Introducing...

Harper Allison Rath (my niece)
Born 3/12/09 at 11:33 AM
7 lbs, 4 oz
20 1/2 inches long



Okay - so I know I'm biased and all, but isn't she the most perfect little thing you have ever seen?! I am just in awe of her.

Everything went well. Michael and I got to the hospital right as Ashley was calling to see if I wanted to come up to say hi before the real action started (and to bring her husband some coffee). About a minute later, she called back and said - forget the coffee, just get here! She was progressing rapidly and the nurse had just told her she was going to have to start pushing. So when I raced into the room, we both just started crying. I was (and still am) just so proud of her. My baby sister!

Anyway, once it started, Harper made her arrival very quickly. Once everyone was cleaned up, we all got to go in and meet her for the first time (and find out her name!). When my sister said her middle name, I thought the wind had been knocked out of me. I am so honored and flattered and humbled. I have a lot to live up to now.

As you can imagine, it was an emotional day. But largely, and rather surprisingly since I tend to be a bit of a narcissist, I was not thinking about myself and our "situation". (Well, other than the name thing. Part of the reason it meant so much to me was that I couldn't help but think - even if I can't have my own kids...) But mostly, I was just so amazed at little Harper, and so impressed with my sister and her husband. Honestly, I was in love. Instantly.

Adding to the emotion are these damn hormones, of course. Which brings us to the follicle report for the day. I had bloodwork and an ultrasound on Saturday and things are still looking good - 5 follicles on the right and 4 on the left. Now if all 9 will only continue growing at the same rate! I go back tomorrow. More news then...