Brenna

Dear Brenna,

One week ago today you entered this crazy world and completed our little family.  I can't believe a week has already gone by.
You were due on November 25th, but, after consulting with our doctors, we decided to induce labor on on the 22nd.  We kept the decision to induce you largely to ourselves, partly because we didn't want to hear others opinions about our choice and partly because we were convinced you were going to make your entrance well before the 22nd - we were wrong.  Apparently I provided quite a cozy little home in my belly and you were rather content staying put. 

After many hours, and lots of pushing, you finally decided to let us meet you.  You arrived at 2:19 p.m. on a very rainy Tuesday to two extremely proud, slightly tired, parents.  When the doctor plopped you on my chest you immediately stuck your index finger in your mouth and your other hand tightly grasped my index finger...and I am pretty sure my heart swelled three times its size.  You were an impressive little baby - full of fat rolls and chub.  Your cheeks could have stored berries and nuts for the winter months. 

You weighed in at a healthy eight pounds, ten ounces and were 20.5 inches long.  Your little toes look just like your big sister's, as does your perfect little bow tie mouth.  While you don't demonstrate their abilities often, your lungs are quite powerful as well. 
Dad and I struggled naming you - for the longest time we had list of twenty or so names.  Every time we would think of a new name we would add it to the list.  About two weeks before you were born we thought we had settled on a name for you, and then two days before your arrival we did a complete reversal.

Brenna Kathleen.

We are not positive about how your name, Brenna, even entered our consciousness.  I think I heard at the park one day and then texted it to Dad.  We both thought it was beautiful, strong, and different.  As we researched it we learned that Brenna was a Gaelic name meaning "little drop of water" or "raven" - and you were born on a rainy day with a head of beautiful, soft, dark hair.  We chose Kathleen as your middle name to honor your Gramma Kathy - something that makes her a bit verklempt.
This past week with you has been wonderful - you are sweet and snuggly.  You love to be held - by anyone really, but your favorites seem to be me, Dad and your amazing big sister, Addison.

Addison is so proud of you and so in love with you.  She wants to watch you sleep, she loves holding you on her lap, and she insists that you join us for bedtimes stories.  Addie also helps Mom and Dad so much - she fetches clean burp cloths, throws away dirty diapers and makes sure your swing rocks you gently to sleep. 

So far you have been very gentle on Mom and Dad - you are a great at nursing, you burp like a champ and you give us at least three hour stretches of sleep each night.  You lost a little weight, making us nervous, when we got home, but we head to the doctor tomorrow and hope to hear that you are chunking back up.

In your first few hours and days you met tons of people - Papa Johnson and Gramma Kathy were at the hospital when you were born - Grandma Patty and GG were there just a tiny bit thereafter, along with Aunts Nikki and Kim and Addison.  Uncle Brian and Aunt Kelly rushed over after work and our pal Kate even stopped by to meet you.  You came home on Thanksgiving day - our tiny turkey.  At our house you were passed from arms to arms, as your Aunts and Uncles came by to snag some snuggles, even Uncle Jeaf drove down from Akron.

Without even knowing it, it turns out that you were the missing piece to our family.  Our house seems that much more cozy, our hearts that much more full now that you are here.  I marvel at your tininess and can't stop inhaling your gorgeous baby aroma.  In the early morning hours, when it is just you and me, I feel so content and so ready and so fulfilled.  I didn't realize how much I was looking forward to meeting you - and now you are here.

 Welcome to our family,  beautiful Brenna Kathleen...