Life in Serenity Valley: Karissa Hope Lillian Is Here!

Our family is now complete. Karissa was born on July 18th! Our little girl is the icing on the Lofton cupcake! She was a scheduled c-section, and she born at 7:47 and weighted 7 pounds, 15 ounces. She is the runt of our family!! Everything went great with the c-section. It was easier than the other times actually.

We went home 29 hours later. We had to wait for audiology for a several hours. :-(

We have a tradition of the first birthday party when a baby comes home. We sing, eat cake, and have balloons and gifts!! It's a fun tradition that the little ones look forward to.

Here's our first attempt of taking some newborn photos.

Having hats and hairbands is so much fun to work with.

Now the story behind the name. If you know us, you know that we are very intentional and name meanings are very important to us. We had a hard time with her name. We were down to the last minute. Here's the Bible verse that helped us make the decision:

We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this GRACE (KARIS) in which we stand, and we rejoice in the HOPE of the glory of God. Romans 5:2

KARISSA HOPE LILLIAN LOFTON

Why Karissa? It is taken from the Greek word Karis (Charis), and it means GRACE. We have learned that grace is one of the most powerful gifts to humanity. God in his mercy has shown us grace through his Son, Jesus. And we have learned having grace for others is our way of sharing true love.

Why Hope? Hope means to have faith, to expect. I honestly never ever let myself hope for a little girl or a such an amazing family. God has given us more than we even HOPED for.

Why Lillian? Lillian means consecrated to God and purity. Lillian main root word is Lily. Clark really really wanted this baby to be named Lily. Joel really wanted the baby to be named Sweet, Sweet Flower. Lily and flower can be her nickname if the boys want to call her that. She is a sweet sweet lily flower.

Everything is going well, but far from perfect. Levi is sick with a fever, so I am trying to keep his two year old hands off the new baby. Doctor said he has an ear infection and virus. We haven't had as much help as we are used to with a new baby because Grandma and Pawpaw can't come. Michael is running around like crazy while I am trying to be still and rest. He ended up going to the doctor himself with massive headaches. I've been to the E.R. twice now with stomach pain and fever one time and bad headaches and high blood pressure/low heart rate another. I'm coming around slowly but surely.

Here's Levi adjusting to not being the baby anymore and not able to have mommy's full attention.