well, it’s safe to say: the wait is over. i’m very sorry for the long absence. it seems that nothing can really prepare you for the addition of a new baby in your world. sure, there have been those sleepy, foggy nights.
but bigger than that, there is the overwhelming feeling that my heart just might burst. burst from the site of my amazing son in his new role as Big Brother- eager to sooth his sister when she cries, and happy to help me with whatever little task it is that i am handing out because my hands are full with baby. and from the times i have looked out into the back yard and seen my husband rolling and wrestling in the yard with henry while i sit, glued to a chair and a boppy pillow and a hungry baby. and from the snuggles and cuddles and lungs full of delicious baby that i have been so fortunate to experience in these last 3 weeks. and for so many other little moments that are like snapshots in my mind and heart. this has been the best time of my life.
we have been so lucky to have matt home since the week before she was born. what an amazing gift that has been. in my last two weeks of being pregnant, i was becoming increasingly uncomfortable- swelling up like Violet Beauregarde. man, it was rough. the carpel tunnel was (and still is, in fact) killing me. and for anyone who has drifted past that 40 week mark, you know that it can take a real toll on your patience, your energy, your mood, and your general perspective on life and the world around you. and when the lady at lowe’s tells you for the umptienth time that you look like you’re about ready to drop and give birth right there in the check-out aisle, you tell yourself it’s ok when you imagine yourself choking her.
amazingly, it all seems so long ago now. and that funny thing that all women end up saying after birth is the same thing that i find myself saying today. it’s all worth it in the end. every last bit of it. even that excruciatingly difficult time in the delivery room.
so. on may 4th, at 3:09 am, we welcomed dorothy bird mitchell into our world. it was far from easy, at times i actually wanted out- crazy as that sounds- and was ready to back out of all my natural birth wishes. it was absolutely nothing like the straightforward time i had with mister henry. no question, childbirth is the biggest test of will- you have got to dig deep and find every last bit of strength that you’ve got in order to see that baby on the outside. i have spent many moments since in such amazement and even disbelief that i did it. amazing, amazing, amazing. and so funny how you can be there, in the delivery room, in the thick of the most intense contractions you would not wish on your worst enemy- and think to yourself, "i am never getting pregnant again!! this is insane!! i am a-ok with two babies!!!" and when it’s all over, it’s so easy to be so in love and forget all that pain. and even think, "well, maybe again, one day…."
because, again- there’s that whole heart burst thing. and it’s powerful stuff, i tell you.
i’ve got a lot of pictures to share, but i’ll start with one of my favorites from our first day as a family of four.

thank you to everyone who has sent well wishes, and checked in with me for any news or updates. i appreciate you more than you know!!!
xox, jenny












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Glad to see you and your family are well and little miss has made her entrance into the world. What a little love! Henry looks like the proudest big brother in the whole world, congrats!
CONGRATULATIONS!
I’m so happy for you and your sweet family. Dorothy Bird…love the name!
she is soooo lovely. congratulations – so glad to hear you are all happy and healthy and so in love!
Congratulations, glad everything is going well!
Henry looks so much like you in this picture!
oh you make me want to do it all over again, even with a 7 month old! i have been checking your blog everyday for the past week, so thanks for updating! congrats jenny, she is beautiful!!!
jessica
nerdstroms
Yay, congratulations!
Yahoo!
She is beyootiful – and Dorothy is the most PERFECT name for a wee girl of yours!
Congratulations, my pretty – well done to all four of you, and I’m looking forward to hearing some more next time you can drag yourself away from your gorgeous family…..
Leah xxx
Oh Jenny! She’s a dream. And your Henry is already (clearly!) a proficient big brother. Sending you heaps of best wishes and many sleeping-thru-the-night vibes.
xo,
michelle
OMG!!!
It felt like you were gone for ages, I was being in a sorrow. But all my friends who are mothers themselves told me about those foggy nights and that it will take a while for you to remember the world outside
Glad to see you’re all healthy and happy.
Congrats!!!
Eva
Congratulations!!
I’m so happy for you all! And glad to see you are ok. I’m, for the first time, 6 month pregnant (it’s a girl!) and you really give me good thoughts about the things that are about to happen in our life. Thank you sooooo much, and a big hug to you and your wonderful family. all my love is with you.
Elena
Congratlulations!!!! Love the name! Henry looks like a very proud big brother
Congratulations, Jenny and welcome Dorothy Bird! Have been thinking of you, and am so glad to hear that all is well. Look at your two gorgeous kids! Hope you’re enjoying settling into being a family of four. xo
What a wonderful name. Congratulations to you and your beautiful little family of four!
congratulations! beautiful. xxx
Oh, yay! Welcome little Dorothy B! So glad to hear you and your sweet fam are doing well. I’ve been thinking about you! xoxo
Congratulations, may God bless your family of four!
Oh so lovely to ‘see’ you blogging again. Many many congratulations to all of you and what a lovely name you have chosen. Miss Birdy is such a cutie
x
Aw, congratulations, Jenny! Glad to hear you are getting through this baby craziness with a smile on your face. Henry looks so pleased in this photo!
Oh wow — super happy congratulations! That is a priceless photo of Henry. This is a beautiful entry. Wishing you all many more weeks and months of bliss.
Congratulations!
Congratulations!!! I figured from your long absence that your little girl had arrived.
That photo is too cute…I’m sure you are one proud mom!
i am so happy for you (and matt and henry) i can hardly express it. reading this made me cry!
but that’s neither here nor there.
also, i miss you.
Congratulations!! I love the photos. And as a mamma of two, I know exactly what you mean about the heart bursting thing. Its amazing stuff.
Oh, how beautiful. Congratulations!
Congratulations! I’ve been reading your blog for a while, but never thought to comment. But today, I couldn’t resist!!! I am truly happy for you and matt and mister henry. Looking forward to seeing the little girl’s photos.
Yay you did it! Congratulations
She’s beautiful!
Hurrah for healthy babies and daily heart-bursts! And – it’s worth mentioning – “Dorothy Bird” may well be the best name ever.
Congratulations to you and the rest of your family.
Congrats, mama! Can’t wait to see more of little miss Dorothy! Thanks to this lovely entry, my bio clock is saying TICK TOCK loud and clear…:) Enjoy your summer!
A very heartfelt “congratulations”! Enjoy the new special lady in your life!
i have been checking your blog regularly in anticipation of this post because i knew that your words would be magical. and they are.
congratulations to you and yours!
p.s. the site’s new look is superb!
hurrah!! congratulations to your whole family!
How proud you must be. Proud of yourself and of your growing family. You and your husband make beautiful babies. Congrats!!!
congrats, congrats. What a wonderful photo of your two favorite little people.
What a gorgeous photograph – Henry looks like he is just bursting with pride!
Wow, I did not realize how much Henry looks like you until I saw that picture. You have the same wonderful smile. Congrats again and much love.
Congrats on the littlest one!
congratulations from me, too! what you wrote up there is truly beautiful and inspiring. just the best to you and your family!
Wow – great name and great photo. I’m on week 7 starting today and am in AWE. This is my first go round at it but I doubt the awe ever leaves no matter how many children you have.
God Bless you and your family.
Congrats congrats congrats!!!
Dorothy B is such a cute name, too.
woooo!
*Congratulations*
She is beautiful, and such a beautiful name too.
I have been so excited to hear about her arrival, thank you for sharing it with us all.
Sending lots of love to you and you boys.
Love Alison x
Awww, she’s gorgeous and Henry looks so proud to be a big brother in that photo! Congratulations! It’s so weird that I don’t know you but I’ve been anxiously awaiting news that everything went well. I’m very glad to hear your beautiful little girl is here and healthy, and that all of you are doing great. All the best to you and your lovely family!
P.S. Dorothy Bird has got to be the cutest name ever!!!!
so glad to see you back in blogland.
congrats, she is bee-yoo-tee-ful! yay for babies!!
I love her name, she’s beautiful! I’m so happy for your new family~enjoy these blissful moments, the oxytocin is a’flowin and the hearts will burst open to share in your joy.
congratulations missy! i just cried a little! so happy for you! so proud of you! hooray to your new family of 4…and to dorothy bird….she’s gonna be one of the best dressed little misses. xoxoxox
so much love to you all and your new precious dorothy bird!
welcome dorothy bird! what a beautiful name, and congrats on your beautiful family of four!
ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! congratulations! i must say, i have been thinking of you much these past few weeks. your words make my heart ache. and i am sending you tons more love. xo sharilyn
(typed one handed while breastfeeding)
ps i too suffered from horrible c.t. in pregancy and after – what saved me is a wonderful amazing chiropractor who specializes in pregnancy – a visit and wham! instant relief. it may be worth it to try to find one similar in your area!
Congrats Jenny! She’s a beauty!!!
I’ve read your blog and checked out your site on and off over the years… I haven’t been here in a while so I didn’t even know you were pregnant… Congratulations on your beautiful girl.
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