Anna Girl!

Introducing...Anna Jane Rickert!!!

It has been almost two months since she made her appearance and FINALLY Aunt Gwen has gotten a chance to blog about her birth! Anna was born on March 20, 2011. (I don't think I'll ever have trouble remembering her birthday as it falls on my due date with Lydia).

Apparently, Anna decided she just didn't have enough room left in the womb and it was time to come out. We had thrown my sister's church baby shower that Saturday, the 19th. We were wondering if Anna would come early since she was measuring big, but I'm not sure anyone guessed it would be a whole month early. After the shower, we helped to bring all the gifts back to Sarah Beth and Matthew's house. We said our good byes and I remember reminding them to call me, no matter the time, when things started to happen. Fast forward to 10pm...I get a call from Matt. When I saw his number come up on my phone, I started to get excited. But he burst that bubble pretty quickly. He had been doing diaper inventory and wanted my advice on how long babies stay in certain sizes of diapers. Ah, man!

I went to bed that night and I remember thinking, " I need to make sure I have my phone with me at night and have it on ring tone." I set it down on my dresser and went to bed. Fast forward again to 2a.m. Now, I am pretty sure it is Matthew with some big news...no more diaper letdowns. My sister was on the other end of his phone letting me know her water broke and they were on the way to the hospital. The plan was for me to go back to sleep, knowing most likely she would progress slowly like most women, and that she would call me if that seemed different in her case. I hung up with her and very quickly realized there would be no more sleep for me that night. My excitement had taken over! I called my parents wanting to hear their game plan. They were already getting ready to head to the hospital. So, I quickly got myself ready and left as well.

I feel so blessed that Sarah Beth and Matthew let me be a part of this awesome event! Sarah Beth did so great and I was quite the proud, big sister. Matthew was a wonderful coach and support to her, which was neat to see. Anna was born that afternoon, I believe at 2:41, if my memory serves me correctly. She was 8 lbs. 2 oz., but was still monitored and treated as a premie. It was love at first sight for all involved as you can see from the pictures below.

*Anna, Aunt Gwen loves you so much already. I can't wait to get to watch you on Mondays! You have captured our hearts and we are so glad to welcome you into our part of the family. You are blessed have such awesome parents and not too shabby of an aunt, uncle, and cousins.