The much anticipated arrival of our first niece & first cousin (on both sides) has finally come! Chandelle Layne arrived on the evening of Monday, March 25th, after two very LONG days of labor for her mom (& dad). This princess, while tiny made up for her petite size by giving her Mama a run for her money, all the while being perfectly healthy through the long back labor. I had the honor of being with mom and dad for the first 12 hours, taking walks, eating good food, working through contractions. It was a precious time for me to spend with them at their home, anticipating their first born. After several more visits to the hospital, Chandelle made her entrance Monday evening. Upon hearing that she had finally come, this very excited Aunt and Uncle quickly tucked their own cherubs to bed, had a neighbor come over to sit at the house and ran up to the hospital to meet her! We got there in time to see her being weighed and measured (5lbs 9.5oz & 20") and have her very first (of many) photo shoots. The Dobelstein family was on hand, tired but overjoyed. I couldn't help well up with tears as I got to help Mama nurse her for the first time and assist dad in comforting her after receiving her shots. Those first few moments as new parents are priceless!
Fast forward to Thursday: my boys could not wait to meet their new first-cousin. So we packed up our life and headed up to Stanwood after picking up Aaden from school. The boys rode bikes while waiting for the family to get home from their first check-up. Upon meeting her, Aaden said "Chandelle is so tiny and pretty." Owen was awaken from his nap so that the peanut girl could get some much needed sunlight in his room, on her jaundiced skin. So needless to say he was a bit shocked to see such a tiny baby in his presence. He stood staring at her for quite some time, as did Chandelle at Owen. He wasn't keen on her crying, but quickly warmed up to having her around. Thankfully, he didn't seem to mind his Mama tending to the baby either (good practice).
This Auntie had a chance to snuggle several times, getting her much needed girl time. Something I warned her parents, that I will have to do frequently! I also snapped a few candid photos from our time.
I decided she looks like Daddy when she's mad...
...and Mommy when she's content
Checking her out
Mom and Dad trying to get baby to stop crying :)
Attempting a cousin shot, ha!
