Welcome to Kenai!

Last night (actually at 2AM Sunday morning), I was up taking pictures of my own pregnant belly in front of the bathroom mirror. Then Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m., I was on my hands and knees scrubbing my shower. Call it intuition and sick nesting... I don't know. Be what it may, my very quick labor process started this morning at about 7:30 a.m. and Kenai Elias Munyer was born at 11:35 a.m. He weighed 9 lbs. 4 oz. and he's 21 inches long. I'll write the rest of the labor and delivery story later, but for those who want the pictures NOW, here they are!

I had my first totally positive epidural experience. Actually, it wasn't even an epidural - it was a spinal tap and I LOVED IT!!! This birthing experience was soooo smooth and easy compared to the other three.

I was immediately overcome with emotion when he was born. He's absolutely perfect and the miracle of it all just spilled out of my eyes.

Even though I was half-heartedly wishing he would come a week after his due date of May 15 (for the sake of convenience with our schedules right now), I'm really, really thankful he came when he did... especially since he weighed in at 9 lbs. 4 oz.!!! He could have been 10 or 10 1/2 pounds!



Jacob was a wonderful help throughout the entire day. He kept the mood humorous and light and he knew just what to do to help me. Here he is admiring every little detail - and loving it all!

He loved the first bath... but only for a minute.

Ammon had strep throat earlier in the week, so we made him wear a mask... which meant that Abe needed one, too! They were really cute about meeting their new little brother. They were a bit shy at first, but then loosened up, started asking all their questions and just being wonderful big brothers!

It's still unreal to me. I go to bed with a baby inside my stomach... and now he's out laying on top of me!

Abe's first meeting with Kenai. These two are going to have a special bond. I can feel it already.

Abe loves the story we tell of how when Ammon went to the hospital in Long Beach to meet him, his new little brother for the first time, the first thing he did was lick him! Abe decided that was how he wanted to welcome his own little brother into the world, too!

Ammon's questions were very mature. He was most interested in knowing about Kenai's bubble and he was just a tad disappointed that we didn't save it for him to see.

Ziya was knocked out for most of her first visit.

I think they really look alike - absolute angels, both of them!

I remember when Jacob and I used to fly standby on United Airlines while we were engaged and when we first got married. The employees would yell out, "Munyer, party of two!" when a flight came open that we could jump on. Now we're a party of six. It's hard to believe. I am so blessed.

She finally woke up to meet him. She wasn't too horribly curious. I think he's going to have to grow on her!