introducing Samuel Clive

Our little Sam finally made his entrance into the world on Saturday July 12 at 3:10 pm after a quick and easy induction. He weighed in at an astonishing 10 lbs 13 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long. And a 14 inch head! No one was more surprised than me. I guess I should apologize to all the people who thought I was having twins. I kind of did.

He has five adorable rolls on his squishy pink arms and a grumpy little crease of pudge at the bridge of his nose. He is the baldest of our babies so far, but I guess he was redirecting all those calories elsewhere. We call him Sammy the Bruiser, but he so far has a sweet disposition despite looking a bit like a thug. Looking at the size of his parents, he probably won't stay the biggest kid on the playground for long. :)

Sam's debut, in many photos:

Both girls were super excited to see their new baby brother and to hold him. I love how quickly they have assimilated them into our family and how delighted they are to finally be seeing him after months of talking to him through my tummy. Sam will have many little mommies taking care of him!

Eve loved to write little messages to Sam on the white board in my room. When I unexpectedly had to stay Sunday night instead of going home that afternoon as planned (they wanted to monitor some of Sam's erratic breathing), her cheery little messages brightened up a rather long and lonely night at the hospital. I love how it says, "Best brother ever!"

Finally going home! I love how Jared and Sam are unintentional twinners in their going home outfits.

The girls were very excited that we were finally coming home. They kept whispering little secrets in his ear. Eleanor's was, "When you grow up, you have to be a pony or a T-rex. Or a dragon."

Jared and the girls planned a surprise birthday party for Sam, so when we walked through the door, there were balloons and streamers and a big chocolate cake complete with a zero candle. I was impressed that they had baked a cake but then they told me they made the frosting from scratch since we didn't have any in the pantry. It was delicious! I need to tap into these hidden talents of Jared's.

It was so much fun to come home to a little party and to unwrap the pictures they had made for their new brother. Sam also thoughtfully provided a little gift bag for each of his sisters courtesy of Mom. So nice to come home to a party and to celebrate this new addition to our family. I'm sure there will be sleepless nights (I've already had two!) and so many new changes, but I love that the girls found it a reason to celebrate. So welcome baby Sammy! We love you!