Saturday, August 28, 2010

On July 23, 2010, Miss Helen Rae Andelin was born. 8lbs 1oz, 19 3/4 long. A perfect pink little bundle. It was so great delivering at Columbia Regional. Surrounded by Clark's co-workers, whom I've come to know so well the past three years, it felt like I was surrounded by family.

The delivery went well, no complications. Clark was kissing me and giving me encouragement the whole time. Those few days surrounding each delivery is such a special time for us. Friends watched Olivia and Isaac so we could revel in being new parents again the weekend she was born.

Olivia has proven to be a very affectionate and attentive big sister. She is constantly checking on Helen and letting me know whenever she cries that Helen is "thirsty". Isaac is a total maniac, unhappy as can be with our new arrival and letting me know with every shout, kick, and tantrum he throws. But, he is still our little buddy and I am trying hard to divide my attention three ways now.

Helen is named after Clark's grandmother, Helen Berry Andelin. She was a great woman and I am so glad we named her after a woman who left behind such a wonderful legacy. It is also touching that Helen was born on Aubrey and Helen's wedding anniversary. We like to think our little Helen was with Grandma and Grandpa before coming down to earth.

A week after Helen was born we drove out to Wichita, Kansas to drop off Olivia and Isaac to stay with Chip (Tanya) and Dave for a week-and-a-half. After many tearful phone calls from our little Lu Lu, we joined them after several days. Many of the most recent photos are from our time at Chip and Dave's. We spent most of our days in the backyard, playing in the water and feeding the chickens. Cheers to hot, sticky summer days in Missouri - bathing suits and water fights, treats and snacks, late nights, and long naps - a kids dream.