We're Growing!

Christmas came a couple days early this year. We are very fortuante to have welcomed

Jenalee Anne McRoberts

into our family eariler this afternoon. Jenalee was born at 12:52, weighed 7 oz, and was 20.25 inches in length. Kari did an amazing job. I marvel at the things a woman goes through just to bring a child into this world. I am grateful for my wife and her sacrifice.

Jenalee was born at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. That makes one Utah, one Kentucky, and one Ohio baby. We are running out of options in this area. We may have to start looking into available hospitals in Indiana.

Again, Kari's labor was shorter than expected. Since Brayden was born at home, after a short 15-25 minutes of labor, we decided to induce with Jenalee. A resident MD broke Kari's water around 12:30, and less than 25 minutes later Jenalee was here. Once again, the doctor missed the delivery; in fact, the resident doctor also missed the delivery. Jenalee was delivered (more like "caught") by a surprised team of RN's. Nevertheless, both Kari and Jenalee are very healthy and are doing great. Dad, however, is convinced that we will never wait for a natural, non-induced, delivery again. Had Kari's water broke at home, the 25 minutes would have expired just short of the hospital.

Here are a couple of pictures we took today. You may notice some similiarities in the pictures below. It is amazing how much all three of our kids look allike. One exception: Jenalee has hair. In fact, she probably has more hair now, than Brayden did at one year.

You can see additional pictures of Jenalee on the McRoberts Family webiste. This link should take you directly to Jenalee's Photo Gallery: Jenalee Anne

Natalie got her "baby doll" for christmas. She adores Jenalee. We took her to a sibling class a few weeks ago, and now tells us that we don't have to worry because she is going to take care of her sister. She plans to change the diapers, wants Jenalee to sleep in her room, and will help pick out her bows and make sure she gets dressed. In fact, as soon as I arrived with the kids at the hospital, Natalie began picking out different bows to put on her sister. She really had fun when the RN invited her to help take Jenalee to the nursery to be weighed.

I am very glad that Natalie is so excited for her sister. She didn't feel the same when Brayden arrived. She had a very tough time leaving the hospital tonight.

As I was looking at the pictures of Jenalee tonight, I was amazed at how similiar she looks to both Brayden and Natalie. I've posted a few of their baby picture for your reference. The first two are Brayden, born March 20, 2007. The following two are Natalie, born April 18, 2005.

What really struck me about this next picture is how much Natalie has grown. This picture was taken just under two years ago! They grow up so fast!




Natalie use to be my baby girl.




We owe a special thanks to all our friends in this area. We couldn't do it without you. With family so far away, we are very blessed to have good friends that are willing to step in and help out. We love really appreciate all you do!

We love you all, and hope you have a Merry Christmas.