Sophia Anne (with an "e")

We've been looking at her for a few days now and what we see is Sophia Anne. The most important requirement was that it fit her, and with those exquisite features and soft head of hair, it does. But secondly, it's French but can be pronounced properly by Texans. And the kids like it. Then of course, to my kindred spirits, Anne. I've been trying to get that one in for three kids now. Mission accomplished.

So we didn't get to come home from the hospital until Father's Day. The pediatrician said she had to stay for 48 hours because I didn't get the antibiotic in for four hours before she was delivered. But we are all healthy and happy to be home. I was a little surprised at how much my big kids missed me (Sydney especially had a hard time and cried when they had to leave me at the hospital on Saturday). They helped me give her a little wash down today and even Caroline was rather helpful (and read her a story after she was done).

It has been nice to have the quiet time with the baby to remind you of why you became a parent in the first place and to maybe even make resolutions about how you're going to be a better parent. Last night the girls were trying to get away with something and I reminded them, in a fairly stern voice, what the rules of the house were and that they would get in trouble if they did not immediately cease and desist. Then I looked down at Baby Sophia and said, "And that goes for you, too, Missy." Then of course I sat there and gave myself a guilt trip about why did I even have a new baby if I couldn't be a better mom to the ones I already had. In the end, I decided I wasn't a terrible mother, just one with room for improvement and also with a new little reminder of why I wanted to be a better one.

We have been very blessed to have this new baby. She has certainly done things on her time table. We didn't know whether another baby would ever come to our house, and we were okay with that. Then in the midst of Courtney having cancer, surprise! Of course I spent almost the entire pregnancy trying to be rational and reasonable about whether the baby would make it and be healthy. Even right up to the end I was paranoid hearing terrible stories that keep you awake at night. We only had to make it till the 13th and then our wait would be over. But it seems like Sophia said well, if you're going to make me come out, I'll do it on my own terms. So before we could force her out, she came on her own.

We are so happy she is here. Sometimes it seems surreal but I'm sure in a few days it will be all too real. Thank goodness for good friends and family who have helped us so much. Thank you.