Welcome Olivet Lavera Golackson!

On July 29th, 6 days after my due date, my mom came to watch the kids for our doctor's appointent and brought some beautiful flowers from her garden!

It had been a little tough over the previous 5 days, partly because I felt ready to have this baby, and partly because I felt some pressure to induce. I (and MANY OTHERS (including a random lifeguard at the Y & another random person at the park) had been praying for a wise decision and for safety. Praise the Lord who hears our prayers.

I felt such a great joy in my heart on this day. I was so thankful for my mom and also for this baby we get to meet soon. I finally accepted that I am not in control of this baby's birthday (after trying many things to induce labor like foot massages, long walks, and pineapple :).

This was the kids reaction after we returned from the doctor's appointment with contractions 8 minutes apart. I told the kids, "either today or tomorrow you will get to meet your new sister!" Lily was shocked. She said, "I hope tomorrow!" I think in order to have time to think about it and prepare herself to meet her baby sister. They were all so excited.

So mom took the kids to her house, and Josh and I drove back to the hospital and parked in the parking lot (obviously). We walked around a beautiful park and a neat body of water for about two hours. I had my pen and paper in my hand, marking every contraction... about one minute apart for an hour. We gradually made our way back to the hospital and were so thankful for the time we were able to spend outside.

We checked in about 5:30 p.m. The doctor was busy with 2 other deliveries, so she made it to our room about 7:30 to break my water. Olivet was born at 9:33p.m.

Weighing in at 7lbs. 4 oz.

What a miracle!

Getting Cleaned Up

Olivet's First Visitors (at nearly midnight!)

GG

& Auntie Danielle

New Baby

We are hooked on you!

We are your siblings!

Teeny Toes

Daddy taking a rest before lots of visitors

Aunt Mo Visiting

Uncle Otch holding Liv

Here she is!

(Here they are!)

It's your new sister!!

(They are all your siblings!)

Lily's first time to meet the baby. She was so excited to wear her prettiest dress. What a wonderful big sister.

"Cannonball Cade" (Cade's new nickname after jumping off the dock at the lake) with ideas running through his head

"Momma! Her have feet! Momma, her have hands! ..."

"BABY!!!!!!!"

Uncle Phil loving his nieces & nephews

Ye ye & Nai nai meeting Olivet, grand baby # 9

Hanging out in the hospital room on a Saturday

Me showing Danielle what newborn baby poop looks like (kind of like black tar)... and then she decided to keep on pooping. The kids got a good laugh!

First Family Pic

Dad meeting grand baby #8

Auntie Nanny

Sammy did a great job holding baby!!

"Nose!"

Gretta is a natural

Your little sister will be here soon! (Nat is due in one month!!)

Rough life. One minute you're in a warm and cozy womb, the next minute you have a diaper, a paper bracelet, a security anklet and ballet socks on.

Olive's going home outfit from GG

Thanks to Theda Care and all the sweet Doctors and Nurse who helped with Olivet's delivery!

Welcome home Olivet!

My mom and dad kept the big kids until Sunday night. It was really fun to bring Olivet home and get settled in.

No, this is not a daycare. These are our sleeping arrangements!

Josh had quite a weekend. He spent all day Sunday taking a well deserved nap!

Sit in line to hold the baby

Mama & Baby

I love this picture. Lily took the initiative to fold some laundry and then got a little side tracked by her baby sister... who wouldn't rather hold a baby?! Viv had the same idea.

"BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Caedmon and his Mei mei (little sister)

First Doctor's Visit... everything looks good! Olive really liked the cow on the wall.

If you really don't want to wear the bow, just tell me.

Olivet's First Bath! Her umbilical chord fell off when she was 5 days old (on our anniversary :).

Time for some more zzz's