Mairin Taylor Holick

She's here and she's absolutely perfect.  

We are so in love.  

Here is how we spent her birthday.

It's always hard to sleep the night before your baby is scheduled to arrive.  I think I slept a couple of hours and woke up at 4:00 am feeling excited and nervous.  I checked my baby app one last time and got out of bed to shower and get ready to meet our newest baby girl.

One last bump pic before heading to the hospital.  Our wonderful sitter, Katie, came over bright and early to keep the big kids happy until it was time to meet their sister.  I was able to sneak a couple of sleepy hugs from Nolan and Quinn and then we were out the door.

Waiting for Eric to park the car.  It was a warm and humid morning.  Sitting there on the bench reminded me of being on vacation and getting to the airport early.

We were scheduled for a 7:30 am c-section.  We checked in at 5:30 am and began the process of waiting and getting prepped for delivery.  It's a surreal experience sitting in a room while nurses slowly come in and out and get you ready.  The entire time counting down the minutes until you meet your baby.

Last time looking down at my bump before heading into the OR.  I actually miss my bump and having her with me at all times.  There is something truly magical about the whole experience.  She was wiggling around during prep and gave me one final kick before my spinal was administered and I couldn't feel her anymore inside me.  I am so appreciative of that final kick.

After my spinal was put in, it was only a short wait until we heard her first cry at 7:53 am.  At the very moment all of the nerves and worries I had been carrying around for nine months went away.  Our rainbow baby was born perfect and chubby and so loved by so many people.  I can't begin to describe the emotions that ran through me at that moment but it was wonderful.

Mairin was born our biggest baby at 8 pounds, 10 ounces and 21 inches long.

The worst part about a c-section is that you don't get to hold your baby until they are done putting you back together.  Luckily that doesn't take too long but it's the best feeling when you finally get to hold your baby.  Mairin cried for the first couple of hours but calmed down long enough for some good cuddles and as soon as she was given a pacifier has been sleepy and happy ever since.

After spending some time in recovery, we made it to our room and were ready for Mairin to meet her family.