Daddy's Girl

Snow Day

The boys built their first snowman, with Gramma's help. She also worked hard that day, pulling the boys around on their sled.

Christmas

We spent Christmas Eve with Damie's family at his Dad's house.

Christmas morning, Papa and Gramma came over for breakfast and we all opened presents.

Below are pictures of the boys playing with their new toys.

And here are some fun, miscellaneous pictures of the boys in front of the Christmas tree.

Evy's 88th Birthday

Great-grandma Evy turned 88-years-old on December 23rd. We took Eva on her first big outing to visit Evy on her birthday. I think it was love at first sight...for both of them.

The 8th Night of Hanukkah

Hanukkah is eight days long. We celebrated as a family on the second night. Eva was born on day seven. Since Papa and Grandma were watching the boys, Kedrick and Victor celebrated by lighting the candles on that final night. I've never seen them hold so still and concentrate so hard on anything like they do when lighting candles. And this time, they did it all by themselves!

Introductions

We were bombarded with visitors within minutes of getting settled in our recovery room after Eva's birth. So much so that within an hour, the people at the front desk had our room number memorized. We are so thankful for all of our friends and family who were almost as anxious as we were to meet little Eva. Those who couldn't make it to the hospital were the first to bring us meals...a convenient excuse to see the new baby, and much appreciated!

My dad and step-mom were the first to show up. Here is Grampa Alan with his newest granddaughter:

Followed by a bunch of friends...

The lovely Giselle

Chelsea

Miranda

Gramma and Papa were the last to visit that night. They also brought Victor and Kedrick to meet little Eva. It was such a sweet time!

Papa didn't get a chance to hold Eva until the day we came home.

Many of Eva's future girl-friends were at the hospital too.

Damie's family visited us in the hospital the next day. Here are pictures of Granddad and Nana.

And Damie's brother and family: Dason, Tess, Ryan and Ashley

The Jennings were some of the first to bring us dinner. Here is Lyla meeting Eva. So curious!

Then Eli, who is now an expert on having a little sister and will be sure to show Kedrick and Victor the ropes.

Here is Eli playing dead (he was just shot), and Kedrick playing doctor.

Troy didn't get to come to the hospital because he was ill. Here are the Drakes with Eva on Christmas.

Big Brothers

Kedrick and Victor have been so sweet to their new little sister. They love her and never miss a chance to give her a pat, a hug, or a kiss.

Here are pictures of them meeting her for the first time.

And some pictures at home...

Proud Daddy

Eva Hope

We welcomed Eva Hope into our family on Friday, Dec. 18 at 4:32 pm. She weighed in at 7 lbs and was 20 inches long.

There is nothing more unbelievable and magical and surreal as that moment when you first see your newborn baby. All the discomforts of pregnancy, the pain of labor, the fears that something will go wrong, all disappear in that moment. Love fills your heart and uncontrollable emotion takes over. You'd think the third time around would be less amazing, but just the opposite is true. I'm overwhelmed with thankfulness. I continually gaze upon my little girl. I can't take my eyes off of her. What an incredible gift!