July 18, 2010, Anchorage, Alaska, 9:29 a.m., Alaska Time~

Michael Doucet here.  A very tired, relieved, happy Michael Doucet, I might add.

Our first daughter (and our third child) has arrived, safe and sound.  She has been pronounced perfectly healthy:  ten fingers, ten toes, great coloring, breathing on her own, a headful of inky-black hair.  Looks just like her mother, Jenna Aurora.

She is absolutely gorgeous!

Jenna delivered Bella Michaela at 2:15 this morning, nearly twelve hours ago.  All went very well.  Bella weighed in at four pounds, two ounces.  She is very small, but is otherwise fine.  The medical staff will keep her in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for a few days, just so they can keep a good, close eye on her and make sure that all is well, which, at this time, it appears to be.

Jenna is now lying in her bed, exhausted from her ordeal.  She is sawing logs; I can hear her snoring.  LOL  And I am sitting in the room, staring at my wife, thinking just how blessed I am to have her in my life.  The boys, Kenai and Mattaq, are playing quietly at my feet, coloring in their coloring books and talking softly amongst themselves.  The reality of being big brothers to a little girl really hasn't set in yet.

Thank God for small favors!  LOL

I have already called Jenna's sister (and my sister-in-law), Jerrica, to pass on the good news.  I will be calling Louisiana Sandusky and her family, but they're probably still at church as I write this down.  So I will wait an hour or two; then I will pass the good news on to them.  I also planning on calling my immediate family in Louisiana and southeastern Texas, to let them know that our baby is here, a month earlier than planned or expected, but she is here, safe and sound! :)

A girl.  A sweet, little baby girl who looks just like my adorable wife, Jenna.  Who would have ever thought this would happen to me?  My wife?  My family?  Such a miracle of life; God has demonstrated His grace upon our lives yet again by giving us a third healthy child!  I am indeed blessed.  I am indeed thankful to God for allowing Bella Michaela to come into our lives in such a profound, unforgettable way!  (You should have heard her squalling as she burst into the world:  nothing wrong with her lungs!)

I am going to have to get used to buying girl-toys, clothing, and the sort.  For the past two/three years, it's been nothing but boy-toys, clothing, or furniture.  Oh, I buy female clothes and items for my wife, but this is different.  I am the father to a little girl after becoming a dad to two little boys; this is entirely new to me.  I am sure Jenna (and her sister) will help me navigate the world of the female side of things because as a man, I have no clue!  Especially when it comes to female children!  LOL

Well, Jenna is stirring, so I will let the boys see their maman and let the realization of having a brand new daughter sink in.  Just keep us all in your prayers, and pray that Bella (as well as her maman) continue to show good health!  I would greatly aprpeciate it, as would Jenna!  Thanks in advance!  God bless and have a good day! 

~Michael Wayne.   :)