More Brynna

Much like with Lily, we could not decide on a name for Baby Girl #3. We had various lists of possibilities off-and-on throughout the months leading to her birth, but it fluctuated so much and so often that we ended up not even really having a list at all by the time she arrived. We knew for months that we were going to use "Jane" as her middle name; both of our mothers' have Jane as their middle names, wonder of wonders, and we loved the idea of using it for the third Boswell lady. About 2 weeks before Brynn's birth, I was listening to a podcast, and the host mentioned that her podcast editor, Brenna, was joining her for an episode. 

Hmm.

I'd always liked the name Brynn, but after we'd decided on Jane, I knew we couldn't use Brynn, as "Brynn Jane" would sound ridiculous. After hearing the name "Brenna," my wheels started turning. I had a few hesitations, but I ran it by Brad anyway, and surprisingly, he didn't immediately shoot it down. We chatted about it a few times and made a few adjustments: Brynna, rather than Brenna. Brynn, rather than Bryn. Despite all that, we still didn't have anything settled before I went into the OR.

Right after she was born, we actually thought we were going to use a different name for her, but very shortly after making that call, we both decided to change it to Brynna. And we loved it.

NOTE: Her legal name is Brynna. We call her Brynna, Brynn, or Brynnie at any given time. The "y" is a short "i" sound. 

As soon as I began coming to after surgery, my primary goal was to get to the point where my big girls could come see us. I knew they'd be so excited to meet Brynn and to see me doing well. Thankfully, we were able to start working on getting the girls in for a visit within just a couple of hours. 

We had the best time introducing the girls to Brynn and watching them step into their new roles. They were so sweet, so kind, and so enthusiastic; it was, seriously, one of the best moments of my life.

We videoed their first meeting because I INSISTED. I wasn't sure that I would be able to remember the moment through all of my pain killers/residual anesthesia, and I was not going to lose that moment. I'm so thankful for have the video; Claire could not have been more excited. Or Lily more eager. I hope this video works, because it's SO CUTE.

Pictures of the girls waiting until they were able to come to our room...

...their patience was very short...

Bless my dad and sister for managing them. I mean, look at Lily's face.

First family photos

#nailedit

Claire's first time holding Brynna. Lily very much wanted to join in.

Lily's turn!

Snuggles for Brynn!

Then she was done and found herself a Lily-sized perch.

Then she moved on to sitting with me. Perhaps you're gathering that Lily was ON THE MOVE at basically all times while in our teeny tiny shoe box of a hospital room. If that's the case, you would be correct. It was nothing short of Olympic gymnastics to keep her remotely contained.

Claire's turn again. Claire took a lot of turns.

She looooves her.

True love: Lily offered to share her chicken strip with Brynna. 

Reluctantly sharing Brynn with Poppy.

(Please note: My dad's fancy necklace that he wore with great pride.)

And Nana.

And Bo.

Just kidding...she didn't actually share with Bo. Bo stayed at the hospital during nap time so that she could finally have the chance to hold Brynna.

Diaper change for the 2-year-old...in the newborn bassinet.

Picking up the Big Sister from school the day after Brynn was born. And yes, she wore the same outfit two days in a row, as she didn't have school on the day Brynn was actually born. You MUST wear the right outfit on the right day, guys.

Snuggles with Daddy.

Sweet, sweet baby.

I was in the hospital for two-and-a-half days, and the girls (and Nana, Poppy, and Bo) came up to visit several times. Claire was pumped to hold Brynn every single time, and Lily explored the hallways and nooks and crannies like it was her job. Brad and I enjoyed spending time getting to know Brynn 2-on-1 for a bit (albeit, I enjoyed all of the blood panels, vital-taking, sugar-checking, and frequent night time interruptions very little), and we were VERY thankful for a drama-free stay + an early release. PRAISE BE.

It was a long, hard slog to get Brynna here safely, but goodness, we're so glad she's here. She's making the world a brighter place already.