My little Angel

Baby sunglasses for her baby tanning bed (the billi lights)

I'm back =o) I am sure that any of you that did not see on facebook have already guessed that the baby is here. Hadley Julia Shell was born 12-3-09 at 3:47 pm. She weighed 8 lbs 2 oz and was 19 inches long. With the exception of a small bout with the billirubin lights, she is very healthy. She is a very sweet, easy baby, and my only complaint is that there just aren't enough hours in the day to satisfy my thirst for snuggling and staring at her. I am so in love. I'm not the only one. Ben, Bry and Hannah can't get enough of her, either, and of course, neither can Dad, but I am sure that goes without saying.

I feel a little spoiled with this birth. First of all, the labor and delivery were entirely too easy. My water broke Thursday morning. When I went into the hospital the doctor told the nurses to wait about an hour, and if I didn't start contracting, to then start me. I told the nurse to bring the epidural when she brought the Pit. I felt absolutely nothing until it was time to push, and then all that I felt was a little bit of pressure- just enough to know it was time to do my part. They started me around 11:30, and Hadley was born by 3:47. I have been feeling great ever since.

Hyrum's family and my ward made sure that I came home to a clean house and plenty of meals... I haven't had to cook yet. In fact, one of our friends is even bringing dinner tonight (a whole week later!) I feel bad for my family, because eventually they will have to go back to eating my cooking.

Throughout this pregnancy I have been dreading the baby stage. It as been 3 1/2 years since I last had a newborn, and I was worried that I had forgotten how to do this stage. Not only that, but, even though I knew I wanted to have one more, I have really enjoyed the freedom of independent, potty trained kids. I pictured myself 'enduring' the first year or so of Hadley's life. Last night, as I sat home alone with Hadley while the kids and dad went to the ward Christmas party, I whispered in her ear to slow down and take her time. I couldn't be enjoying her more. She is so sweet and innocent. I love her fuzzy little back and her inability to control her eyes or to keep them from crossing as she looks at me. I love the "newborn kisses" (when she is rooting and I make her give me kisses instead of actually feeding her). I love the peaceful little infant snoozing in my arms. She is already growing up too quickly. She is starting to stretch out a little bit instead of staying in a little ball all of the time. She will already sleep in her crib with a blanket laid over her instead of needing to be swaddled before being laid down. Slow down Hadley, slow down.

Maybe it's the hormones, but I am really overwhelmed by how blessed I am. I have a wonderful husband who is an amazing Dad to my kids and with whom I am completely in love, and I have 4 healthy, beautiful kids that are so sweet and smart. I have millions of other blessings, but even if that was all that I had, I would count myself as spoiled.

I hope you are all doing well! Enjoy the pics of our new little Angel.