EMME IS HERE!

On February 25, 2009 at 8:00a.m., our lives were forever changed for the better with the birth of our beloved daughter, Mary Elia (Emme) Guerra. She weighed 7lbs 14oz and was 19 1/2 inches long and perfect in every way. Emme immediately stole the hearts of her parents, grandparents, many aunts and uncles and friends. I am writing this blog on her 13th day of life and am still on cloud nine. Ruben and I are literally floating with joy over our little girl. She is a true delight. Emme has been surprisingly alert for a newborn baby, and she amazes us every day with her curious and interested looks at this new world around her. Emme loves to eat, like her family, and has been sleeping wonderfully. It is undoubtedly the best time in our lives.

To recap the whirlwind that was her birth, my mom, Emme's Nan, came into town the Saturday before our scheduled delivery on Wednesday the 25th. We ran last minute errands, got pedicures, and ate some delicious food. I don't think I have ever wanted to share something more with my mom. She has been dreaming of a grand baby for years, and the time had finally come. Nan made the experience very special for us by doing all the little extras that I will never forget. Here is Nan holding her Emme for the first time.

My Dad, who we will call Hoot for now (still convincing him that is a good granddad name) was also thrilled with his new granddaughter. He definitely has experience with girls! Maybe one day one of us will eventually have a boy, but it might just be that we specialize in girls. Here is dad enjoying the newest member of the family. He cannot wait to teach her to hunt, fish, back-pack, play tennis and everything else he taught me to do.

Emme is the Guerra's, or Grandma and Grandpa's fourth grandchild, so they know the drill. They were wonderfully helpful and stayed with us for a week to help the transition at home go smoothly. We loved getting to share this experience with them. Emme is one lucky little girl to have two amazing sets of grandparents who are bound to spoil her rotten!

Emme not only has wonderful grandparents, she has a plethora of beautiful Tias (aunts) and Tios (uncles). On my side of the family Emme has Molly and Lee and Kate, and on Ruben's side of the family she has Monica and Steve and her cousins, Jessica, Alex and Ryan, Theresa and Matt and Jessica. I have babysitters galore! We loved getting to introduce Emme to her nice big family. This little girl is so loved already!

Our hospital room was filled with beautiful flowers, plants, cookie bouquets and well wishes. We had a number of visitors who wanted to meet Emme. It was a perfect experience. I had a c-section, which has been a piece of cake. I am in good health and so is Emme. Thank you Dr. Watson! On Saturday, February 28th we finally got to take Emme home. Me, Ruben and Jessica loaded our girl for her first outing, while the rest of the family anxiously awaited our arrival. When we drove up to the house, there were precious pink decorations everywhere (thank you Nan!). Emme was home. It was a very emotional experience bringing her through the front door and being greeted by her family.

This picture sums up everything for us. We are a family. Rube, Meg, Emme and our dogs, Sophie and Belle. Nan and Grandma bought a sign to hang in Emme's nursery that reads "What Did They Do Before Me?" It perfectly describes how I feel. My life up to this point has been a great journey, but now that journey has so much more purpose. Ruben and I are looking forward to this new chapter in our life with our precious little girl. Thank you for sharing it with us.