A few visitors

We have had several visitors since Ashley came home. She has been universally admired although I will admit that her cousin Jack could barely tear his eyes away from Ryan's cars long enough to acknowledge her (don't worry, his dad made up for it and we love to see Jack anyway - bring him again, guys).
It was really fun to see her some of her girl cousins shower attention on her and want several turns holding her.



I just want to thank everyone who has come over, taken care of Ryan and Izzy, offered congratulations, brought food and gifts. We love you all and are so thankful for you all and for all of your prayers. This little one is really a testimony of the power of combined prayer, and frankly, in order to get her here we needed that power, so truly, thank you again.
ps - look how tall she is!

More Pictures

After her bath this morning - her towel is huge!!

Contemplating

Two sleeping princesses (Izzy fell asleep during storytime last night after insisting on holding Ashley.)

The ever helpful big brother.

Ashley Denne Johnson

She's here!!!!! We arrived home last night with our new little bundle of joy. She is tiny and beautiful and she has charmed everyone who has seen her. Of course her brother and sister are the co-presidents of her fan club. They've been so excited to have her home and can barely stand to have her lay quietly asleep, because surely she'd rather be held, or carried, or tickled or loved, right? Last night she ate at 10:30, 1:30, 3:30, and 6:30. She was awake long enough to eat just a little and poop (occasionally several times) then she was off to dreamland again. We go to our pediatrician for an appointment this afternoon, she is a little jaundiced so she needs to be tested. She is such a treasure and we feel incredibly blessed! BTW her middle name is pronounced "Dean" and is in honor of her grandmother, Byrdenne who we love and miss.
This is how we found her when we woke up this morning.

A small delay - we hope

There will be no new baby today, we're hoping it's just a small delay, but we'll see.

Arrival of Baby

She was born last night @ 10:30 (almost 3 weeks early). She weighed 5 lbs 3 oz and I don't know how long.
We saw her today and she is teeny and beautiful.
The plan at this point is for placement the beginning of next week. We'll see what happens!
I'll report more later, I just wanted to give a quick update.

Update

She's in labor - her water broker earlier today, so... soon!!

After she called I gathered the children around and we had a prayer for her and the baby. They have been very tender about all of this. Izzy asks me each day how many more days until the baby comes home. I wish I could tell her for sure, but at least the waiting should be done fairly soon.

Before life gets all chaotic (or a little sad) I would like to express me joy for the gifts of my children. I believe it was President Monson who said something like: Some people's children are born to them, other people's children are born for them.

If there is anything I could share with the world about my family it is this: we are a family, just as you and your children are a family. I am fortunate enough to have my miracle children come to me in a different way than your miracle children come to you. I don't love them any less than you love yours, in fact, because of all that we do to have our children I believe that I love and cherish them more than I would have had they come easily.

I am truly, truly blessed and thankful for my beautiful family.


With that said, I would ask you to please continue to pray for Laura that she will be able to do what is right for this baby and honestly, if the right thing doesn't end up being us, we will cry a little and hug each other and move on with the continued testimony that we will be blessed in ways that only Heavenly Father knows.

Thank you for all your love and prayers. We love you all!

No news is ... no news

Wish I had some news.