and headed to the hospital to meet our baby girl.  

It was hard to leave Charlie behind, but very nice to know that he would be getting terribly spoiled by his Papa and Ali throughout our hospital stay.

Our last photo as a family of 3...what a wonderful 18 months it has been!

Here I am ready for surgery.  I was so excited here--and able to relax a bit because they had already placed the IV (due to my ridiculous fear of needles, that is the worst part for me :).

And at 12:24 p.m., we met our beautiful baby girl!  Evie was 7 lbs., 9 oz., and 19.75 in.  Despite looking a bit mad in this picture, she was really pretty amazing in the delivery room.  She definitely tested her lungs a bit, but she was not the crier that Charlie was.  She settled down pretty quickly and was so sweet!

First family photo (sans Charlie).  I think the hardest thing about a c-section is not being able to hold your baby until the surgery is completed.  I was so anxious to cuddle her!

Our amazing families made the recovery room so much fun.  Clint and I got some alone time with Evie, and then we were joined by my parents, Dede, and Addie.  We had so much fun bonding with Evie.  Clint's mom came in for a few minutes as well, so Evie was able to get to know a lot of the important people in her life before we even got to our room!

I could not believe Evie's wide open eyes.  The first time I held her, she opened her eyes right up and stared up at me for the longest time.  It was so special, and I have been completely wrapped around her finger since (I think she had the same effect on Clint, who is just ridiculous about her :).

Here's our little mouse "recovering" with me.

After we got up to our room, Evie finally got to meet her big brother, Charlie.  Their first meeting went even better than I could have imagined.  Charlie was so sweet and gentle with Evie.  He petted her head, was thrilled by her hat (we were told countless times that the "bebe" was wearing a hat), and quickly identified her eyes, nose, and mouth (very helpful :).    He was pretty adorable about her--he wanted me to hold Evie and then he wanted to get up on the bed and sit with us.  I was so proud of both of them!

Our first photo as a family of FOUR!

Evie brought Charlie a tractor and trailer for her birthday.  She might be a tiny little girl, but she sure knows how to pick a good tractor--Charlie was thrilled!

Charlie even let PawPaw hold his baby, but he insisted on being held at the same time. :)

 After all her visitors left for the evening, Evie got her first bath.  Again, she was so good during the process.  She especially loved having her hair washed and combed.

Little Miss Evie was wide awake after her bath, and loved getting all warm and cozy in her fresh blankets.

She cuddled with Daddy...

...and then headed to bed!

We had an absolutely wonderful first day with this perfect little girl, and feel so lucky to have this special time with her in the hospital.  She really is just as sweet as can be.  You are very loved, little Evie!