Mackenzie Grace

Mackenzie Grace Sloan was born early Friday morning at 12:40, on her due date (a girl who knows how to be on time?!).  She weighed 7 lbs, 1 oz. and is 19 inches long.  Mommy and Mackenzie are both home now recovering.

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All of the pictures in this post are from the first 20 hours after her birth and are all iPhone pictures.  They are not perfect quality, but are precious nonetheless.  It felt nice to keep things low-key and easy, not worrying about the perfect Kodak moment.

{Below}  Ah... THIS MAN.  He was my strength, and I could not have done it without him by my side.  He is the perfect husband and daddy.  My children and I are unbelievably blessed to have him lead our home and love on us.

{Below}  Thursday evening, when labor was imminent, our children were picked up by friends' parents for sleepovers. They rode to school with their friends the next morning, excited to share the news that their sister was born; however, they had not seen her yet.  Hubby went to their school mid-morning, picked them up (They loved being called out of their classes!), and brought them to the hospital for a visit and lunch with Daddy.  Here they are with a hospital dog that visits patients. 

Nearly everything about Mackenzie's birth was different from my previous four children.  One of those things was the fact that this was my first time to not need an induction after being at least a week overdue. Mackenzie apparently wanted to be part of the 5% of babies actually born on their due date.  So, unfortunately, I was counting on getting my 40 week picture on her due date and missed it altogether. Instead, here is what I have (crooked, imperfectly designed collage) which I think is a great substitution.  I'd rather be holding that baby in my arms than in my tummy anyway!

A huge thank you to hundreds of deserving people who have sent congratulations, bought gifts, flowers, and balloons, brought home-cooked meals, and loved us through this time.  Our family is overwhelmed by the loving response of so many people who are dear to us.  We are undeservedly blessed and oh, so grateful during this Thanksgiving season when we have so much to be thankful for.