Lucy's here

Clerie gave birth to Lucy yesterday at 7:56 pm. Lucy weighed 10 lbs and measured just shy of 20 inches. (Just for reference, Jonathan was an ounce lighter at 9 lbs 15 oz, and measured 23 inches.)

The contractions began before the sun came up yesterday, and gradually became more frequent, regular, and intense as the day went on. We checked in at the University Hospital in the evening, and Lucy was well on her way. At 7:45 the nurses instructed Clerie to push. Lucy was born about 11 minutes later, smothered in vernix (human cream cheese).

Lucy has Clerie's ears, my birthmark. She reminds us of Uncle Stan, and everyone else of Jonathan. Her hair fades from brown at the roots to a pale blonde at the tips.

Kenzie and Calee watched Jonathan and Addison for us. Jonathan colored a card for Lucy. Calee and Kenzie took turns holding Kale. Addison threw jealous fits. When it was time, they all visited us here in the recovery room. Jonathan doted on Lucy. Addison glared when Clerie held the new baby.

Danny picked me up this morning, and we sent Jonathan and Addison off in his Honda.

I went shopping, and by the time I got back, Kenzie and Calee had been joined by Ken, Reta, Clynn, Val, and Kallton. They'd moved Lucy's things in from storage - along with a clothes washer - and were busy deep cleaning the apartment. We'd cleaned it several times, but we have - as Uncle Mike calls them - entropy's little helpers around our place most of the time.

Once the work was finished, we came back to the hospital. We passed Lucy around, recording and photographing everyone as we passed her around. "This is Clynn holding Lucy. Ah, now this next part is good. Look, now Val is holding Lucy."

Mary Lou arrived from St. George in time to hold Lucy and say hi to Clerie's family before they headed off -- undoubtedly to Chuck-A-Rama. Then she departed as well to offer relief to Melanie and Danny, so Danny could get a full day's work in.

Clerie is resting, teaching Lucy to eat. We're both wondering what the future holds. How will Jonathan do, being the oldest of three? When will Addison learn to love Lucy? And of course, who will Lucy become?

Pictures here.