Grace Katherine was born on July 1st at 10:40am. She weighed 8lbs 2oz and was 20 inches long. Jen was able to send us emails all throughout the day with the status. I was so thankful for technology.

I love this picture of Garrett. He was so happy to have a little sister. I have never seen him smile this big.

The family all took turns holding sweet Gracie Kate. Here’s my Aunt Debbie, cousin Rachel, and cousin Ian.

Rachel gladly surrendered her throne to Gracie. Rachel was the last girl to enter our family almost 18 years ago. Papa got to hold his newest granddaughter, and he kept trying to talk Mark into naming her Mary after his mom.

This is my favorite picture from the day.

It may seem silly, but that bracelet caused me to break down and cry in the hospital room. Gracie was a gift to our family from God. Mark and Jennifer are unable to conceive children. They adopted Garrett over six years ago when he was three weeks old. I got so emotional that God had blessed us in such an awesome way.

Not only did a new baby join our family, but Mark and Jen got to have the experience of being in the hospital when the baby was born. They had their own room that she slept in with them on her first night in this world. Our family got to visit her in the hospital the day she was born. And Jennifer got to wear her badge of honor, a hospital bracelet that told everyone she was Gracie’s mommy. It was such a moving experience for me.

Mark and Jen got to take Gracie home the very next day!

Ryan was not able to go with me the first night, so we hurried to visit last Friday.

She is such a peaceful, beautiful baby. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her, and I feel so blessed to be able to watch her grow up and be a part of her life.

Us cousins have to stick together!