Welcome Ivy!

Ivy was born July 23rd. As our great friend, Heidi H. put it, we've moved from man-to-man to zone defense with 3 kids. We've had a great first week with Ivy, especially watching Elle and Seb gushing over their new little sister.

Last swimming lesson at the Bowlers the night before Amber's c-section

Had a great time sitting around talking with old and new friends during swimming lessons

After lessons, Elle would say, "Let's go relax first (in the hammock)," before heading home. It was nice to lay there together and talk about Ivy on her way.

Elle and Amber got a pedicure and manicure before going to the hospital. They let Seb sit next to Elle and soak his feel. Elle is already asking when she gets to go again.

6:00 a.m. Montgomery General Hospital, Olney MD

Ivy, born at 8:25. Meeting mom.

6 lbs. 10 oz.

Meeting Grandpa John and Grandma Chiq

Todd Cohen, grad school friend and administrator at the hospital. Arranged a room on the other side of the hospital for Amber since the other rooms could hear the night construction going on. And, he ordered pizza for everyone (but Amber, who was still on an ice-only diet).

Uncle Jay

Mary Finnigan. Ivy cried when Mary held her. We explained to Ivy that in our house, we treat Mary better than that, especially when she brings us chocolate from Switzerland.

Our favorite nurse, Anna. She hugged Amber in the OR for the part when she had to be in there alone. Won't ever forget her.

Neighbors Camilla, Miles, Lisa and Hannah

Miles demonstrating what he learned in his last karate lesson.

Even up until the hospital, we hadn't decided between the name Ivy, Anna or June. Finally, it was Ivy, but the nurses and Amber played a joke on Gabe and filled out the form (a spare form) as Anna June Spencer. Gabe totally fell for it- great gag! When we got home and looked closer at all of our discharge papers, half of them actually said Anna Spencer (the foot print paper and other documents) and the other half of them said Ivy Spencer!

Meeting Aunt Sarah

Holly taking photos of Ivy

Getting a surprise dinner from the stake young womens youth conference service project

Saying bye to Grandma Daleen

Things we did before Ivy got here:

Went to the Zoo with Michelle, Eric, Dylan and Cole

Took Seb for a horse ride. Never seen him so happy in his life!

Summer Ward Picnic at the Koncurat's house

Rockville Parade

Visit from Emily Krikorian and Lily and Katherine- from New York. Elle and Lily are the same age and Katherine and Seb are 3 months apart. Emily and I walked almost every day together in Port. Miss having her as an around-the-corner friend! PS- Elle dressed herself that day.

Naomi Jarboe- sunbeam class friend

DC open air market with Grandpa John

Gabe buying incredibly stinky cheese

Waking Elle up singing 'Happy Birthday' turned into a wrestling match

She wanted to help make her own cake

...and she asked for flowers from papa for her birthday, and got them.

At 5:58 p.m., officially 4 years old

Last lesson with Ronda until after Ivy and mom are up and around

Stairs down to the studio

First solo at a recital

Amber's students recital

First group class recital, getting tuned by David

With Ronda

and David

Raspberry picking at Larriland Farms

Also turned into a wrestling match

Making jam

Naomi Jarboe's birthday party

Eleanor and Sebastien's horse and princess birthday party

Dinner at the Jarboe's. Steve is a FABULOUS cook- his dream is to quit his day job and open a restaurant. Never turn down a dinner invite to the Jarboe's house.

Meshkin and Franco boys

Summer swimming lessons at the Bowlers. It was so humid the camera lens never cleared up for un-fogged pictures. It was 107 degrees that day.

Waking Seb up singing Happy Birthday

Sebby said he didn't want cake and ice cream. Just candy. So, there you have it. A bowl full of skittles. Happy Birthday.

Actually born at 9:59 a.m. but we forgot.