We are excited to welcome Ella Grace Taatjes into our family. She was born at 8:52 PM on Saturday, September 30. She was 6 lbs 9 oz and 19 inches. We think she is pretty amazing.

After the last drop in my fluids, they decided to induce us Saturday morning. I have included the last picture of my pregnancy. Things couldn't have gone more smoothly. At 3:30 PM my water broke naturally, and the real contractions began. After an hour of those and still only be dilated to 3, I made the decision to utilize modern medicine and had an epidural. I took a nap from 5 - 7, woke up to find out that I had gone from 3 to 10 with a baby ready to come out in those 2 hours. After waiting for the doctor to arrive, I started pushing a little before 8 PM. Yes, we did have the Ohio State (and sometimes the Michigan) football game on in the background (on mute of course). We also have worship songs playing in the backgroud. During one of the hardest points of pushing, Matt Redman's "You Never Let Go" was playing. We were told it was a girl at 8:52. Playing in the background was "How Awesome is the Lord most high."

I can't put into words the joy that overcomes you at that moment. Our little girl was here. What an absolute miracle. God has truly blessed us in an immeasurable way. We think Ella Grace is the most beautiful girl in the world, of course we are biased. Loving someone so much even though they have never said a word to you is the greatest experience.

We went home on Monday, October 2. This is her first dress that she wore home from the hospital.





All future postings will be at www.ellagracetaatjes.blogspot.com