Avery Eliza Hess

After much debate (and nearly a full day without a name) we decided to name Hess child #2 Avery Eliza Hess. She was born Friday 9/26 at 9:50 in the morning. Coming in at an astounding 6 lbs 2 0z and 19 inches long she seemed a bit undersized for a Hess child, but we wouldn't have her any other way. After an early morning call (6:00 am) to the hospital we gathered our things, dropped Kade off at the his Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Riley's house, then we hurried to the hospital where things were quickly prepped and MaRea was sent off to surgery to get her spinal block. After a few minutes of anxious waiting I was called into the room where she was ready to go.

MaRea's last pre-birth photo, waiting to go into surgery

The doctor's gloved up and started cutting. As they worked their way to the urteris we were nervous that I'd miss them extracting the baby (I chose to not watch Kaden be pulled from inside and we both regretted it) so MaRea commanded me to rise and start snapping photos. I made it just in time and watched as the docter reached inside my wife to pull out our daughter.

Our midwife holding her just after her birth.

On the cleaning table the nurses really worked her over. As she was screaming from the three sets of hands rubbing her down, and the constant flashes of my camera the docters were sewing up MaRea.

During the after birth scrubdown

Unlike Kaden, I was able to stay with MaRea as they finished stitching her up. It was nice to be there with her and I know she preffered to be with both of us, instead of waiting alone for nearly an hour to see her daughter.

Our first family photo

The two most beautiful females in the world!!

Kaden has been excited to see his baby sister. Since we told him he'd be sharing a room with her he's been excited to meet her. For the last couple of months he's been saving his popcorn, gummy vitamins, fruit snacks and just about any other treat for her arrival. He has a special drawer in our kitchen where he has stashed all his spoils. He is already prepared to show her the finer things in life.

We think he really likes her.

We have had a great stay in the hospital. With the exception the nurses thinking someone stole her, (the ankle bracelet came off in the laundry and locked down the hospital) and some nasty food it's been a wonderful time to relax and get to know our new daughter. Not to mention for MaRea to heal from her major surgery. We are back to normal life tomorrow, and we want to thank everyone for your help (especially Lindsey and Riley for playing fill-in mom and dad). On a last note Brent and Melissa stopped by last night and we compared babies. Brooklynn is only 16 days older than Avery. Who do you think would win in a wrestling match???

Brooklynn and Avery.