Avonlea Jane is Born

Four weeks and one day.  It's been four weeks and one day since my sweet little family added our most precious addition of sweetness since Siennalee McCall joined us five and a half years ago.

Avonlea Jane was born on March 12, 2012 at 7:42 am and weighed 8 pounds, 1.2 ounces.  She was born via c-section, just like her big sister was 5 1/2 years ago.  But this second experience was like night and day to my first c-section.  Where I had previously struggled through pain and exhaustion in a haze of painkillers, I was now clearheaded and able to make the physical and mental efforts necessary to speed my recovery along.  It was a beautiful experience - and one very welcome after my first difficult labor and delivery, and not to mention the long, long road of waiting for our darling Avonlea.

Since this post is 4 weeks in coming, I thought I'd give you a little peek at the sweet little face that my newborn has grown into so far.  Her eyes are deep blue, less and less of the slate blue of a newborn, and her little face is round with a dear little chin.  So far she has my ears and Jason's sweet mouth.  We are so enjoying watching her blossom into the special and unique beauty that will be Avonlea Jane Kantola.

March 12th had us arriving at Sacred Heart Hospital in the wee hours for a 5:20 am check-in.  I must admit, there are some very wonderful perks to the scheduled cesarean: I was able to shower (and shave!) before we left for the hospital - I even did my hair!  No make-up though.  Maybe next time.  :)  I was calm, at peace, and surrounded with love by Jason, my mom and then my mother-in-law Tricia and sister-in-law Cheri.  I walked into the Operating Room to deliver my daughter.

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