Woot!
I told Michael I was going to get a bit of sleep as I was sure Ellie would be born either Saturday night or on Sunday. I even texted JaRissa and Jamin so they wouldn't wait for us at church this morning. We decided we did not want to be out of town. Sure enough...30 minutes after I laid down, Cory called.
"Can you come over?"
"On my way!"
Arielle has had long and complicated labors in the past. I sped over to their house...and settled in for an 8 - 12 hour wait. I knew the plan was to come home 4 hours after birth, but I expected birth would take a substantial amount of time.
The boys were in bed and didn't know Cory and Arielle were gone. They arrived at the birthing center at 12:30 a.m. I'm going to quote Arielle's Facebook, "Ellie Rae came screaming into the world at 2:15 a.m. 3/24/24 in a whirlwind of 6 lb fury on the birth center bathroom floor. She's beautiful and strong and wonderful and we're all so in love. Danny has declared her his but is willing to share, Benny thinks it's the best day ever, and Charles is suitably impressed. Daddy may already be wrapped around her tiny finger. (As is fitting, Bachan says). "
Elleira Raelynn...Arielle spelled backwards, and Rae is my middle name. Lynn is Cory's mom's middle name. Cory created the name years ago, when he and Arielle were dating, and they finally have a little girl to wear it. It is pronounced Ell Eye Ruh...or it seems sanctioned we can call her Ellie Rae. 💖
Danny has been praying for the baby to have hair like his. The midwife confirmed - she does. Don't you love that?
It was SURREAL when Cory opened the door and then went out to help Arielle and Ellie into the house at 5:30 a.m. WOW...that's quick... 5 hours and back home with daughter in arms! I got to hug and hold her...
Cory went in and brought Benny out. I'm not sure if he was stirring or if Cory prodded him. Imagine - they didn't even KNOW mom and dad had left and here was Bachan with a baby. They'd been waiting for me to come and knew when I came Cory and Arielle would be going to the hospital...but I was sitting on the couch with a BABY.
Benny got settled on the couch and while he snuggled with Ellie, I went to see if Danny was waking up.
I said, "Bachan is here!" and he POPPED up. He took my hand and we walked into the living room. Danny was so stinking cute! He noted her hair, her "little ear," and her "little fingers." Ah - love at first sight.
I came home and began baking....I baked the bread, but also banana muffins, almond poppy seed muffins and baked omelets...ready for the freezer and quick breakfasts or nursing snacks.
For the first time in a LONG time, I was able to move the grandparent's countdown from "number of weeks" to...
CoRielle aren't accepting visitors just yet...shoot Ellie isn't even 24 hours old yet...but they said Michael and I could visit. Michael went back with the food and such while I stayed with GG.
Becoming a grandparent never gets old. Elleira is our 14th grand! What a blessing they are - each and every one! They truly are the focus of our "ministry" these days.
3. Allie and Stacia are safely home too.
