The Intruder has arrived! ........and is one week old!

Since the Intruder decided to come one their own sweet time..... kind of like we expected, I had time to take some maternity pictures.   Here are just a few of my favorite shots that my friend, Sasha took of me behind our house in our woods.

................and now for the announcement!

We are happy to introduce you to .....

Ainslee Raine!

She was welcomed into this world surrounded by her family, at home in the bathtub on Saturday, February 5th at 11:43am.  She weighted 9lbs, 8ozs and was 21 1/4" long.  Her labor was my longest ever - around 7 hours.  Most of my contractions were 10 minutes apart until a couple at the end that were 4 minutes apart.   I went from being 8cm dilated to holding a baby in less than 4 minutes.  So while the labor was long, pushing was quick.

I will post a full birth story later, I am still reflecting and cherishing every little grunt, wiggle and snort she makes.   We are thrilled to welcome our new daughter to our family!!!
While this might not have been the path I thought my journey would take - it is a path that I am blessed to have gone though.

I asked Sasha to be at my birth as well and she captured some beautiful pictures of the birth as well - I wish I should share all of them, but some will remain private and special to my family.   When I tell her birth story I will post more pictures, but for now - here are a few from that special day!

 Quick decent made for a baby that our 3 year old declared "a purple baby!"

 The blood is very normal and expected -

 I was so happy to be holding our new little girl!!

How can we not be in love?   

Ainslee at 2 days old - smiling away in her sleep.   

*LOVE*

I have been extremely blessed to have my husband home.  He has been doing a wonderful job with our home and our three older children.  He has allowed me to follow my midwives orders and stay in my bedroom for the last week while he has waited on my hand and foot.   Today I am allowed to go downstairs but I will still be on "house arrest" for another week.   This 'old fashion' rule allows me to give all my time and energy to Ainslee and establish the nursing and bonding that is required for a healthy, happy Momma/Baby relationship.   It also allows my body the time it needs to heal and recuperate properly.  So if you see my husband - you might just want to tell him what a great job he is doing.   He has one more week before he has to go back to work.  One more week of taking care of my, the house and the kids..... he deserves a huge KUDOS!