Saying goodbye

Today was a sad day. We had to say goodbye to my sister Elizabeth, known as Aunt Liza to her nephews and niece. Elizabeth came to stay with us for a little more than three weeks while we waited and waited and waited for a baby to arrive, and then to help us once she arrived. I can't begin to describe what a help she was to us - cleaning our house, cooking our meals, getting us stocked up on groceries and supplies, taking care of Nate and Evie, and doing everything in-between.

When Nate was born my mom spent three weeks with us in Istanbul doing the same thing. My mom was probably very sick at the time because it was only a little more than a month later that she was diagnosed with cancer, but she gave herself so sacrificially. I'm indescribably sad and heartbroken that she wasn't here for Evie's birth, but I'm forever grateful to my sister who sacrificed her own time and energy to take her place.

Evie at home

Sleepyhead.

Nate loving his baby sister.

Nana, I think we might have a brown-eyed offspring.
Evie's eyes are dark so far.

Pointing to Evie's nose, mouth, eyes, ears, hair, belly ...

Spending lots of time in Aunt Liza's arms.

Again, pointing to Evie's nose, mouth, eyes, ears, hair, belly ...

This picture reminds me of one we have of Nate. I love swaddled babies!

We've spent the week slowly adjusting to life with two. We're not outnumbered yet, but it sure is starting to feel like it! Nate and Evie have a love/hate relationship. Nate loves to look at her, touch her, hug and kiss her, but he misses being picked up, held, and receiving all of our attention and has been somewhat out of sorts the last couple of days. I'm hoping that won't last long!

Evie has been a very easy baby so far. She eats well and sleeps well at night. We've had some 3 and 4 hour stretches the last couple nights.

We're so thankful for an easy pregnancy, a good labor and delivery, a quick recovery, and most of all for our sweet baby girl!

At the hospital

A first moment with Evie.

Weighing in at 7 lbs and 7 oz, she was smaller than we expected.

Nate playing in the hospital room ...

We were successful at having a short hospital stay, although it was still longer than we would have liked. Evidently the baby has to be observed for at least 24 hours in the states. In Turkey we were home about 18 hours after Nate was born. We had a pretty good American hospital experience, but I think I prefer my Turkish experience!

She's finally here!

Our family of four!

Nate meeting his little sister.

Giving her kisses.

Evie meeting her Aunt Liza.

Arriving a mere week and a half late, Evelyn "Evie" Ray Blan made her entrance into the world on Monday at 7:20 am. She was 7 lbs 7 oz, and 20 inches long. Evie's name comes from two of her grandparents. Evelyn comes from her great grandma Blan, Stephen's grandmother. Ray comes from her grandfather, my late father, Raymond Iles.

Nate has been having a blast with his Aunt Liza. He seems to like his little sister so far, but she hasn't invaded his territory yet. We're hoping to go home early today and let life begin as a family of four.

Overdue

Still no baby. My due date came and went on Thursday, so now we're waiting and hoping that Baby Girl Blan will arrive sooner rather than later. Elizabeth, my sister, arrived a week and a half ago, so we're spending our days playing with Nate and taking lots of walks! We'll post the little girl's arrival when it comes ...