...just what we've been waiting for...

You all know how much we have been anticipating the arrival of our first grandchild. Well, she decided that she was ready even though she really wasn't supposed to be her for another 4 weeks. On Thursday, August 12th, Erin had a doctor check up before she and Kris headed north to our house for the weekend. There was a baby shower planned for Erin on August 14th and after the shower she and Kris were headed to the cabin for a much needed vacation.

At the doctor's appointment she found out that she had started dilating and needed to have some blood work done. While waiting for the blood work to come back......her water broke. Needless to say, this changed all of their plans. Erin was admitted into the birthing suite and her labor proceeded along. Around 10:15 pm she was completely dilated and it was time to push. We waited, and waited, and waited and at 12:21 am on August 13th, Paytan Patricia Cook made her way into the world.

She weighed just 5 lbs, 6 ounces, she is 18 12 inches long and has beautiful blonde hair. She is small but mighty.

Erin had a bit of trouble with substantial blood loss during labor, but she is getting stronger with each passing day. With good luck, she and Paytan will be heading home tomorrow.

I could not be more proud of Erin and Kris. They are very calm and confident parents. It is truly amazing to watch them with Paytan. The love they have for this little girl can not possibly be measured.

As for me, I just keep looking at her little face and I marvel at the wonder that she is.

Erin said something to me on the morning after Paytan was born that sums this entire experience up. She said, "Mom, I never knew I could love something so much". I couldn't have said it any better.......