The Arrival of Elizabeth Enck Kirkendall

Sam here. Thanksgiving day was the first day of my 18 day vacation.  We had a great and relaxing day with Katie, Clint, the kids, and the in-laws. A long walk around White Rock lake, a trip to the big bop, and a delicious feast including, of course, five types of pie. We left that evening to see Audra's parents who had just driven into Dallas for a few days. As we were going home Audra mentioned that the "baby was feeling really low".  I packed a bag.

At 11:00 pm she woke me up with the news that her water had broken. We called the doctor, then on her word headed to Parkland. We took my usual work route. For the first time ever all nine traffic lights were green. We took that as a good sign.

 Parkland Emergency and Trauma --Thursday 11/28 11:45 pm
(Audra is next to the ambulance)

We were admitted to Labor & D at Parkland.  Clint came in and helped get us settled in his home turf. We called Papa and Ahh (Bud and Ali) to tell them the news. We told them of course to not drive in the middle of the night. As always, heeding our suggestion, they immediately left Seguin and arrived red-eyed and ecstatic at 4:00 am.

Soon after arrival to L&D

At promptly 10:14 that morning we received Elizabeth Enck Kirkendall into the world. She came out screaming like a mountain lion and pink as a rose. She took to her mother immediately and soon found her comfort. 

Yada, yada, yada, baby girl is here!

The wonderful L&D doctors and nurses gave us the next 2-3 hours with our little girl before she briefly went to the nursery to get washed up and checked out. The pediatrician passed her with flying colors.

Making friends in the nursery

First bath

First check-up

All cleaned up

She then came to our room. For the next two days we basked in the reality of her existence, here with us. She was such a good little baby. She took to feeding very well and had no problem at all expressing her indignation at the top of her lungs whenever she decided she needed something. She was generally able to comforted and loved being close to us. The postpartum nurses that we had were amazing as well and had an almost uncanny ability to calm her. Looking back we would laugh-- after spending what seemed like an eternity bobbing up and down, shhhing, singing, patting and pleading, the nurse would come in at our request, take Elle in her arms and within 3 seconds have her completely quiet. A special gift.

Momma and Elle

Watching the Auburn-Alabama game. She thought it was the best ending to a game she had seen yet!

Ma



Pa

Aunt Jennifer (note the beautiful lovie given by Charlie)

Ahh

Papa

Evie was so gracious and cleaned out her drawer of "baby bows", including this beautiful Thanksgiving bow

Heading home

We came home Sunday about noon to a house filled with the smells of simmering brisket, from Tyler's BBQ in Amarillo, courtesy of Stan and Ray. Elle immediately took to the house. The difference was very noticeable. She was so easily comforted and slept soundly after filling her belly. Maybe she recognized the creaking floors and wind against the windows after nine months here in the womb.

She and I had a great time sitting and listening to music. She really likes Iron and Wine's early albums, Willie Nelson's "Red Headed Stranger", Neil Young's "Harvest", and Marty Robbins.

So good to be home

Buddha pose

It is such an amazing and surreal experience to have her here. She is absolutely beautiful and I'm enraptured, just watching her sleep for a few hours at a time, as even that is filled with little noises, facial expressions, hand grabs, and the like.  We feel so very blessed and are expressing endless thanks to God for the delivery of such a beautiful, healthy, little one and the health and strength of her mother. Almost seems unbelievable, we are so fortunate.



I am so overjoyed to have a little girl. I think this is in no small part due to my own experience with the two best big sisters anyone could ever hope for. I have so many hopes for her to grow surrounded by the strong women (and men) that will fill her life from all parts of our friends and family.  It's gonna be fun.

Goodnight sweet Elle