Introducing Brooke!

Welcome to the world, Brooke Jaylin! Our latest family member arrived at 6:57 AM, Thursday, September 4. She weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces, and was 20 inches long. She may be little, but she's already stolen our hearts.

I kept telling Jill not to expect to deliver early. Even though Kinley entered this world in 2011 when we were expecting 2012, there was no guarantee that the newest member of the family would be in a rush to enter this big old world. Even though I was "preaching" that to Jill, I subconsciously expected another early delivery. I was ready to meet our newest little blessing, and I was anxious to learn her name.

Her Mommy was supposed to be induced last Thursday morning, but Brooke decided all on her own that it was time to join the rest of us. I like a girl who is an independent thinker.

You'd think that watching a baby sleep would be about as exciting as watching paint dry. But, with their facial expressions, little noises and sighs, and it's better than a movie - at least for a Grandma ...

... or a Grandpa.

Throw in a Big Sister named Kinley, and it means hours of wholesome entertainment for the grandparents.

One is definitely more quiet than the other. I'll let you guess which one is which. Who knows? It may change.

Kinley is 2 3/4 years older than Brooke, so there is the same age difference between them as there was between Jill and Brent. One of my favorite photos has always been this one of Jill smiling at Randy when she met Brent and took on her role of Big Sister.

Jill holding Brent, May 1988

It was so much fun to see Kinley beaming as she held her baby sister for the first time.

Having a sister can be full of joy one minute - and full of contemplation the next. I know. I'm a big sister, too.

Kinley's Mommy and Daddy did a good job of helping her face her new reality. What? You mean that baby is going HOME with us?

Welcome home, Brooke Jaylin!

We're so glad you're here. You chose a pretty amazing family, if I do say so myself.