Breanne Arink

Announcing... drum roll please, Breanne Hope Arink. She was born on January 4, 2011, weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces.

The night before we still went out, Gerard's Uncle and Aunt had a 50 wedding anniversary in Aldergrove. It was really weird for me as I kept thinking in 18 hours or so, there would be a new little baby in my arms. I had put off going as I wasn't sure how much last minute things would have to get done and if I was up to it, as my last babe the night before I didn't sleep very much and kept thinking about the coming surgery, so for me this was just the best thing, to go out, have some fun, eat lots (why not) and then I had a good sleep. I also felt really good in the morning as of course, I can't have water/fluid/ food after midnight. I did get up at twelve to have a glass of water and felt way better running around in the morning than the last time I had to fast. I got the last beds washed and loads of laundry folded then dashed off to pick up Gerard so he could drop me off at the hospital...and then it all started... they had a terrible time getting my IV started, of course not having any fluids makes the veins smaller, so I became a pin cushion as nurse after nurse tried (the third was waiting to giver her shot at it) and in the process got a huge bruise on my arm.

...the room...I walk in with my IV pole and get wheeled out in an hour unable to walk and have a new little babe.

Me in the operating room, smiling, only for the camera. It is always a bit nerve-racking although I should be calm cooled and collected as this is the fourth time in six years. I guess it's like a lot of experiences the time I say not again and then afterward, that was no big deal. Daddy sitting beside me, I told him the outfit looked good on him, and he should get a career change, to which he rolled his eyes, at least I got a smile out of him. This hospital staff is sooo not for him. In fact, he hates it, if it was him going under the knife I know we would not have gotten past the first c-section. He can't even stand the sight of blood being taken, which is why I don't bother having him there for the three hours before surgery. On the other hand, I don't get grossed out easily at all. Sometimes I think it would be even neat to see the baby come out. LIFE... a new baby, what an incredible blessing from God. I love this picture, of her first breath. My Doctor (Dr.Enns) is not going to let her squirm out of his hands, look at the hold on the neck.

The pediatrician and nurse checked her over and cleaned her up. She had some fluid on her lungs, normal for all my babies, the thing to do now is skin-to-skin contact to clear it up, and since I was in recovery for the next couple of hours she had some good bonding time with Dad. The Dr. came back in the evening to check and all was good. ahhhhh...ten fingers, ten little toes, and DARK hair, a first for us. Just out of the operating room, I FINALLY get to really hold my brand new baby daughter. The smell, the feel of utter softness of a new baby is so wonderful. What a miracle. And finally, in my room, I can "sit" up and hold her and take her in. Thank -you God for this wonderful blessing!.

I thought this picture says Niessa so well being the oldest and all "Stop taking pictures she doesn't like the flash" and she is trying to protect her eyes. Love at first hold. Even though Timothy was REALLY hoping for a boy he is an extremely proud big brother and did say "Dad, she sure is kinda cute". And he wants to hold her just as much as everyone else. So precious.A busy week for Gerard too as he was balancing helping me in the hospital and running a business. One of the boys also just started school this week and when there is work there it has to get done. Here he is catching some sleep while holding Breanne. One of my doctors, he is my baby Doctor and has seen me through the last three pregnancies.

Out traditional leaving the hospital shot. Gerard was looking a bit dirty as he came by on his lunch break to bring me home, but then Breanne's bilirubin was high and there was talk about me having to stay another night (not cool at all, I was ready to go home) so he went back to work and I called him when it was time to go.