Claire has been in our lives for 16 days now. We already can't remember what we did before she joined our family. Well, that's only partly true, we do remember sleeping! We had our two week check up on Friday. Claire did excellent at the doctor's office. She peed everywhere while undressed, but that is a daily occurence here at the house so I was prepared with an extra outfit. Claire measured 20 1/4 inches long and 7 lbs. 10.5 oz. I was thrilled to see she had already surpassed her birthweight. She is a fast eater and I had been worried that she was not getting enough to eat. All of her reflexes were great as well. Basically the doctor said thanks for making his morning easy, and that she looked great. I also loved my doctor! He was wonderful!

Claire lost her umbilical cord stump Saturday night. Adam and I were thrilled and love being able to rub all over her little belly. She is also becoming much more alert during the day and seems to enjoy taking in all the new sights around her.

Having a baby is the most wonderful and scariest thing Adam and I have ever done in our lives. We have to remind ourselves that we trusted God to get us pregnant, trusted Him to keep her safe during pregnancy and now we have to trust Him with her life. She is ultimately His and we have the privelege of being her parents and trying our best to point her towards Him. Thanks for the prayers. If you are close by we love to show her off to visitors!!

She's Here!!

Claire Danielle Smith arrived on April 4th at 11:41 p.m. (10 days before her due date!) She was 7 pounds and 3 ounces and is 19 1/2 inches long. She has a head full of beautiful light brown hair. I know that we are a little biased, but we believe she is the most beautiful baby we have ever seen!!

After working through contractions Thursday and Friday night, I called the doctor Saturday morning. At that time she said it didn't sound like I was in labor and to take some medicine to help me sleep through the night. My mom and dad were already on their way to Louisville to help with some last minute projects around the house before Claire came. All day the contractions increased in intensity and frequency. Finally I called the doctor again at 5:15 and this time she said to come in and get checked out. I called Adam on the "planned emergency phone." He said, "Why did you call me on this phone!" He rushed home and we made the journey to the hospital.

We were checked in at 6:30. By the time the nurse checked in on us, I was already 6-7 cm. dialated. They broke my water at 10:00 and she arrived at 11:41.

Family and friends have been a huge help this week and we look forward to sharing this experience with other friends and family in the weeks to come. We will work on posting more pictures soon; we just have to take our eyes off of her to post on here and that is hard work!!!!