Isla Vera Holub has Arrived!!

Morning of Isla's arrival. Just before heading to the Birthing Center
and keeping our fingers crossed that this labor induction worked and
this baby would finally make her grand appearance. She did not disappoint!

Isla has finally made her appearance after being 11 days late, but who was counting?! She was born at the Austin Birthing Center on September 19th at 1:42pm, she weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces and was 21 1/4" inches in length. She outweighed Sam by about 1/2 pound and and is an extra 2 inches longer, which makes me wonder if she is one day going to be bigger than her big brother. Overall it was a fantastic labor and delivery, it you could describe labor as fantastic. Everything went smoothly, there were no complications and Isla is very happy and healthy. Labor was induced around 10:30am and she was born about 3 hours later, needless to say, everything went VERY quickly, which was great for me. Verna and our dear friend Debbie were there during the delivery and were a great support team for both Quinn and me, we are so lucky. Sam stayed  the day and over night with Jennifer, Evan and Vincent, which was a huge load off our minds just knowing he was well cared for and having a ball with Vincent and Jennifer, who is always a party. 

After delivering, we had several hours to recover and by 7 pm that evening, we were discharged home with Isla. Both Quinn and I were packed and ready to go home after a long afternoon nap. It was great for me to be able to be at home to recover and able to sleep in my own bed. The next day was Friday and Isla brought a cool front with her, which we were so thankful for. It rained all day and made for a wonderful day to stay inside and snuggle down. The rest of the weekend was in the 80's, which feels like Fall in Texas after 100+ degree days. It was such a relaxing and peaceful few days and just all being home and getting to know baby Isla and kiss and cuddle was more than we could have asked for. 

Sam is already over the moon for this little girl. We were wondering how he would react, either accepting or ambivalent. From the very second he meet her, he is her biggest fan. He is always wanting to, "me hold baby Isla." And if she even makes a squeak, he and the dog, Odelia, are right there to check and see what the fuss is about. Sam still hasn't quiet figured out the brother/sister relationship and keeps telling her, "it's ok baby brudder" whenever he thinks she's in distress. We will see how this continue to unfolds, but I think it's a good start to their relationship. As for the rest of us, it's already love, and really was before she even arrived, but her arrival sealed the deal! Thank you to everyone for all the well wishes, food, support and love!

Welcome to the world! Such chubby, kissable cheeks!

Proud Daddy. He's such a wonderful father and support, I couldn't ask
 for a better partner to raise these babes with. 

Baby love.  Mama and Isla getting to know each other...on the outside.

Aunt Verna at the ready. 

Auntie Debbie meeting the girl!

Home at last and so glad.

Friday morning, Sam meeting baby Isla for the first time. Such a sweet moment,
it made me love this boy even more, if that is possible. 

Just a cute picture with tongue out, which is usually her signal that it's time to eat.

"Hold baby Isla!" Several times a day, he needs to have his Isla fix and hold the girl.
 Don't be fooled, his attention is partially captured by Sesame Street. Already multitasking. 

And then a big front loader to divert your attention, what is a boy to do.
Thanks for the insanely loud tractor toy, Auntie Debbie! He really loves it,
what can you do, other than take out the batteries. 

Love this picture, such joy in his face.  Since being post-baby hormonal,
 it makes me tear up and my heart overflow every time I look at this.

First bath at home, she was less than enthused but did fine with Daddy by her side. 

And Sam too. He likes to be right there beside you, making sure things are going well. 

Here's a little size perspective. Daddy's giant hand and itty-bitty baby. 

Day 3 and a visit from the Midwife. Here she is getting weighed stork style. She lost only about 8 ounces,
and is on the rebound back up and gaining weight daily.