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Today is December 19th. Exactly 24 hours ago, your newest love, a baby daughter was born. Even after months of Koda begging for a baby brother, the boys are officially outnumbered 3 to 2. Sadie Noelle (her middle name being an homage to her birth being so close to Christmas) has made your family even more complete than you ever thought it could be.
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The labor was long and tedious, but not as painful as the last two. At the moment, you are sitting in your hospital bed, smothered in newborn bliss as your baby sleeps after eating like a champ. In a few moments, your bubble will be burst by your other children eagerly waiting to meet their new sibling, so you're soaking it in while you can.
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Almost on cue, you hear a soft knock at your hospital room door. It opens with a clang as Lua and Koda rush in, Michael trailing behind and closing the gently. Your two youngest children, dressed in their new big brother and big sister shirts, rushed to your bedside, flooded with excitement. "Mommy!" The cheered in unison. "Look!" Lua chimes, "We got you something!" She holds up a purple gift bag. You open it. "Thank you, sweetheart!" Inside the bag was a pair of slippers with penguins on them, no doubt picked out by Lua, as well as a small penguin lovey. "That's for baby sister" Lua smiles and you tuck a piece of hair behind her ear. "She's going to love it. I'm sure"
KIDS' OUTFITS
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"Remember, we have to be careful with Mommy!" Michael chimed in as Koda tried climb into the bed next to you. Failing to do so, he whined and turned to Michael who obliged and picked him up, gently setting him on your left side. Lua climbed up on the other side and you smiled, tearing up the feeling of having all of your babies with you at once for the first time. Lua hugged your arm as tight as she could. You leaned into her touch and kissed her on top of her head. Koda was less gentle, pulling on your sleeve and trying to stand up in the bed.
"Careful, Ko.." You spoke softly, using your free arm to settle him on his bottom again. "See the baby?" You asked, drawing his attention to the small bundle in your arms. "Baby!" He cheered, smiling wide. "That's right, that's baby Sadie." you smiled back at him. "Can you say 'Sadie'?" He did so, with excitement, and reached for Sadie's face. "Soft, Koda" Michael reminded. Koda slowed his movements and patted Sadie on her blanket wrapped arm. "Good job, buddy" Michael commended the boy's redirection.
"Mommy? Can I hold Sadie?" Your older daughter finally chimed in. "Yeah sweetie, of course! Hold your arms out." You replied and Lua did as she was asked. You situated Sadie into her big sisters arms and she stirred from her sleep. "Look, Lu, she's opening her eyes for you" You beamed and Lua smiled. "She's so pretty" she whispered. "She is" you agreed, "She looks like you". It was true, she had the same barely-there blonde hair that Lua had as a newborn. The same hair you remember from Michael's baby photos. The two girl also share the same blue eyes. While Koda resembled you, both girls were all Michael. But you weren't complaining.
"Koda, wanna hold her?" Lua turned to her little brother and asked. That made your heart absolutely melt. Lua has always been the best big sister. "Yes! I can hold!" Koda cheered, looking at you. He reached out mimicking Lua's arm position. "Okay bud, remember to be careful." Michael said as he came over to take the tiny baby from her big sister. She cooed softly at the touch but didn't make much of a fuss. Michael carefully placed her into Koda's arms and he smiled. "Mommy! I holding Sadie!" He all but shouted. You chucked a bit and responded. "Yes, buddy, you are. Let's use our inside voice please." You smiled up at Michael. "Let's hope the novelty wears off by the time we bring her home." Your husband nods in agreement and is quick to snap a photo before Sadie opens her mouth to let out a shrill cry that startles her older brother. He looks to you in confusion.
"Oh, here, baby.." You pout and take the youngest Clifford from Koda's arms. "I think she just needs her diaper changed" You remark and lift the baby up toward Michael. "Do the honors, Daddy?" You laugh as Michael takes his daughter into his arms and kisses her as she cries. "I'd be delighted.." He chuckles, then mumbles something to the baby you can't quite hear.
After about an hour of family time, it's time for Sadie to eat again, and about time for Koda's nap. He is almost drifting off in the uncomfortable chair next to Sadie's bassinet, but he doesn't want to stop staring at her. "Hey munchkins, wanna go visit Granny so baby sister can eat, and Mommy can sleep?" Michael asks, patting Lua's leg. She nods and yawns. Maybe everyone could go for a nap. 'Nooo! Stay with Sadie!" Koda whines, reaching for his sister. "Michael stands and plucks the boy off the chair into his arms. "Sadie will be home tomorrow, and you can stay with her as long as you want. Okay?" The young boy nods sheepishly, leaning into Michael's neck. Michael leans down to give you a quick peck. "I love you" he whispers into your lips. "I love you too." You reply. As your little family leaves, you reach into the bassinet to pick up your youngest daughter to feed her. "Just us again, baby" You whisper. "But get used to the chaos."
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