introducing

Now that we have the past year out of the way, let's get back to life as we know it today.

One of the biggest blessings of this past year arrived on November 18, 2011.  Introducing Lucy Kate Rigdon- 8 pounds, 7 ounces of pure JOY!

Lucy Kate

We arrived at the hospital at 5:30 Friday morning.  They checked us in and we settled into our holding room until surgery.  Micah and I sat in the room, watching random TV and waiting for 7:30 to roll around so we could meet this little one.

waiting for surgery

 Soon the nurse was walking me back to surgery.  They got me good and numb; I laid there shivering in the SO COLD room.  Micah came in and we sat there talking.  Before too long, I heard that sound I had been waiting 9 months to hear- the precious cries of my baby girl.

first glimpse of my girl

As they took care of me, Micah was with Lucy getting her cleaned up.  It was so surreal to lay there, thinking this tiny person I had waited for was finally here.  She was here and perfect.

first kisses for my sweet girl

When I got back to my room, they brought her to me.  Micah and I sat there, just staring at our precious daughter.  After we'd had our time with her, the family got to come in an meet her.  To say that her big brother was in love would be an understatement.  He sat on the couch, holding her and just talking to her in the sweetest little voice.

big brother love

And just like that, we became a family of four.  My heart overflows with love for these precious gifts from the Lord.

family of four

"The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy."
Psalm 126:3