Announcing...

A brief telling of Babú's birth

Saying “Hello!” from the blanket Mama knit while waiting for her arrival. Thankful for the creativity of cousin Erin Craig for the beautiful month markers.

Good news travels fast around here. Certainly faster than I’ve been able to string together two thoughts to make this post. But in case you haven’t heard, or live far enough away that the carrier pigeons haven’t made it to you yet, Olive Grace joined us earthside on Friday, May 26 at 8:54 p.m.

Olive is the product of a loooong labor and a quick, unplanned but not-quite-emergency cesarean birth. We are so grateful to the staff and OB team at Broadlawns here in Des Moines, particularly Drs. Pymm and Bingaman. They supported our goals to labor and deliver naturally and they also helped us change paths for Ollie’s well-being when that became necessary. And at a time that still allowed me to be awake to witness her first breath, see her as they drew her out, and hear Lucas name her to the OR, crying and laughing tears of joy behind his mask and getting the whole medical team going with him.

Exhausted, grateful, in love.

Olive’s first name was inspired by a family love of Popeye, peace offerings, and gnarly trees. It was confirmed by the fact that she entered the world covered in green poo and with a pimento shaped stork bite on the back of her head. Grace is for the everyday miracle of her existence on top of the medical miracle of her conception. We also love the fact that her initials make clear that she’s our little OG. At 7 pounds 15 ounces and 21.75 inches long, she’s got the hands and feet of a puppy that make us think she might get tall. She is strong and bright and ours.

Lucas has found his purpose and his joy. He adores being Ollie’s papa.

We won’t be sharing much of her personal information on public platforms going forward (pictures, full name, etc.). But if you consider yourself family or a close friend and would enjoy receiving periodic baby spam, I’d be happy to add you to an upcoming Cluster account. Just direct message me your email address.

Our sweet and bright-eyed Ollie.

Don’t be surprised if this takes a while to get up and running. Everything is moving more slowly as we heal and bond and fall in love. (Birth by cesarean is birth. It is also major abdominal surgery.) Grateful for your continued prayers and support as we embrace life as a family of three. (Plus Chet, of course.) And indebted to the Grandmas and Grandpas who have showed up for us as we get settled in.

Much love,

Lindsey