Norah Jane

Our sweet girl has arrived!  Norah Jane Johnson was born on December, 12, 2012 at 2:14 pm.  Yes, that is 12/12/12 at 14:14.  Best of all, it was her Daddy's birthday!

Norah is from the Greek name Eleanora, meaning light.  Jane is a feminine version of the name John, which means God is gracious.

Just Born!

 Official weight: 9 lbs, 14.5 ounces.  They just rounded up to 15 ounces.  And, she was 23 inches long.  Ummmm...wasn't expecting these numbers!

Best. Doctor. Ever.

First Bath (given by the nurse)...

She wasn't a huge fan of the bathing process.

Chubby thighs!

This is the first time I actually saw her open her eyes.  She kept them closed for quite a while after birth.

Some of our family got to come meet Norah (I forgot to take a picture of Grandpa!)...and many more will get to meet her in a couple of weeks, on Christmas and the days surrounding it.

Auntie Heidi and Kimball both had the day off, and came to visit today.

 Grandma brought Caleb, Meredith and Shane to meet their new baby sister.  They have been so excited to meet her!

Immediately after meeting Norah, Caleb asked to hold her.  Meredith and Shane quickly followed his lead and also wanted their own turn to hold her.  Shane rarely took his eyes off of her.

Proud Grandma!

Shane & Meredith checking her out...Shane kept pointing out her eyes, nose, ears, etc.  And he was intrigued with the pacifier.  Meredith wanted to look for her toes, and did a perfect job of covering her up with the pink blankie.

 Getting ready to go home...

She wasn't too happy with the whole changing-her-clothes thing!

That's better.

Ready to go!  Those cheeks, seriously.

God was so faithful to us throughout my pregnancy.  And, he continued to show favor on us during labor and delivery.  I had some fears going into this process, and He was more than gracious.   

Best of all, the ultrasound that was done on Norah last night showed perfectly functioning kidneys.  Thank you for praying.  And, glory goes to the LORD for healing her.  We feel so incredibly blessed.

 We were allowed to go home this afternoon, after about 24 hours.  Thank you to Grandma (and Grandpa!) for caring for the bigger kids for the next two nights, so that we can spend some quiet time at home with just our newest little peanut (can you call an almost-10 pound baby a peanut?!).

Norah is currently sleeping peacefully in daddy's lap, and will likely be ready to eat again soon.  She is just precious and we can't wait for you to meet her.

40 Weeks!

 

Last belly shot.  It's Baby Time!  Lord-willing, my next blog post will include pictures of our little girl - on the OUTSIDE.

Hand Print Manger Craft

 I just love hand print crafts. Doesn't every mom?!  Today, the kiddos used their painted hand prints to make Baby Jesus' manger.  They glued on yellow yarn for the hay, and then added Baby Jesus (half of a Popsicle stick wrapped in blue felt, all held together with hot glue and white yarn).  They added Popsicle sticks for the stable, and glittery star stickers for the sky.  I think they turned out really sweet!

Meredith's

Caleb's

Shane's

Caleb's Christmas Program

Caleb had his school (home school co-op) Christmas program today.  His class sang Away in a Manger and The Night That Jesus Was Born.  They also recited a candy cane poem.  

 Waiting for the show to begin...

Caleb loved wearing his "dressy clothes".  After he had everything on, he said "I look just like Daddy!"

The kiddos all did a great job, and Ms. Melissa did a wonderful job getting them ready for the performance.

"The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head..."

"The stars in the sky look down where he lay..."

"The stars were shining overhead...on the night that Jesus was born."

"The shepherd heard the angels sing...on the night that Jesus was born."

Look at the candy cane, what do you see?

Stripes that are red like the blood shed for me.

White is for my Savior, sinless and pure.

"J" is for Jesus, my Lord - that's for sure!

Turn it around, and a staff you will see.

Jesus, my shepherd who died just for me.

Caleb with one of his favorite friends...

He got a music medal after the show - he was so proud!  And, he was really excited because it looks "treasurey" (like pirate treasure)!

39 weeks!

39 Weeks + 1 Day today.  No comparison pics this time, as this is officially the latest me-being-pregnant-photo that exists at this point!

I had a doctor's appointment today....nothing too eventful to report.  Still just at 1-2 cm, no contractions.  By this point last time around, Shane was already 1 week old (he was born at 38 weeks).  And Meredith was actually born right at 39 weeks.  Granted, I was induced (for different reasons each time) with both of them, but I was 3-4 cm. dilated before each of those inductions.  I have to admit that I am surprised that I am not further along, progress-wise!  I went into labor naturally with Caleb and he was born 3 days before his due date.  It's so interesting how each pregnancy can be so different. 

My doctor prefers not to let her patients go past 40 weeks, so if baby doesn't come before next Wednesday (my actual due date - 12/12 - also Kris' birthday), I will be induced that morning - I have the appointment scheduled, but I am really hoping to go into labor before then.

As ready as I am to meet this precious girl, I am okay if she hangs out inside for a bit longer.  I am still feeling pretty good (though heartburn is making it difficult to fall asleep at night).  And, there's of course something very special about carrying her inside of me.  I am glad that I still feel great, so that I can enjoy these last precious days of pregnancy, and so that I can enjoy more time with just my 3 other little ones.  And, Caleb has his school Christmas program on Saturday, which I really don't want to miss!

Stay tuned!