New baby!

On Friday morning, Jill and Adam brought the girls over on their way over to the hospital.  We were all so excited that soon there would be an addition to this family!

We waited and waited and waited.  Then we got this e-mail!

 Claire Louise had arrived!

In their words, this was why they picked the name:

Claire - About 10 months ago we started praying for clarity regarding our adoption process. We had faced several failed attempts and closed doors and asked God to make it clear if we should change direction (i.e. try international, etc.). A week after we started praying for clarity, God surprised us with a pregnancy! Claire will always remind us that God made His plans for us clear this past year.

Louise - We have 2 grandmothers (Claire's great-grandmothers) named Lois. They are both vibrantly living for the Lord. We chose this version of their name in honor of them.

* * * * * *

We took the girls to see their new baby sister.

Our son, Josh and his family had come for the birth; infact, Staci helped with out as the doula.  When we went to the hospital to meet Claire, we also went to the Rehab unit to get Grandpa Pete and we wheeled him to see his newest great-granddaughter.

 Grandma Lois and Claire Louise.

The hospital has a policy that no children other than siblings are allowed in the room.  All rooms in the hospital have an outside window and  Jill's window faced the courtyard.  So the cousins could at least see their new cousin!  We were sad that there were great big bushes outside so they couldn't get any closer than this.

After the visit, we took Grandpa outside to the courtyard - his first time out in the sun since leaving the hospital in Wichita almost a month ago. 

 Being grandparents is one of the BESTest things in the world!!!

Adam and his family of girls!  Congratulations family!!!