"Of Noble Kin"

Lillian & Katie:

Joey:

Michael:

Sarah:

Allison: Eliza: Harmony:

We've been talking about middle names for Katherine for a long time, but as of Monday, we still hadn't decided anything. The main contender, and possible back-up plan was "May," for the month she was born in. Soon after she was born, however, her daddy said, "Katherine Alice" and it sounded right. Neither of us had considered the name before then. Just in case, however, I checked its meaning before writing it on the birth certificate. After all, I'd hate to name a baby something that means, say, "demon spawn" or "evil incarnate." Alice means "of noble kin." And maybe it's the proud mother in me talking, but Katherine really is lucky to have Lillian, Joseph, Michael, Sarah, Allison, Eliza, and Harmony looking out for her. If they haven't smothered her to death with all their love in the first few months, then I think she'll be grateful for them one day. The kids visited me Tuesday at the hospital. DH brought in Harmony and Eliza in the morning, then the whole clan in the afternoon. Harmony's reaction was the sweetest. She ignored me completely and stared fascinated at Katie both times. She grinned and smiled and seemed so pleased that Katie had finally arrived. You'll notice Harmony's head and hands in lots of the photos. Even when it was someone else's turn, she wanted to be near Katie. This first movie is of Harmony, Eliza and Katie at their first meeting -- it's a little long: And a short one of most of the girls: When the kids began fighting over whose turn it was to hold Katie, I knew I had the perfect distraction -- hospital beds are great, you know?