Sharing in Laughter and Love: Baby Sophia

9 months of waiting seems like an eternity when you're at the starting line looking out. There is so much to consider and dream about when there is a baby on the way, but the only thing for certain is that life is going to be changed forever. There's no denying that on January 30, at 4:56pm our family was forever changed by the birth of a beautiful little girl named, Sophia Lynn Ausborn.

Last Tuesday, Lindsey had her final OB appointment. It was there that her doctor decided that it was time for delivery. Since Lindsey had dealt with some high blood pressure, he felt a cesarean was the safest route for delivery for both mom and baby. Linds was obviously excited to have the end officially in sight, but she had her reservations as well. The unknown of the surgery was certainly a concern, but she also was a little disappointed about having to "choose" the baby's birthday. You always imagine going into labor on your own and hope for that unknown element of excitement, so she was a little sad to be missing out on that. However, I tried to assure her that despite the fact that they were scheduling her birth it didn't mean Sophia wasn't going to be born on the exact day God had intended for her to be born on. In fact, as someone who had scheduled both of her children's deliveries only to have them not arrive on the scheduled day, I assured her that we have very little control over such matters even though we think we do. Babies come when they are supposed to come! **Side-note, Sophia DID come on HER decided day. As Lindsey was getting up on the OR table her water broke! January 30, 2014 was meant to be her day!!!**

Fast forward to the day of delivery. That morning Mom brought Lindsey and Cody to the hospital--I happened to pass them getting loaded into the car as I was dropping Max off for school. I made sure to give them a proper send-off by laying obnoxiously on the car horn :) Lindsey's face confirmed that she appreciated it! After Max's school ended, I took the kids to the sitter and headed to Kettering. Mom and I met for lunch at First Watch to get something on our stomachs before the mayhem began. We sat and talked about how neither of us could believe the day had finally come and that Lindsey was going to be a mother. Holy smokes, thinking of your little sister becoming a mother is just weird. But, I know she'll be a wonderful mom. She has such a way with kids--in fact I'd say sometimes she's a baby whisperer. Hopefully her skills cross over well into parenthood, and hopefully Sophia is easier on her than she was on our mom!

Mom and I arrived at the hospital about 3 hours prior to go-time. When we got there, Linds was in triage, all hooked up to her IV and the monitors, just waiting for her time to come. She was pretty calm and relaxed. If she was nervous, she was hiding it well. Cody was a little nervous, but excited too. They were definitely ready for their little girl to be here with them. I snapped a few pics when I got there to help remember the time leading up to the birth.

Lindsey was telling me to stop taking pictures while she fixed her hair--diva.

Lindsey's favorite. IV.

The official hospital band...

Sophia's vitals looking good!

Proud auntie-to-be with her little sister!!

Shortly after these pics, Mom and I stepped out for a while so Cody's mom, Susan, could spend some time with Linds and Cody. We basically went out to the lobby and stood watch of the elevators so we knew the second Dr. Weprin (who coincidentally, also is the doctor who delivered me, Linds, and Jacob) arrived. We waited for about an hour and a half for him but the second we saw him step out of the elevator our energy surged to a new level! We texted Lindsey the good news and went back to the triage area because we knew now that the big man was in the house, it was time to get the party rolling.

And get rolling we did. Shortly after Weprin's arrival, Lindsey was adorned with her surgical attire, got the last minute details in line and was escorted back to the OR. Go Time.

So pretty in the blue scrub cap :)

Linds and Mom

Off and running!!

Once Lindsey was whisked away, Mom and Cody got garbed up in surgical scrubs so they could be granted access to the OR to watch the birth. They looked so professional ;)

Mom about to be a Nana to 3 grand babies!

Soon to be Daddy!

The dream team...

And just like that, they were off too.

After Mom and Cody left, I went to the main lobby to meet and wait with Susan. We decided we needed to be closer, so we found a few chairs in the hallway of L&D and decided to wait there. It was just steps away from the OR...so we felt at the very least, a little closer to the action. We nervously chatted while we awaited the news. Mom was to text me a pic immediately after Sophie's arrival. It was probably about 3 or 4 after 5pm when I started thinking it should be any time now. I've been in enough cesarean surgeries to know how long they take to get the baby out. It wasn't a minute or two later that I got the first adorable little picture of my niece!! She had arrived! Susan and I huddled around our phones as pictures from Mom and Cody started to pour in. We both sniffled back tears of joy and swooned over how beautiful she was. She was just perfect.

Sophia Lynn: 6lb 13.5oz 20 1/2" Born at 4:56pm

Dr. Weprin holding Sophia--how cool that almost exactly 27 years ago he held her Mommy the same way!

The official footprint

That's one proud Daddy!

The new family--they say a picture is worth a thousand words. I agree!

Nana meeting Sophia for the first time.

While these pictures were being taken and sent to us, Dad and Chris showed up at the hospital. They joined the waiting party and we shared the pictures with them and the details we knew at the time. Waiting is always more fun with more people!

It wasn't long before we saw a little cradle and a gurney being rolled out of the OR doors. Here they came! Smiles from ear to ear and just overflowing with pride and joy. We all got our first glimpses of Sophia and Lindsey appeared to be doing well--majorly drugged up, but doing well none-the-less. She was hooked up in the recovery area and we got to take turns going in to visit with her and the baby.

Mom and Cody coming from OR

Cody giving his spin on things. I think his exact words may have been pretty close to: "I can't believe she's here. I just loved her so much as soon as I saw her." *go ahead, take a second to get a tissue and dry your eyes*

Cody and the new Grandma Susan!

Lindsey, Susan, & Sophia

Lindsey's recovery bay.

Papa Mike watching the nurses examine his newest grand-daughter

Lindsey and Sophie!

Just look at that beautiful face!! Scrunchy and adorable!

She has the most beautiful head of hair!

My brood arrived shortly after Lindsey was moved to recovery. Max had been so excited about the idea of a new cousin. He couldn't wait for "Fia" to arrive and to finally get to meet her.

They were a little shy at first glance....

I'm not sure what Max was expecting, but I'm pretty sure this wasn't it...ha!

He finally at least touched her hand....oh Max :)

He was much happier sitting in the lobby with Nana playing games on the IPad.

Mine and Sophie's first picture--of MANY to come!

Mom and I got Lindsey and Cody's room set-up before they came over. We also brought in some balloons, a few gifts, and some cookies to welcome them to their first home as a new family!