Aubrey Elise

There's always room for more sugar and spice, with that being said, the girls are continuing to make a comeback with the birth of one more tiny baby. Once again a precious sweet soul left heaven and joined our family on November 6th at 4:10 in the afternoon. What a blessing she already is to our family. 

First time parents, Mollie and Aaron, are settling in and getting to know Miss Aubrey Elise. Isn't it funny that she starts out being sort of a stranger to them even though she is their very own? But they have quickly set to the task of getting to know her and realizing all that she already is at this moment in time. They are her forever protectors and biggest fans. Somehow she probably already knows that. She will learn so much more about them as her tiny life unfolds. 

I know this, she has captured hearts from here to Peoria and I've never been able to say that before ever. For now, she's officially the tiniest member of our big family. I've said many times it's amazing to me who God chooses to send us to join our family. Married in is great, but handpicked by God to join us here on earth, that's even better. 

As usual, our family swarmed the hospital with great anticipation of her arrival. We walked and waited and ate and waited and then waited some more, and then she was here safe and sound and ready for the world. 

So welcome to the family Miss Aubrey. Lets see how the day you were born, and the following days, played out. 

Pre baby arrival. Last photo as a two person family. 

Anna and Dale were checking out the boxed items. She was NOT disappointed. 

Then she wanted to get her steps in down the hospital halls. 

What's that you say? You want whatever you want when you want it? Comin right up.

What she wanted must have been a stroll down the hall.

Sissies...and cousins make the best friends. 

Who took this pic of these people?

That would be me and James.

This is what we do when waiting on a child to be birthed. We take over things.

James eats cupcakes. 

Yes James, I was talking about you.

Back atcha David.

So while we danced and played....

They met their daughter for the first time.

There she is, first pic. 

Instant family of three. 

First moments are the sweetest. 

Making memories that will last a lifetime. 

Grandparents meeting her for the first time. 

Aunts and uncles meeting baby Aubrey. 

First day was in the books and happiness was the order of the day while celebrating a beautiful baby girl. 

That's perfection right there. 

And she's already hogging the bed. The child was ready to stretch out. 

Grampers is happy. 

Such a cute little bow headed burrito!

I had a hard time taking any photos out. But then why would I?

This picture is magical. 

Dad getting some me time in with the first born. 

Then just like that, the hospital sent them on their way to Grandmother's house they went. Once there, she had an audience with the matriarch. It was the most important meeting so far...

Grandma imparted her love and wisdom to Aubrey for the first time. 

It was a good and successful first meet cute.

By the next day, she discovered she had found her most favorite place in the house. 

I think they're both smitten.

Grandma's got lots of love to spread around. 

Ninety years difference in those hands.  

I love this picture. 

Dad snuggles.

Marlie snuggles. 

These are snapshots of a moment in time that changed lives and will last forever. The first born into a young family. It's a precious moment to treasure and remember and retell the story of... So now the story of Mollie and Aaron includes the lovely phrase..."I remember the day you were born..." 

Now, Aubrey is part of her smaller family, but also a part of the bigger whole, as we continue to walk this life out together. Doing our best, living, loving and trusting and praising God as we do. That will always be the most important part of us. 

It's the happiest day in our family when a new baby is born into it. It's the culmination of all that we hope and dream to be wonderful and sweet and blessed. It's who we are, and what we know to be. But above all else....loved.

And so we are happy to meet you Aubrey Elise, and so happy you were God's perfect choice to join this big, loud and blessed beyond measure family.

We all can't wait to see you grow into the woman of God you will be.

We will watch and cheer and love and protect and pray over you all the days of your long, healthy and happy life.

Always loving you forever.