Announcing Claire!

Welcome Claire Ella Sonnek! You've been with us now for just over a week and life couldn't be any sweeter. You are a mild-tempered baby thus far and a little snuggler, always trying to curl up your long arms and legs. You're like a little frog when we try to burp you on our shoulders. Apparently, your mother was the same way. When you do decide to stretch out those limbs, you look like you want to be Superman or maybe the Hulk. We love both your sleepy and awake times. Your wide eyes and little birdy mouth follow our voices and seem to be taking it all in. You love to eat and you really like your baths. You're not a fan of having your diaper changed, but a little cooing and singing to you goes a long ways. We knew, even when you were in the womb, that you would be a music lover.

In fact, it was one very special song that set labor into action. Actually, the story of the timing of your arrival is pretty miraculous. Your impatient Mami was anxiously awaiting signs of your arrival. As always, when I finally decided to lay my anxieties down at God's feet, He sent me all the signs I needed and you arrived shortly (well, not that shortly) afterwards.

The day my water broke started with me feeling a little down. Now two days past my due date and very ready to be done being pregnant, I quickly decided it would be best for Sophia and I to get out of the house and start the day off positively. We hopped in the car and headed to 8:30 Mass at our church. This is not our usual Wednesday morning routine, but something was tugging on me to go. Shortly after Mass started, I knew exactly why we were supposed to be there. August 11th is the Feast of St. Clare. In his homily, Father spoke about a young woman who lived in the 1200s and was a follower of St. Francis of Assisi. She chose to leave a life of wealth and comfort to pursue a life of poverty and follow Christ. This was my first sign that our Claire was on her way.

After church, Sophia and I headed to the library for storytime. The letter of the day was "G" and the librarian had chosen a number of "G" books to read. When she saw that attention span of many of the toddlers and preschoolers waning, she decided to break out the band instruments and skip the last story. Well, my little reader wouldn't hear of it and asked to hear that last story. So, after the band played, the librarian handed the book to Sophia and suggested she go read it with me. The title of the book was A Girl and Her Gator, and it was all about a little girl named Claire. That was my second sign.

The third and final sign didn't come until much later that day, after I'd taken the dog out for a walk and Sophia had gone to bed. It was 9:30 and I had settled with the fact that, despite the signs, today wouldn't be the day. Ryan and I agreed they were still wonderful signs and God's way of telling us he hadn't forgotten about us; Claire would be here soon. I sat down to listen to a little soothing music and felt the urge to listen to Clare de Lune by Debussy, a song I've loved since high school when we used it for our One Act production of Flowers for Algernon. By the time I found the song on-line and finished listening to it, it was 9:50. I stood up to go sit next to Ryan and realized that my water had started to break. Claire was indeed on her way.

We were blessed with an uncomplicated labor and delivery. And of course, the greatest blessing, a healthy baby girl!

Big sister Sophia is very proud of her new status and adjusting quite well. Thanks to all of our help from family, and Ryan being able to be home this past week, Sophia is still getting lots of much needed attention. We know there will be more adjusting in the days to come when it's just Mami and her girls during the day, but we're very optimistic. Sophia is such a little lover and thrives on being a helper. A little forewarning, Claire, your big sister is also extremely strong-willed and assertive. You might want to work on perfecting that Hulk move!