The sisters are united!

It's a long story, but Akilah had contracted RSV about 2 weeks ago (which totally figures because 5 years of only having very few tiny colds and coughs were too good to be true). Our original plan was for her to go to Julie's house once I was in labor and we would call them back for the very end. Akilah had seen birth photos and watched a video and we talked all about it. We made it her choice if she wanted to be here and she had decided yes. Until... RSV hit.

If I had gone into labor any sooner she would have had to stay away for longer, potentially going to a hotel with either my mom or Tony. Lots of possible scenarios, none of which were ideal. But Kaia was born almost 2 weeks after it all started so this afternoon (having a baby right after midnight makes for a very very long first day!) Julie brought Akilah home. Meg had made an awesome suggestion that my hands be free to greet Akilah when she first came home. I am oh so glad she did. Here she is meeting her baby sister for the first time:

My mom then arrived a few hours later all the way from Pennsylvania. We are incredibly grateful for all her help. She plans to stay until Wednesday.