Some of my favorite things

It's been eight years since we had a newborn in our house. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. I had forgotten all the little things that seem so small but are so amazing that I wanted to put them down to
remember.

• How fun it is to watch them sleep.
• How they sleep with their arms up above their heads.
• All the fun little grunts and sighs they make awake or asleep.

• How they mold and snuggle right up to you. 
• How you wish you could hold them forever.
• Oh, how good they smell!

• How tiny and perfect everything is about them.
• How they grip your finger with their tiny little hand and how it melts your heart.
• All their beautiful and sometimes funny facial expressions. 

Especially that first "non-gassy" real smile that just makes everything worthwhile.

Poor Baby Girl

The first few days of Maren's life were spent under the bili-lights. Her bilirubin level was high when we left the hospital, however she was nursing so well I thought it would correct itself without any problem. The day after we came home we had to go to the doctor's to have her level rechecked and long story short by that afternoon she had her lovely little bed delivered and was soon spending all of her time "tanning". I was a little bit sad because she literally had to be in there all the time and only came out to eat. I wanted to hold her dang it! However the level kept rising and they were threatening to admit her to the hospital so we were diligent in keeping her under the lights no matter how much we all hated it. Finally after 4 days under the lights and many heel pokes she was given the all clear. She really was a little trooper and she came through it okay because we held her constantly after that to make up for lost time. Especially her big brothers.

Life Comes At You Fast!

When we were ringing in the new year of 2010, we didn't have a clue that our lives would change forever. I realized towards the end of January that something was amiss. I wasn't feeling well and was extremely tired!

I was worried so I went to the doctor the day before we were leaving on a family trip to Zion's National Park. He confirmed my suspicions. I was petrified!! What was I going to do? This wasn't part of the plan. What would Troy think? I was afraid to tell him.

I decided to tell them all together on Valentine's Day. That way Troy couldn't freak out to much if the kids were there right? We were still in Zion's, and after Troy had hiked us for 9 miles that day, I gave them their valentines with the news. The boys got a baby bottle pop with the message "You are going to be a big brother", and Troy's was the ultrasound picture bearing the message "Will you still be my Valentine?" My fears were unjustified. Troy was thrilled!! I couldn't believe it! I was in tears and he is thrilled. The boys were jumping around and giving each other high fives. So began the Sorensen's adventure of 2010.

The plot of our adventure thickened when we found out that the new addition to our family would be a girl! I couldn't believe it and had them check the ultrasound twice that day, and every time after that when I had an ultrasound. Every time it was confirmed. So, I spent my time growing larger and sleeping, ALOT!  I also started to shop.

The boys continued to be so excited and couldn't hardly wait for September to come. They kept very busy and Conner started the 6th grade, and Nicholas began 2nd grade. This of course freaked their mother out further. I would have an 7 year old, 11 year old, and a newborn. Who's idea was this??

Troy began to plan and work hard. We had to make room for her. So Troy started finishing a room in the basement for the boys. He worked very hard. He also started honing his baby skills. Baby Kate was gracious enough to be the stand in. He also admonished me to keep my shopping to a minimum.

Troy the sanding bandit.

Then suddenly she was here! How did 9 months fly by that fast?

  After 1 1/2 weeks of false labor our sweet baby girl arrived on September 15th at 7:58 p.m.

   She weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces and was 19 inches long.

We were all in love with her from the moment we laid eyes on her. The boys couldn't get enough and Conner was pretty irritated with the grandparents at the hospital because they were cutting in on the time that he got to hold her.

Suddenly we were taking her home. It was still pretty unbelievable at this point.

However, Maren Dawn Sorensen is here to stay. She is the most beautiful thing we have ever seen. No matter how much you think you are in control, the Lord is in charge. And He knows what he is doing.

 Our adventure continues. We can hardly wait to see what will unfold.