Oh, Baby! It's a Baby -- Beautiful Raegan! . . . Jackson! . . . California Adventures

Tyler and I wrapped up our London ventures and winged our way home to Atlanta for a couple of quick, pack-up-the-college-items trip and then dashed for California -- determined to make it there before Ashley and Chris' baby arrived!  And, we did!  Whew!  

In fact, we actually got there a few days before the new arrival made her appearance, so we enjoyed some time with the family there and were able to be some helping hands for unpacking and baby prep.  A, C and Jax had moved from corporate housing into their house just a few days before Ty and I arrived.  Then we all had lots of fun with the excitement, busyness and boxes, reconnecting and, of course, playing with Jackson!

Oh, Baby!  It's a Baby -- Beautiful Raegan!

What a blessing, what a joy -- precious, perfect Raegan Kate was born on August 28th at 8:21 p.m. and weighed in at 8 lbs. 8 oz and 21 inches long.  She has already stolen our hearts and we are all so thankful Ashley is well and Miss Raegan has arrived!  Mama Ashley did a marvelous job of getting this sweet bundle here healthy and safe and Daddy Chris makes a terrific coach!

Thrilled to coo over and hold Raegan not long after her earthly arrival, I was moved and ever so thankful.  It is a great gift to see your precious children have children and love them so.  Birth is such a testament to the miracle of life and a loving Heavenly Father who entrusts us with His treasured souls.  So wish Mike could have been there in person (alas, working in London), but grateful for technology -- the new little trio (Ash, Chris and Raegan) FaceTimed him right after she got weighed, measured, etc. 

Jax and I enjoyed a sleepover and went to the hospital the next day so he could hug Mama and Daddy and meet sweet "Baby Sis."  He's maintained from the beginning that the coming baby was indeed a "Sis."  I'm sure they knew each other in the pre-existance and he came first to help watch over her through life.  Of course, Jackson brought her a balloon (which is one of his very favorite things in the world) as a welcome, along with "It's a Girl" pink suckers!

The next few days were a mix of hospital mellow-bliss.  That came along with busy, Jax-time for Chris and I, healing for Ashley and then soon A, C and Rae came home!  Jax and I had such fun getting things ready to celebrate their arrival (pink plus) and shopping for his treat for his Mama (a blue box - his favorite color - full of tiny treasures he selected like two watercolor sets for he and Ashley to do together, a pair of sparkly plastic pencil sharpener shoes - " 'Cuz they're pretty!" - blue candy, a light-up ball etc.).  Just what every new mom needs!

Jax is so tender and attentive to Rae and such a super assistant!  One night he overheard me telling Mike on the phone that "Jackson is such a big helper with the baby" and he promptly disappeared.   Curious, I thought.  A few minutes later he came running back, arms laden and spilling over with a huge box of wipes, 3 diapers, Desitin, a blanket and a smile.  When Rae starts to whimper at all, he rubs her tummy, strokes her head and speaks softly to her.  Sweet to see them together.

Raegan is a delight, such a great eater & sleeper and easy-going.  Precious and cuddly and with adorable cheeks that go on forever.  Such a gift to us all -- we're smitten by this beautiful babe!

Jackson . . .

Snuggles, park days, play dough, reading, train time, balloons, puzzles, bubbles and all things toddler were a sheer delight to share with Jackson during this time.  He and I are some of the best of friends and he makes my heart unbelievably happy.  Those are times I'll always treasure and I miss him so when we're in different places.  He is wonder and joy and such a happy kid -- one of my favorite blessings, to be sure!  We all adore this delightful, funny, smart and charming boy!  Thanks for sharing your new room with me, at "Jackson's new house"!  It was fantastic!

Raegan and Jackson?  Yes, I'm truly the happiest Mimi ever!  And what a gift for me as a mom to share this treasured time with my "baby" girl, Ashley, as she transitions into the next phase of motherhood.  What a beautiful family she, Chris, Jax and Rae make!


More California Adventures. . .

Daily life with a newborn is wonderful and sometimes a bit of a blur, but I was thrilled to be there to be able to help Ashley and Chris as extra hands in this transition time.  They had it down and did beautifully, but I loved being a little part of it.  And I got to enjoy time with them in their pretty, new home. JaNean (Mike's Mom) and I enjoyed time together, too, and I got to stay with her part of the time I was there.  Thanks for the fun and a lovely B & B!  ;)

* Birthday Celebrations galore were in order as we were able to celebrate several "Happy Birthdays" together during my time in Cali. -- mine, Raegan's 1st Week, Chris's and Ashley's.  "Let them eat cake" -- and we did! ;)