Introducing the Littlest Bailey

 

Our baby Leo Michael was born peacefully at home as the sun rose last Sunday morning, August 24th.  Praise be to God!  I labored overnight as our other kids slept, and they woke up in the morning just in time to welcome their new baby brother.  The timing couldn't have been any better!  As magical as it is to welcome your first child, there is something just as magical in being able to share the joy and excitement of welcoming a new baby with the baby's older siblings.  Our eldest, Joey, was able to announce the baby's gender, and our next eldest, Rosemary, helped weigh Leo and announce his birth weight.  The little boys, Paul and Felix, helped Mommy eat her snacks and kiss the baby.  Our midwives were wonderful, feeding us a bacon and egg breakfast, keeping the kids happy, doing the laundry, and even involving the kids in the newborn exam.  We've really been soaking up this 9 pound, 22.5 inch long bundle of love!

Leo will be 9 days old when we drop Sean off at the airport tomorrow.  It has been one amazing week!  And to think this Friday, as in 4 days from today, Sean will be springing Alexander out of the orphanage once and for all.  It feels so surreal.

Felix turned 2 the day after Leo's birth and celebrated with his siblings
by splashing around in the birth-pool-turned-kiddie-pool. 

Daddy will have your new big brother home before you know it, Leo!

 

Also, if you take a look at our adoption savings thermometer on the side bar, you'll see that we have reached the fully funded mark!  What a blessing!  Saving for this adoption felt like David versus Goliath, but thanks to the generosity of friends and strangers, and God's providence in the form of bonuses at work, low living expenses, and Etsy sales to name a few, we're able to bring Alexander home without going into debt. We are so grateful to everyone who offered emotional, financial, and/or prayer support to us in this journey!