Welcoming {Love} …

How things can change in the matter or a day or two!

She is here!! … she is here … our little baby has arrived and we couldn’t be more IN LOVE!!!

{Please note – a bit of birthing details are included below. Don’t read if your male and find such details disturbing! Hah!}

Monday night, I started to feel some contractions a bit stronger and lower than the usual (non-stop) Braxton Hicks contractions and I *thought* but wasn’t sure that my water broke (isn’t it funny that even on your fourth kid, you still aren’t 100% sure about things?!) … we called my gramma over (she’s sooo awesome!) just in case we had to leave as she was the one to watch the girls for us. At 12:45ish a.m., we decided to go to the hospital. The contractions were painful but I could still walk and moan and groan my way through each contraction. I felt silly even going that early – I thought for sure they were going to say you’re only 2 cms and go back home and relax till later …. but when the nurse checked, I was already 6 cms., my water broke at the same time, and she quickly announced it wouldn’t be long before baby was here …

By 2:38 a.m., little Lovelyn Joy Angelica Gauthier made her ‘spontaneous vaginal delivery’ (as the medical forms so wrote it). Spontaneous, yes. Ridiculously painful, yes. Drug free, fast and furious, before the doctor arrived and with three or maybe four pushes (still finding that part painful to think about!)…. Lovelyn Joy completed our little {big?} family …

She weighed 4 lbs. 11 oz. – our tiniest yet! And she’s a bit of a thumb sucker. Too cute.

Elaine & Jayne – the wonderful nurses who delivered our new baby …

I know everyone wanted me to have a boy, but I am so happy to have another girl … she’s the perfect addition to our family of Pink.

Abby, checking out his newest little girl … he’s getting to be a pro at this by now. And I think he’s liking his little world of ladies, too.

More photos (uh, obviously) to come later … but now, time to snuggle and feed Miss Lovelyn! I’m just so happy she’s here, that our family is together and that this new wonderful, awesome chapter is just beginning. We are so blessed …

P.S. I’ll be going through all the guesses/submissions for the due date/weight/sex of the baby and will post the winner soon. 🙂

October 15, 2010 - 10:44 am

Tara Gillian,
Who cares if everyone wanted you to have a boy….I would love a houseful of Pink!!! 4 girls is an amazing family. I can only imagine the wonderful things they will share and the bestest of friends they will be !!! Congratulations to you and Abby and all your L’s !!

October 14, 2010 - 8:36 pm

Hilary These are truly some of the most incredible photos I have ever seen. I have never met any of you but am moved to tears of happiness. I am so glad you have shared this.
Incredible. Congratulations!!!

October 14, 2010 - 2:01 pm

Mallory how exciting! congrats to you and your family! my mom had 7 kids and only had “drugs” one time, she said it was more painful but quicker without so she wouldn’t do them again! haha. looks like someone got a pretty close guess on your precious Lovelyn’s birthdate 🙂
Lori – Extra cute picture of you, the girlies – and the tiny peanut girlie! My guess:
Girl
October 13
4lbs 12oz

October 14, 2010 - 10:48 am

Barbara Russell Congratulations! You have such a beautiful family. What a delightful name you have chosen. Loads and loads of best wishes,
Barbara 🙂

October 13, 2010 - 9:56 pm

Emily Dilloway WOW!!! How beautiful… the name, the story, the family, and certainly the babe!!!! Congratulations to you all!!!! Enjoy every single moment!

October 13, 2010 - 8:54 pm

Carry Congratulations Gillian, what a stunning and wonderful addition to your family!

October 13, 2010 - 7:11 pm

Cathy Bray YAY!!!!

October 13, 2010 - 6:25 pm

Tara C Amazing!!! And so beautiful! Congratulations again!!! 🙂

October 13, 2010 - 4:48 pm

Tracy Nevin Oh Gillian I tell you all this “LOVELY-NESS” is giving me the itch…I can’t wait to get my hands on her…sooooo precious! Hugs from the Nevins! xoxoxo

October 13, 2010 - 4:42 pm

Sarah Congrats Gillian and family!! I had Elaine when Charlotte was born – wonderful nurse and coach!!!

October 13, 2010 - 4:30 pm

Jo Smith Ahhhhhhhhhh! I’m just speechless (not!!!) We’re stoked out of our tree with you guys!!! So immensely and massively joyous over your new precious bundle of deliciousness. Don’t you feel even more rich (who would know that that was possible!!!) You’re such a wonder tiny Lovelyn! Bless you all!!!!

October 13, 2010 - 4:21 pm

Michelle Garyfalakis YEA!!! I’m so beyond excited for you guys. Abby is such a perfect daddy for all those little ladies!!!! You look great 🙂

October 13, 2010 - 4:00 pm

Pam Soltesz Congratulations on an amazing birth, Gillian! Way to go having a drug-free, natural birth in spite of some painful parts to endure! She is beautiful and you look like a model – not at all like a mother who has just given birth!! Kudos to Abby for all his support of you, too. Sometimes it’s just as hard emotionally on Dads….he makes a great Daddy! I’m sure your other daughters are thrilled to have another playmate and now you can still use hand-me-downs!! lol Blessings to all of you!

October 13, 2010 - 3:53 pm

Sara Welcome, Lovelyn! And Congratulations to you and your family, Gillian! Gorgeous and touching photos. <3

October 13, 2010 - 3:32 pm

Petra Oh wow – I welled up reading this – as a mom of one girl it’s fabulous – to be a mom of four beautiful ladies…I am in awe. Congratulations, lady! ‘Love’ is teeny tiny in your arms (and how on earth do you manage to look ridiculously attractive with your tousled hair & enviable collarbone?!!!!) – can’t wait to see pictures of your four darlings together. I hope the feeding goes well & you manage to get even a little bit of sleep. Much love to Team Gauthier! XX

October 13, 2010 - 3:13 pm

Tami Congratulations!! Amazing pictures already…love the b/w one!! What a beautiful family you have…you are so blessed.

October 13, 2010 - 2:52 pm

Brenda (Gillian’s Mom) Awh, I cried when I read that! It was so wonderful to be there when Lovelyn quickly came into the world! And I stayed in control too! I’m so proud of you Gillian, you were amazing and even though you were in so much pain, you were still so sweet and kind to everyone around you! Four girls!! I can’t really believe it … so marvelous! xo

October 13, 2010 - 2:20 pm

Heidi Siegel Gillian…we are all so thrilled, excited and thankful for the blessing of your newest and most precious addition! I loved holding her…she is just so perfect!!! Love you my friend!! xoxo

October 13, 2010 - 1:51 pm

Erin CONGRATULATIONS!!! What a perfect family!! I love her name!!

October 13, 2010 - 1:48 pm

Trudi another little L,,,all the best

October 13, 2010 - 1:33 pm

Julie Beautiful, Gorgeous, Blessed, Amazing. Congrats!

October 13, 2010 - 1:24 pm

melissa WOW. precious.
My bf had 4 girls and then her 5th was a boy….so you never know. lol.
Congrats and I LOVE the name…my middle name is joy too:)

October 13, 2010 - 1:15 pm

Jody awww im so happy for you and such wonderful pics already!!!

xxoox

October 13, 2010 - 1:06 pm

Erika Ohhh, she so is precious <3
I have the baby itch now, lol!

October 13, 2010 - 1:04 pm

Anne Bailey Amayzing, and thrilling!!! So happy for all of you!

October 13, 2010 - 12:57 pm

Sherri You have such a beautiful family. Love to Lovelyn. <3

October 13, 2010 - 12:54 pm

Justyna congrats again! she’s beautiful!!!

October 13, 2010 - 12:38 pm

Chris Bright Congratulations on your special (and speedy!) delivery!! Katy just ran upstairs shouting to Sarah that “Gillian had her baby! Gillian had her baby!” Enjoy this magical time…

October 13, 2010 - 12:34 pm

shannon congrats!!!! i felt the same thing w/ my 6th baby “i should really know by now about this labor thing” hehe

beautiful baby!! makes me want more. 😉

October 13, 2010 - 12:28 pm

Robyn Congratulations Abby, Gillian and the little L’s… She is absolutely beautiful… God is so good and have blessed your family with another beautiful blessing. Enjoy, rest and I’m looking forward to seeing her in Church when your up and ready!! Take care and big hugs n kisses…

October 13, 2010 - 12:27 pm

Nancy What beautiful pictures and a wonderful addition Gillian…God Bless you, Lovelyn and the entire family!! <3

October 13, 2010 - 12:27 pm

Catherine Amazing Gillian! I am so thrilled for you, and your ‘little’ family! You are such a wonderful person, and you deserve to be so blessed! I look forward to watching Lovelyn grow on the blog, as I’ve watched all the L’s!