Go Cubbies!

We've had a busy 10 days at the Hunter household! Kicking off the week, Granner and Dee came last Friday to take Miles to a Cubs game. Here they are before they left for the game on the L.

Miles loved the train ride and the game. Unfortunately, I don't have a photo of him in his new Cubs hat because he included it in his signature move at the game. Every time something exciting would happen (for either team), Miles would take off his hat and wave it in the air to cheer. Such a character!

Saturday morning we celebrated with an Oak Park Farmer's Market tradition: homemade donuts! Dee and Miles were especially thrilled!

Macrina's excitement for the weekend included bathtime with Granner. Thanks for a great visit, Granner and Dee!

Macrina's first week at home

Week One at home with Macrina and Miles has proven to be quite successful! Miles is a terrific big brother, and Macrina is a sleep fanatic (at least for the time being). It is such a joy to watch her grow and develop each day. Here are some photos from the week. Enjoy!

Before he left town, Dee took Brian and Miles to the Great American Train Show in Wheaton. This was a big hit with Miles, who LOVES to play trains. Thanks Dee!

Godmama Debbie finally got to meet Macrina!

(She even let Godpapa tag along :)

Miles helped give Macrina her first bath at home.

She didn't enjoy it very much, but she survived!

I finally took the plunge and cut Miles' hair. It breaks a mother's heart to see those curls on the floor, but isn't this boy handsome?!!

The rest of this post belongs to Macrina, our sweet baby girl!

Announcing the Birth of Macrina Anne!

Macrina Anne Hunter was born on August 4th at 12:32 pm in Oak Park, Illinois, weighing 8 pounds 1 oz. and measuring 20 inches in length. Labor started at 6:30 am that morning during a severe thunderstorm. (As my mom mentioned, a Leo coming in like a lion with the storm!) We arrived at the hospital around 10:00 am and Macrina was born shortly thereafter. No water-birth this time like I had hoped, but I did enjoy laboring in a bath tub for part of the time. There were no complications during labor and no medications were used. Brian was a wonderful birth coach. He stayed by my side and encouraged me every step of the way. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband!

Macrina is completely healthy and eating very well. What a blessing! We arrived home on Friday, August 6th. Miles loves his little sister and has turned into a big boy overnight as the result of her birth (at least in my eyes! :)

She is named after two women we hold very dear to our hearts. Her first name is the name of my patron saint, Saint Macrina the Younger, from the 4th century. You can read about the life of St. Macrina at http://www.antiochian.org/node/19002 We chose her middle name in honor of Brian's mother, Pixie Anne, who died in 1996. May her memory be eternal!

We are so grateful to God for the blessings He has bestowed upon our family. Here are some pictures of Macrina's first days with us. Welcome baby girl! We love you!

A special thank you to my mother, "Granner," who stayed with us all week and kept Miles at home for us while we were in the hospital. Miles loves "camping" with his flashlight.

Here she is, fresh out of the oven!

All cleaned up and ready for her Mama.

Brian's first time holding his little girl. I think he likes her!

Upon meeting her for the first time, Miles wanted to give Macrina his brand new train. Boy were we shocked! That's true brotherly love!

The first of many naps shared by Daddy and Macrina.

Some alert time on her Boppee at the hospital.

Godpapa Steve came to visit Macrina in the hospital.

This made Godmama Debbie very jealous!

The world's proudest big brother:

Finally we were able to take our little girl home with us!

Macrina's first snooze in her bassinet was a success!

Our first family bike ride/walk. Macrina slept the entire time.

Surprise, surprise.

Granner and Dee are big Macrina fans.

Thank you, O Lord, for this gift of new life!

"For you possess my heart, O Lord. You took hold of me from my mother's womb. I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, and my soul knows this very well."

- Psalm 138:13-14 (The Orthodox Study Bible)