Welcome to the Family!

We picked up Smith from the hospital on a Wednesday.  While we were trying to figure out how or when to introduce him to the family, it became clear that we needed to do it ASAP since we were staying in town.  Otherwise, it would just be a big tease to make them wait.  Ha!  So we had a secret reception after church Wednesday night for our family and some of our closest friends who Russ and I had shared our news with.  We still hadn't told many at all.  Kristin graciously offered to throw us a precious reception.  She did all the food and decorations on such short notice.

It's a good thing it was dark, because we were greeted with cuteness starting in the front yard!  We caught ourselves whispering outside like someone would actually figure it out.  Very spy-like.  LOL!

My sweet family of FOUR!

One of the perks of hosting such an event is getting first peek at the new addition.  Smith met his Auntie Kristin and Uncie Lee as soon as we walked in.

Millie Janalee had been with Will and Elle all day.  They obviously play VERY HARD, because this girl was exhausted!  We let her have a 30 minute nap before she needed a bath and to get dressed for the night.  Talk about traumatized.  I'm pretty sure she cried and slept through her entire bath.  Talk about a nightmare for her.  Ha!  Needless to say, she wasn't all that into the new baby that first night.  But she had her moments...

Big sister taking a look over at the carrier

"Hey Baby Bruvver!"

Kristin had paid attention to detail as she always does for this small family gathering.  She had a sweet plate for everyone to sign and write messages on, finger foods, and she even created big S's from chocolate as cupcake toppers.  Oh, and a precious door hanger!  Another perk of hosting is being the ONE and ONLY person who knew his name before the reception.  That may have had something to do with her wanting to host.  Ha!

We decided we would wait for most of the family to arrive before we introduced Smith.  We spent some time in the back bedroom changing diapers and making sure he was cute as a bug when he met this crazy crew.

Once all the grandparents had arrived, Smith made his grand debut to the entire family!  There were squeals and "Awww"s and "Ooooo"s and love abounding.  Russ paraded him around just as a proud daddy should before allowing anyone else the chance to hold our little bundle.

Once he let Smith go, we didn't see him again for awhile.  Ha!  He was scooped up from one loving hand to another.  Just as it should be.  Treasured from before we all knew him…and loved still more than ever.

Many of our friends and family brought gifts for our baby boy.  And some even brought Big Sister gifts.  I spent some time opening the gifts with the help of little tots running around while the rest of the family loved on our son.

We are blessed.  And we are always reminded most during times like these.  Blessed as a family.  Blessed with LOVE overflowing.  Blessed indeed.

My side of the family with the newest addition

Russ's side of the family with the newest addition (We missed Jimmy's family)

My aunt, uncle, cousin, and her daughter with the newest addition

Russ and I are so thankful for the loved ones who traveled the distance to celebrate with  us.  Among those were our dear friends, Jamie and Charlie.  Our photographer had a family emergency, and Jamie jumped right in there to capture the moments.  She is such a blessing and true friend.  Forever grateful to have these memories.  And in return, she didn't even get a chance to hold the baby before Ruthie got sleepy.  I owe her a visit to Hernando for sure!  Thank you Jamie and Charlie for being there.

Us with Jamie, Charlie, and Ruthie

It was the perfect night for a celebration!  Celebrating this new party of FOUR.  Planned perfectly…each one.  We stayed at Kristin's until later in the night to help clean up and soak in the moments before taking our children to bed at my parents' house.

What a day!  'Tis so sweet for sure.