Welcome Claire Juline

I'm in trouble.  Again.  So many of my friends and family have lectured me for not making regular and frequent facebook updates over the past several days, and for not creating an immediate blog post with all the details of Claire's arrival.  I can only say --Sorry....but I've been to busy holding my new grandbaby.  And when  you see how cute she is, you'll completely understand.  

Here's the details.

Wednesday evening, after a few hours of contractions at home, Lauren and Richie decided it was "Go Time" and made the five minute drive to the hospital in Logan, excited for the long-anticipated arrival of baby Claire.  (Note:  It probably took me about that same amount of time to make the 90 mile drive from our home to the hospital in Logan.  Yes, there was some speeding involved).

Lauren was an absolute labor champ.  She was dilated to a 6 when she arrived at the hospital, and declined an immediate epidural because she was managing the contractions so well!  She worked through several pretty intense contractions before she finally got a little bit of help.  Richie was a sweet and tender support.

 She started pushing at about 4:00 a.m. and little Claire was born at 6:17.  After all those hours of labor and pushing, Lauren was a little worn around the edges, but still had a smile!















Richie helped to give Claire her first shampoo and snuggled her up to say hello!

 Claire weighed 8 lbs 13 oz, and was 20 inches long.  A great deal of her body weight appears to be contained in those darling chubby cheeks.

 Childbirth can be positively EXHAUSTING for a new daddy!  :-)

Little Claire has a head of really long dark hair, and already has some lengthy lashes that we could actually see growing every day.  Really.

Lauren and Richie dressed little Claire in pink ruffles to make the trip home.

She had a brief bout with jaundice her first couple of days home, so she got to spend a bit of time on the bililights aka "baby tanning bed."  Look at those buff biceps!

 

Turns out, she'd much rather be swaddled and snuggled.  And this grandma would much rather swaddle and snuggle her.  She seems so tiny compared to little Lily!





























We could not be more blessed and happy that little Angel Claire is here!    What could possibly be more wonderful than four beautiful grandchildren?

Well....five beautiful grandchildren.   Stay tuned!