Introducing...

Caroline Barlow Callister! Caroline arrived in a very punctual manner on her due date: June 27, 2012 at 11:52 PM. Annie had been laboring since around 6:00 the previous evening. It was a long night for Annie, but she did great. We walked around the cul-de-sac for an hour in the morning to get her to what seemed to be the magic "lets get to the birthing center" threshold. Birthing Center was great. It was Me, Annie, a midwife and a nurse (in the entire building, because they weren't seeing patients that day). It was really nice. Annie continued to have pretty good contractions for about two hours after we got there. When she was dialated to a 9 they broke her water. Things progressed very fast after that. Annie was INCREDIBLE.. she was a gladiator! Caroline weighed 9 lbs even and measured 21 inches. It was a very "REAL" moment. I don't know how else to describe it. Caroline's jet black hair (and lots of it) was the first thing we noticed. Where did that come from? Mom is recovering and loves little Caroline tremendously. She has been pretty mellow so far (as expected). Henry and Charlotte are a little confused still, but are adjusting to their new reality.. we are certainly on vigil and have concluded that she will spend the first little while in high places outside of Chenry's reach (although Henry's reach has increased dramatically.. he is now climbing out of his crib.. are you kidding me.. 18 months!!???) Geesh. We are feeling very grateful that all has gone well so far. Welcome to the word sweet little Caroline!!