She's Here!

On Tuesday, this little angel joined our family!

Claire Nancy Johnson

Born July 19th @ 8:42 a.m.

8 pounds 1 ounce

20.75 inches

Since I had Luke via emergency c-section, my only option here in Prescott was to do a repeat c-section. It's a pretty smooth operation; all I have to do is lay there feeling a bit useless while my baby is not-so-gently pulled from my stomach.

It's a pretty slick way to have a baby, but I am now being reminded that the recovery, especially the first couple of days, is not such an easy or pain-free process.

With that said, though, both Claire and I are doing very well. I am up and moving about pretty much on my own (with the help of some lovely pain-killers), and Claire has taken to her role of newborn like a champ--eating, sleeping, pooping and peeing, cooing, and wiggling the day away!

Clark's parents were so great to drive down to take care of Luke while I have been in the hospital and Clark has been at work.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Don't know what we would have done without them!

Although we have been telling Luke about his baby sister in Mom's belly, this picture is pretty indicative of his feelings at their first meeting...

...not so sure about this...

He is warming up to her though, I think. Yesterday when he was here at the hospital he asked if baby Claire could go home with him--"Claire, car, home?"--and was a bit put out when we said no, not yet.

We are so grateful for and proud of our newest addition, and have appreciated all of the phone calls and messages from friends and family! More pictures to come soon, but here are a couple more from the hospital:

(yikes, where is photoshop when you need it!?)

At least Claire looks nice and rested and lovely!

Proud Daddy.

Wait a second...something is missing here...

There we go...our family of FOUR!