It's a GIRL!!!

(April 2011)

...and what a big girl too! Here's the final shot of me just moments before leaving for the hospital.


Claire-Marie Brinne Salomons was born April 6th, 2011 at 1:33pm measuring 21 inches and weighing 9lbs 14oz!!!


All my babies have shocked me with their birth weight. I could've sworn Caleb was going to be at least 8 pounds, and he weighed only 5lbs 12oz. I knew Marcus would be bigger, but never knew he would be 9.5 pounds! And Miss Claire-Marie, I can't believe she was pushing almost 10 pounds!!!


Her birth was the most emotional for me. Heck, the entire pregnancy was the most emotional for me. Poor Darren had to deal with all my breakdowns. I think that was my main difference in carrying a girl. Don't know if I'm making this up, but I feel the extra estrogen from the womb took effect over me.


Big Brother Marcus wasn't too interested in Claire at the hospital, but laid claim over her once at home. His feelings for her still go back and forth. I know he loves her, but there's still some jealousy (it's tough being the middle child). Sometimes when she cries he'll bring her a blanket and try to tuck her in, other times he stops me in my tracks as I go to grab her and begs to be carried because "No! I baby!"


But Big Brother Caleb! Never has jealousy been an issue for him. He LOVES babies! Especially 'his' babies. He was always good when Marcus was little. Such a big helper! He was so cute throughout my pregnancy. When he'd come home from school he'd talk to my belly and tell 'baby sister' what he did that day. Sometimes he'd show her pictures he'd made. Plus there were never ending amounts of kisses for baby too... and that's still true.



All of my kids look quite different from each other as babies. I was just looking at some pictures from Caleb's birth, and everything about him is complete opposite of Claire. But the one thing I don't understand is, if they all look different, how come they all look just like their dad!


While Claire is the first to get my dark hair, her hair is nothing like mine. It's quite full and thick, and it's CURLY!!! Never would I imagine having a curly haired child, especially looking at my first two, but I love it!


Speaking of hair, this area will be a whole new experience for me. Hair bows, headbands, braids and pigtails... Even her beanie at the hospital was given a girlie touch.


Only hours old and Claire-Marie was already so popular. We were shown much love from visitors and phone calls. Here's a shot of my dear friends who dropped by to say hello to our newest bundle of joy.


Here is Claire's best friend. I know they hung out in heaven together, watching over their mommies, just waiting for their turn on earth.

(Baby Nohemi, 2 months old)

And here she is ready to leave the hospital and looking months old already. My big girl looking so pretty in pink. I think we're ready for all the pink!




P.S You have to watch is amazing video made by Daddy: