ANNOUNCING....

ZOE OLIVIA BARTMESS was born Wednesday, April 23, 2008 @ 7:31pm.

She was a heafty 8.15lb and 19.5 in. long.  By her one week check up she was 9.10lb and 22 inches long.  Obviously the hospital originally measured her wrong, so she is around the same length her other 2 sisters were.  She decided to make her entrance on her own without the aid of drugs.  (I was induced with all my previous deliveries.)  I will say, I prefer natural contractions to Pitocin any day!!!  We were admitted to the hospital around 4pm and she arrived at 7:31pm.

We named her Zoe because it means "life" and she was a lively baby inside her mom.  It also is a special name for the simple fact that we have a living and healthy baby after the passing of Spencer Mark.  Olivia, which means "peace," came about as we were able to observe the personality of this little girl.  She was so calm and peaceful in the hospital.  Peace seems to be a big part of who this child is and is a nice contrast to the "liveliness" she demonstrated in the womb.  

Eliza and Norah are sooooo excited to have another sister.  They have pulled out all the stops when it comes to mothering their new sister.  I am pleased and surprised at the amount of concern they express for Zoe.  There has been no Green-eyed monster here.  

So far, Zoe is an avid eater and sleeper and struggles figuring out how to pass the food she eats.  We love her and are so pleased to have her finally here in our home.  Mom is recovering incredibly well, though she is still learning how to slip a nap in with 3 kids.  Grandma's Bartmess and Weiss were able to come and help.  THANK YOU so much for taking your time to help ease the transition for the older girls.

Hark! I hear a cry.  She is calling, so I must go.