Bringing Home Beatrix

This is the story of how our daughter became part of our family.  (On a side note, if you don’t like birth stories you can just skip down to the pretty wedding photos!)

Beatrix Marie was born on November 29th (fashionably late by 5 days).  While all the boys were born either right on time or early, and were born conveniently during the day, Beatrix’s birth was a little more dramatic.  I went into labor around 2am and we had to wake up all the kids plus my parents and head to the hospital.  We listened to Christmas music on the way and in between contractions I explained to Atticus that we were going to the hospital but that Noni and Papa would bring him back home to bed. He was excited to be out in the middle of the night and not happy when he wasn’t allowed to stay at the hospital with us.

It was a long labor (compared to my other quick births) but fortunately without complications.

Beatrix was born at 9:46am and we were delighted to see that she was indeed a girl!  There is absolutely nothing in this world that compares to the rush of having your child, your brand new baby, placed into your arms for the first time.  Such a short moment of your life yet powerful beyond words.  I remember holding each of my children for the first time and am pretty much reduced to tears just thinking about them.

Bea is perfect.  Ten fingers, ten toes and just enough fluffy hair to be respectable.  She looks like her brothers which makes me laugh.  She looks around in complete amazement and coos her soft sounds.  I can’t get enough of her.  I’m afraid that if I put her down she’ll grow and I don’t want that to happen yet.  I took a few pictures of her while we were in the hospital because I know in just a few days she’ll already have changed.

I spent our two days in the hospital holding her, smelling her glorious newborn smell, resting, and visiting with family.  The boys came to visit a couple of times bearing gifts and flowers. I think the second most wonderful memory with my children is seeing them meet their siblings for the first time.  At seeing Bea for the first time Finley said, “Mom, your body makes beautiful babies!”.  Well, thank you Finn, I couldn’t agree more!

On December 2nd, my 35th birthday, we brought Beatrix home. The boys were all in school and it was nice for Doug and I to have some quiet time with her and get settled into the house.  Here is what we came home to:

And here are the beautiful flowers and notes from the boys:

We have survived our first three nights and are balancing the transition of a new baby plus 3 kids.    They too are learning to adjust to this recent addition.  I’m not going to suggest that this is easy but the great thing about being seasoned parents is that you can take deep breaths and know from experience that this will not last forever.

My heart swells when I look at our four beautiful children.  It melts when I see them kiss her on the head and hold her in their arms.  I am tired and emotional (and feel like all I do is sit on the couch and nurse her) but I don’t want to miss one second of this time in our lives.  She will grow up no matter how much I wish to slow it down.  They will all keep growing.  Every. Single. Day.

I feel like there’s so much more to say.  Too few words to express this miracle.  I don’t think I do it justice.  But that’s ok,  this will have to do for now.  I have a baby to hold.

XOXO~Kate (and family)

P.S.  A very  special thanks to my Mom for taking care of the boys while we were having Bea and for documenting this incredible time in the hospital for us.  I can’t wait to have a friendship with my daughter and hope it’s as wonderful as what I have with you.  We love you Noni!

comments +

  1. Jen Swartout says:

    kate – congratulations. (and, this was a beautiful monday morning read 🙂 )

  2. Katie Shaw says:

    Way to make me cry, Kate!! Hahah! I know exactly what you mean. I look at Sophie who will be 12 weeks old Wednesday, and I wonder where the time has gone:( Congratulations Kate and family! Bea is just precious!

  3. Andi Taglia. e+ says:

    Congratulations and Welcome Beatrix! What a wonderful birth story…thanks for sharing the words and beautiful pictures. I am so happy for you. I know you are enjoying every moment. XO’s Andi

  4. kim says:

    So beautiful…makes me want another…thanks KATE!

  5. Amy Grenier says:

    Oh Kate your talent for words, photos, and beautiful children is tremendous. I couldn’t have said it better. You are blessed and so is she. xoxo. and thanks for the tears 🙂

  6. Louisa says:

    Beautiful story, beautiful photos and beautiful Beatrix! Thank you for sharing. Congratulations and love to all the family including Noni!

  7. Carrie Levesque says:

    I loved reading your story. Thanks for sharing Kate! I’ll be thinking about you all 🙂 Enjoy (and Happy Birthday to you!).

  8. Amanda Hayden says:

    Congrats to you and your beautiful family, Kate! What a wonderful birthday gift! 🙂 xo

  9. Erica Marshall says:

    So wonderful Kate! She is precious and Finley’s comment brought tears to my eyes! How incredibly lucky you all are! I know I don’t have to tell you this but, enjoy every minute with her! I can’t wait to meet her!!

  10. Jen says:

    So beautiful. Of course I’m crying reading this!

  11. Courtney says:

    What a beautiful story! She is one lucky little lady to have such an amazing family. And you’re right – it all happens WAY TOO FAST! Can’t wait to meet her!

  12. Anne says:

    Oh how lovely and perfect she is Katie. I love the picture of the boys in their socks! Can’t wait to meet her.

  13. Linda Buttrick says:

    Even now, I remember the first time I gazed at my newborns. You have brought me back to a time that I loved in my life–giving life! You have a way of choosing just the right words for your intimate details and personal feelings, Kate. Thanks for letting us be part of this beautiful gift–Beatrix. She will be nurtured and swathed in love. Happy, happy birtday, my friend.

    Love, Linda

  14. Christina Wolf says:

    What a lovely story, Kate! I’m teary-eyed and nostalgic for that first moment of welcoming a new baby into the world. The expressions on your boys faces are precious, they seem so excited to have a sister. Love to all of you!

  15. Meggie Preftakes says:

    I am so excited and grateful to have another family member. She is so beautiful, and fits so perfectly with the rest of the family. I am anxiously awaiting Christmas vacation when I can come home and meet her. Until then I am counting on the boys to catch her up to speed on everything she needs to know for surviving the Irvine and Preftakes family.
    I love you, and Happy Birthday!

  16. Nancy Gervais says:

    Congratulations, Kate and Doug! Mary Ann sent me the link to your site above, and I can’t tell you how beautiful and touching both your narrative and the photos were.
    I so enjoyed having the chance to share your experience if only for a few brief moments.
    Sweet, indeed, is this very special time…

    And — Merry Christmas on top of everything else!
    Nancy(Gervais)

  17. donna Bogdzewic says:

    What you just shared has touched me so deeply-I wish I could have captured those moments with John the way you did-you should write a book-I am so happy for you and your family-and I can not express the joy I share in watcheing and reading your words-God Bless you and welcome Home–We love you 🙂

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