Ashtyn has arrived!

Our little one has arrived. Ashtyn Noel Bruce was born August 15 at 8:03 pm. She was seven pounds, 13 ounces and absolutely beautiful. We feel so blessed to have this sweet little girl as our daughter. She looks just like her daddy! And so far, her favorite activity is sleeping. We have to work to wake her up to feed her! My parents and sisters have been here since the birth, but as of yesterday my dad and youngest sister went home to Texas. Having help has been wonderful. Friends have brought meals as well. Jeff and I are so grateful for such thoughtful people. We can already see that the adjustment to having a baby is going to be significant. But she’s such a part of us already that I can’t imagine life without her. I’ll post pictures on my flickr account–so click on More Photos to see more of Ashtyn. And I’ll keep you updated on how we’re doing. At the moment, we’re exhausted, overwhelmed . . . and so, so happy.

Blessings.

Getting closer

 Today marks five days until my due date. Wow. I can’t believe it. We’ve done all the baby showers (thank you so much to everyone!) and received so many thoughtful gifts from friends near and far. The nursery is waiting for Ashtyn’s arrival. My overnight bag is packed and ready to go with me to the hospital. And Friday was my last day at work for a while. Which is good, because my ankles have disappeared and I need to spend more time resting and less time being so busy.

I think I’ve just about reached that point pregnant women talk about–where you are really ready for pregnancy to be over. The thought of labor is still pretty scary–but I’m ready to be me again. Me without the constant feeling that I’ve swallowed a watermelon or struggling to sit up or stand up or going to the bathroom every ten minutes because I’m so thirsty I drink gallons of water. So . . . yeah. I’m ready to just be me and to actually hold Ashtyn and get to know her. Jeff’s definitely ready for all that too.  

It’s a little like getting married. I know that within the next few days, my life is going to change forever. And just like when I got married–I feel ready and excited and thankful. The picture in this post was taken at my shower at Nanci McAlister’s house. All the girls prayed for me. It was a great moment and something I really needed.

So the countdown goes on. If I go past my due date, I’m scheduled to be induced August 18th. So no matter what, I’ll have my baby sometime in the next 9 days. Amazing.

Be looking for that baby announcement!