It's a Girl!

Hello Everyone!! We'd like to introduce to Y'all our precious little one!

Annalyn Sherise Oldham

Born April 1, 2009

10:36pm

8lbs. 11oz.

19 1/4 inches

Though many of you have already heard our story, here is a quick overview.

My official due date was March 31st. We went into the hospital at 6:00am Wednesday April 1st. After 16 1/2 hours of labor little William was born. Let me explain - you see after 4 ultrasounds, 3 of which checked for gender, we didn't even question the fact that we were having a boy. So when our baby was born no one even checked the gender. The Doctor held "him" up for me to see and everyone said, "Hi William, welcome to the world." I heard things like, "Oh Sherise, he's perfect. What a beautiful little boy. William is a great name." The nurses took "him" over to be cleaned up.

After several minutes, a new nurse came in and began helping clean the baby up. Curiously she asked, "What are you calling this baby?" Everyone in the room said, "William." This awesome nurse looked at me and said, "Oh Honey, this isn't a William - you've got a girl."

"Very Funny," I said, "haha."

"No I'm serious."

"Sure you are - Happy April Fools Everyone!"

Then Trav's voice cut in, "Sherise, she's serious. It's really a girl."

Well, Travis wanted a girl from the beginning anyway, so I just figured he was in on the nurses joke. Since I was obviously being difficult to convince, the nurse wrapped up our 1/2 cleaned up little girl and brought her over to my bedside displaying her anatomy - Suprise - IT'S A GIRL!

I think all I said for several minutes was, "You've got to be kidding...oh my gosh...no way... really?...I can't believe it...a girl?...oh my gosh...I can't believe it..."

Okay you get the gist! I was astonished and I'm happy to say both Trav and I were elated (if not a little shell-shocked). After the initial shock I just cried. I was so happy - I was prepared for a little boy, but I wanted my little girl. Trav was the proudest dad in the world - him and his little girl! Somehow the Lord knew the desires of his heart because either those 3 ultrasounds saw something that wasn't there or someone made a little switch to give this new daddy exactly what he wanted. I looked at Trav a little later and said, "How on earth did you pull that off?"

Well, needless to say, it was the best April Fools suprise we've ever had! What a story to tell for years to come! It's been wonderful, though the first few days were difficult in the clothing and blanket department. She used a few blue things for several days until we could buy her something pink. She's been spoiled now though - thanks to everyone who's been so generous.

Well, here are some pictures from that first week. Enjoy! There's many more to come very soon. Love you all and miss you!

About 10 minutes after she was born. Our first mother/daughter picture!

Day #2 - Mom and Annalyn in the hospital

Travis - the proud new daddy!

Our first family picture! We were all very tired, but so happy!

Annalyn's first picture with those beautiful blue eyes wide open! Love the cheeks too!

First day at home! Still tired obviously ;-) Mom and Annalyn napping on the couch.

First day home - now Daddy and Annalyn are taking a nap.

Yep that's about all we did the first few days!

Just one of the 3 boxes of baby boy clothes we packed up and put in storage.

PRECIOUS!!

Family Scripture Study - she's so attentive!

My mother came for one week and was a lifesaver! I was so sad to see her go. I am loving Texas, but really miss my family. Thanks for all the help mom - it would have been so much harder without you! (And you were right - that bath felt amazing!)

Daddy and Annalyn watching the game - BONDING TIME!

Annalyn was taking a nap and somehow pulled her headband over her eyes all by herself! We laughed so hard and, of course, had to take a picture!

Our beautiful baby girl - 1 week old! (Already 9lbs.)