Ayla Brianne aka Baby Danger

We are finally home and so excited to be here with our precious little girl Ayla Brianne. I went into labor Sat night after Jewel's wedding (which we will post soon!) which goes to show that little Ayla is already so kind as to wait until after a wedding to start her way out into the world! haha

Ayla means strong as an oak and we hope that she will always be strong enough to be herself. Brianne is after my sister for her nonstop love and faith in me, our hope that Ayla have that same devotion and sweetness towards her family and others. Although we didn't name her Danger, she is still our little baby danger and we will continue to push her to find life's adventures!

As some of you know, we planned a home birth and I did make it 22 hours and 8 cm at home but with some complications and pure exhaustion, I need to take advantage of our medical system and head to the hospital to get through the rest of the labor, all in all 25 hrs. I couldn't be happier with our Doctor, Dr. Munoz, and the staff at Rush University Hospital. They took all my worst fears of a hospital birth and squished them flat. They were so kind and attentive and never even mentioned interventions that weren't necessary. My midwife says this is a successful home birth story, we did as much as we could then took advantage of the technology we have. I don't think I would have been able to push her out on my own if I didn't have that option. In the end, we are all doing great and it was a life changing experience.

She was 8 lbs 13 oz and 41 weeks and 5 days past her due date! She took her time coming but we are so glad she is here now. I can't describe how much I love her, but I am trying to keep this quick (too late!) so I can get back to her.

Enjoy these first few moments of her life taken by Aaron.
I love these moments with my family as they first meet Ayla!