Friday, June 27, 2008

Introducing...


Kate Elizabeth Shank
June 26, 2008
7:18pm
20 inches
8 lbs., 3 oz.

Well, it's "Tante Em" and "Gigi" posting here.  we just got home and are happy to report that little Kate graced us with her presence this evening after a smooth and fairly quick delivery.  Nora, Mom, and I woke up this morning with no suspicions of her coming today--in fact, we decided to go shopping in Scottsdale.  Ironically, we left all the bags for the hospital at home, not thinking anything was going to happen.  However, on the way to the mall, Nora noticed that her contractions were 3-5 min. apart and a bit stronger than before.  After meandering through a few stores, Nora's face revealed that these contractions were a bit different than the previous week's worth.  She then suggested that we quickly get lunch at Nordstrom Cafe 'to go,' and have Travis come pick her up straight from work.  So, Mom and I sent the two of them off to the hospital, while we ran home to retrieve the bags!  We arrived at the hospital around 1pm, to find out that Nora was 6cm and 90% effaced.  By that point, she and Travis decided to go with the epideral, and that soon put her at ease.  Over the next few hours, she steadily progressed.  Nora, Mom, and Travis were in the room, while the Shank family and I waited patiently outside.  At 7:20, Mom rushed out to announce, "It's a girl!"  Joyous laughter and smiles and screams quickly gushed forth, and lots of phone-calls and text-messages were sent. Opa Jansen arrives tomorrow afternoon, and we are simply thrilled that he will get to see Kate, as Grandpa Steve got to be here today before he leaves tomorrow for Denver.  So, on behalf of Travis, Nora, and Kate, thanks for all your prayers and support.  God's grace truly is amazing, and looking at little Kate makes us worship the Lord for His provision and grace through this whole process.  More pictures to come tomorrow...

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

she is so beautiful. i love her little pink cheeks!

CONGRATS!
love, ashley

Sarah said...

Welcome Kate! We are so excited that you are here and can't wait to meet you some day.

Congrats Nora and Travis. I'm sure you will enjoy your little girl as much as we enjoy ours.

btw, what hospital was she born at?

Kate Van said...

Congrats Travis & Nora!! Janelle let me know it was a girl right away- I'm glad she's finally here!

Rachel said...

Wow--look at all that hair!! She's beautiful. :o)

Unknown said...

How beautiful she is! Please pass on our congratulations to Nora and Travis. Doug and Cheryl Davis

erin said...

I'm first to comment! What a fun announcement to find in my inbox this morning. She's beautiful! Brought a tear to my eye! Congratulations, you guys...I'm so excited for you.

Tali Kauflin said...

Hurraayyyy!!! She is precious! Congratulations!!! I am so happy to hear it went smoothly! Welcome to motherhood! So exciting.

Praise said...

Congratulations! She is beautiful! Welcome to the epidural club...God's common grace!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Nora! How exciting! I love the name!

Jean said...

woohoo! she's beautiful! congratulations and much love!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your new blessing!

Steve Sweigart
Charlotte

Becca said...

congratulations!! she's beautiful!

Sweet Home Colorado said...

Congratulations Travis and Nora! We just love Kate's hair! She is so precious! Blessings to you as you start this awesome adventure! Love,
Abby, Mark, and Nolan

Tara said...

Oh she is so beautiful!! Congratulations!

Cara S. said...

Congrats! She's beautiful!

Anonymous said...

She's beautiful!! We've been waiting and praying with you. Thank you for telling the story and letting us know the wonderful news. Hugs to all and a kiss for Baby Kate. Noni and Papa Lauterbach

Danae Jones said...

Oh, she's beautiful! What a perfect little face! Glad Nora and baby are doing well. Can't wait to meet her!

Callie said...

Congratulations!! We are so thrilled for you guys, and Kate is adorable! Can't wait to see more pictures!

Anonymous said...

Yea! Praise the Lord! She's beautiful! What a bunch of dark hair! I'm so excited for ya'll!

Congratulations!
Emily Baker

Mindy said...

Congratulations, Travis & Nora! And welcome Kate! We're very excited for you all!
Love,
Tyler & Mindy

All 8 of Us said...

Congratulations to all...rejoicing with you in New Jersey!!! Kate is absolutely beautiful :)
We'll continue praying for grace to abound during the transition home,establishing nursing and sleep etc.
Blessings to you all!!
With love from the Baillies

Anonymous said...

Rejoicing with you two! So glad little Kate finally arrived. I will be praying for your family.

Alivia's Momma said...

Congratulations Nora and Travis. Being a parent is the greatest joy.

tessa said...

yay! she is so beautiful!
congratuations!!!

Bluffton Blogger said...

What a cute,cute,cute baby! Great news, thanks for the ride. Guess you'll have lots to blog about now
Brian and Denise

iamchanelle said...

CONGRATS!!!!! we are so so excited for all of you.
and she is BEAUTIFUL. love you guys!

clint and chanelle

Lizzy said...

Congratulations, Travis & Nora! She is a doll!!

Kelly said...

We are very excited for you guys. Little girls are awesome! She is a doll! Love, David and Kelly

Anonymous said...

The Tucson Lambros, rejoice with you ! She is beautiful and what a great name can't wait to meet her!

Meg said...

WOW! Look at that hair!!! She is so beautiful and precious! So happy for you guys. Glad she is finally here! =)

Lydia Jane said...

Nora! Congratulations to you and Travis! She is beautiful. :)

Anonymous said...

Congrats Nora (and Travis too!) I love her hair (and name!) Katie

Debbie said...

Kate is beautiful!! We are so happy for you, Nora & Travis. Nora - welcome to this sweet journey of motherhood. What a gift!

Love,
Ben, Debbie & James

megan haughery said...

awww. hooray. so excited for you all and the little girlie :)

Anonymous said...

She's beautiful!

Congrats to the Shank Family! =)