And Baby Makes Three Little Women

Much like the March family of Little Women, our lives have been consumed with loving each other through some pretty tough times.  That's why when the newest member of our family arrived on March 3rd, we decided to give her a classic and beautiful first name (beginning with an "em" sound without being another "M" name) and honor this family in literature with her middle name: Emily March Werner.  Emily joined our family on March 3, 2010, three weeks early.  She is small (6 pounds and 2 ounces) but perfect in every way.  Her two big sisters are ecstatic that she is here, and she has particularly brought much joy to Michaela, who relishes her new role.  We could not have handpicked a better time for Emily to come.  Last week when she arrived Michaela had a scheduled week off chemo while we waited for her blood counts to come up high enough to start more intense chemo and radiation this coming week.  We saw glimpses of the old Michaela this week, and her pain level was quite low.  We heard giggling, saw skipping, and celebrated her 5th birthday with a rainbow theme.  Her hair has started falling out, which she has accepted with humor ... leaving sprinkles of "hair confetti" everywhere and "teaching her hair how to swim" in the bathtub.


The coming two weeks will be filled with difficult cancer treatments -- each day Michaela will go to two different hospitals, one for radiation and one for her chemotherapy.  These combined treatments will make her very nauseous, lacking in appetite, and continue to make her lose her hair.  We are grateful for Emily's presence through it all, as she serves as a happy distraction for Michaela who loves to hold and care for her more than we ever imagined.  Madeline has also been a wonderful help to Michaela, as they have enjoyed snuggling up and watching movies on Michaela's new portable DVD player and playing games on Madeline's new i-touch.  Jon and I continue to be comforted by the blessing of family and friends who have cared for us in so many ways.  Thank you for being a tangible reminder of God's presence through this time.  Pictures of our new baby girl follow below:

One of Michaela's steroid meds gave her a swollen tummy and cheeks.  So she and mama had matching "bumps" in the days before Emily was born.

We fell in love with her as soon as we saw her.  

Emily March Werner, born 3/3/10 at 5:00 am, weighing in at 6 pounds, 2 ounces.

Perfect in every way

Big sister Madeline having a chat with Emily

Big sister Michaela snuggling with Emily