Meeting Simon.

The girls had been asking for several weeks exactly when the baby was going to be born. They weren't satisfied with the answer that we just didn't know. Every night when they went to bed they would get excited saying "maybe he will be born tonight!" Oliver would pat my belly throughout the pregnancy and say "baby come out!"

The night before I was induced, the girls were concerned that we didn't have a name for the baby. Neither of them had offered any suggestions and they disliked every name we told them. Elsa declared that she had finally come up with a possible name. Bernard! Amelia thought we should have a family vote between Simon and Bernard. Nobody voted for Bernard, not even Elsa.

So Simon it was. His middle name, Robert, is my dad's name.

It was so fun to see the kids come into the hospital room and meet Simon for the first time. They were giddy with excitement and declared him to be the cutest baby ever.

Grandma Olsen meets Simon.

Grandma and Grandpa Black stopped by for a visit.

Introducing...

Simon Robert Black

Born Wednesday, April 17 at 9:45 a.m.

9 lbs 8 oz

21 3/4 inches

This is the first time I've sat down at my computer since Simon was born. Not because things have been crazy around here (though at times they definitely have) but because I've just been enjoying this tiny little baby and the quiet moments.

The (condensed) birth story.
I was scheduled to be induced last Wednesday (at 39 weeks) because of my history of rapid labor. I was beyond uncomfortable so I was happy to move things along. I was already dilated 5 cm and having mild contractions when we arrived at the hospital. My doctor broke my water at 7:15 a.m. and there was no need for pitocin. My contractions increased and I got an epidural. It didn't quite have time to kick in and I was suddenly ready to push (like, REALLY ready to push). Of course nobody else was ready (despite the fact that everyone had supposedly been preparing for my rapid labor) and my doctor was in the OR so they called for another doctor at the practice. Of course she wasn't going to make it on time so a random doctor showed up to deliver the baby. I really didn't care who was there as long as I could start pushing. Two pushes later and our sweet (not so) little baby boy was born at 9:45 a.m.

Screaming. Healthy. And perfect.

sunday evening stroll: monastery

We took advantage of the beautiful weather on Sunday afternoon and visited the Franciscan Monastery in D.C. which has a gorgeous display of tulips every spring. The kids always love running through the colonnades and exploring the garden.

My mom is here! The kids are so happy to have her here (although probably not as happy as I am to have the extra help) and we're all awaiting the arrival of baby brother.

Oliver wandering.

Trying to catch fish.

We stopped by the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception which is nearby.