Babies Gallore

In the last 2 months, Burke and I have gained FOUR new nieces!  First, on July 25th Hallie Adams was born to Burke's little brother Kevin and his darling wife Danelle.  I was amazed with how perfect she was when we got to visit her at less then 24 hours old, so precious and tiny.  She just set the precedent, because ever single one of these little girls are gorgeous babies!  On Sunday, September 5th, Kevin gave Hallie her baby blessing.  It was such a sweet moment, looking at my husband, father-in-law and brother-in-laws in a circle with their hands on shoulders, using their priesthood power to bless that precious infant.  It was a beautiful blessing.  

Next, on August 3rd, came Amira Catherine Kirby, my oldest sister Amy's 4th child.  We were so happy to be able to be at her equally beautiful blessing on August 29 (they were so kind and blessed her when both Cassie and I were up for our half marathon) and again, it was so special to see the men I love and admire exercising their priesthood.  I love this picture of the family after the luncheon at the Kirby's house, mostly because of the hilarious look on Zakia's face as Gabe gives him an Indian rug burn! Classic.  

I just love how little Amira felt in my arms, so tiny and lovely.  It was also cute to see how much her older brothers and especially her big sister love and adore her already.  An honorary mention goes to Desmond Grant who was actually born last November, but whom we didn't get to meet until Chelsea and Dixon flew in from Singapore in July.  He has stolen my heart with his easy smile and calm demeanor.  Wish we could have been at your blessing too Dez!  

Rather than being induced, baby Jade Rowley made her debut on September 2 ALL nat-ur-al!  Jade is Burke's sister Catherine's second baby girl bringing the grand total to NINE nieces in the Adams family and NO nephews!  It's been fun waiting for this little one as Catherine and Matt like to be surprised and none of us knew what she was having.  It was so cute to watch Lyndee (who turns 2 this week) come into the hospital room and try to figure out what was going on.  When she saw the little bundle in her mama's arms she giggled and said, "Hallie!"  Kevin just bounced Hallie in his arms across the room and said, "Nope Lyndee, Hallie's right here."  She looked from Cath to Chev, baby to bundle and looked so confused!  It only took a couple of days for her to work things out and now she lovingly calls her baby sister "Jwayd."  

Look at these darling cousins just 6 weeks apart!

And last, but certainly not least, is Maia Sophia Murphy born on September 9 to my second oldest sister April.  Maia is baby number 3 for April and she had a tumultuous birth, to say the least.  April was scheduled for her 3rd C-section, but baby Maia had plans of her own and started to come naturally a week before the surgery was planned.  Unfortunately, there were some hard complications during the birthing process that led to another C-section, but thankfully both baby and mama are safe and healthy.  We prayed, fasted and went to the temple, giving thanks to our Heavenly Father for her safe arrival.  The unexpected problems reminded me of how fortunate and blessed we are that all four of these priceless baby girls are here safe and sound.  I think sometimes we take the birthing process too much for granted in this day and age and forget that it is a major ordeal for both mother and child to go through.  No pictures yet, but maybe (IF we get a job and IF we're not living in a box by that time) we can meet little Maia in San Francisco in the next few months.  

Congratulations to sisters and sister-in-laws for mothering such beautiful baby girls.  Burke and I are so pleased to be their Aunt and Uncle!