Stella Reneé Shaffer

What an adventure our family has been on.  It has been a very long 8 months for sure.  I have definitely learned amazing things from God in this time of being patient.  He has stripped me down to where I was able to only be dependent upon Him, and that is what I needed.

God has blessed us beyond our imaginations.  I need to be honest here.  I really was praying that God would bring a little girl into our family, but with not knowing the sex of the baby, I was having to talk myself into being perfectly fine with another baby boy.  It was hard to do, but I was able to convince myself that either sex would be great.  Truly, as long as my baby was healthy, I knew that God had a plan.  

Fast forward to one of the greatest mornings I have ever had.  At 11:00pm on the 15th of April I went into labor and had to get to the hospital ASAP.  I was scheduled to have another cesarian section and not go into labor, but things weren't going the way I thought they should.  After having labor contractions for about 3 hours, I was taken into surgery.  The spinal was done and the contractions were gone, I was at peace.  I love my doctor.  He was so sweet and knew I had been in tons of pain, so he was able to still make me laugh through it all.  There were only about 4 people in the room and I'm not even sure there was anyone else in the hospital.  At least that's how quiet it was.  As I was laying there waiting for our baby to be brought out, a peace came over me.  I was having a great time because all these 8 months would be behind me and I would be able to be a good mom again.  I was excited. 

Then it happened.  Dr. Maxey looked at Robby and said "I want you to tell her what it is!"  Then Robby said "it's a girl, baby!"  I think he choked up, and I got tears in my eyes and said "What?  Is it really a girl?  Really?  A girl?  I can't believe it!"  I was so overwhelmed.  A beautiful baby girl.  My heart raced!  I couldn't wait to see her!  When they showed her to me I just was so full of joy that I didn't even cry!  I was too excited!  I am so thankful that God has blessed our family with a beautiful and very healthy baby girl, Stella.  I am amazed by how healthy she is. No NICU.  The pediatrician even said "We aren't even treating her like a premie because of how healthy she is."  I couldn't ask for more.  Then, there was Levi holding his baby sister for the first time.  I have told many of my friends how that moment is really the happiest moment of my life.  Seeing my grown up baby boy hold his baby sister and be the proudest big brother in the world.  He loves her so much.  He is always asking to hold her.  He gives her kisses and says he will protect her.  It's amazing.  I am literally on cloud 9 and I hope to never come down.  So without further ado, here is our newest addition....

Stella Reneé

Her she is again!

Levi holding her for the first time!

Our first day together!

Sweet Heart!