It's a...

GIRL!!!

Leila Marie Christensen was born Wednesday, November 4 @ 12:31 p.m.

As it turns out, I was only 1 for 3 in my accuracy of predictions with this birth.

1. I was sure this baby would be an October baby, but she held on until November 4, which was actually Kaia's due date (although Kaia was born almost 2 weeks early).

2. I was pretty sure this baby was going to be a boy, but I was definitely wrong!

3. I did have a feeling that this was going to be a pretty fast labor, and I was right on the mark with that one. My total labor was 4 1/2 hours.

To say Kaia is thrilled about having a sister is probably an understatement. In fact, she broke into spontaneous song earlier this morning: "She's a girl! She's a girl! I'm so happy she's a girl! You're a cutie patootie - oh yessiree!!!"

There have been several declarations that "She is The Adorable." And even: "She's the cutest thing in my whole fancy life!"

In preparation for coming to the hospital, Kaia got dressed in all kinds of fancy clothes to teach Leila what it means to be fancy. She also made Leila a necklace so she can "be a Native American girl." Kaia's going to be a great big sister to her little sister.


Asher's first question when I talked to him on the phone once the baby was born was, "Did Leila Marie pop out of your belly?" I think Asher's getting used to Leila being a girl, but he did ask me, "Why is Hermie not a boy?"


My mom with the kids:


Seeing Peter in the hospital bed got some chuckles from the nurses. Peter was a little embarrassed, but I got tired of sitting in the bed all the time and his couch/bed was not nearly as comfortable.


On our way home:

I was planning to write some of Leila's birth story here (I know some people are interested in my experience using Hypnobabies), but that will have to wait. I've just sent my mom and Peter out the door with the other kids to go shopping at Costco. What a contrast to when Kaia was born! I was nearly terrified to be left alone with a newborn. Today I could hardly wait for everyone to leave so I can just enjoy Leila and a quiet house. I realize I can use this time to get lunch, shower, make the bed and tidy up the house, sit on the couch snuggling with Leila, or finish writing a blog post. I'm thinking getting lunch and snuggling with Leila are my top priorities right now, so I'll get the story up when I can.