Flora June Blair’s Homecoming

Have I told you about Flora June’s homecoming? It was joyous. I think it was my favorite part of her birth.

June was born a little after 9:00 on a Friday night. Ben Blair and I woke up Saturday morning, feeling good and ready to get home, so we checked out of the hospital right away, about 12 hours after the birth. When we arrived home the house was peaceful and welcoming. Full of pretty Spring light, with a kid-made welcome banner in the window. The five older siblings were playing at the Lattin’s house (our dear friends), and the house was still clean and shiny thanks to a housekeeper visit the day before. We settled Baby June, unpacked the hospital bags and took a very content nap.

An hour later the kids arrived home and it was like Christmas morning — all smiles and discovery. The siblings couldn’t get enough of their new sister. Everyone took lots of turns holding her. Voices would start quiet and hushed, taking in this new little creature, and then get loud and boisterous because it was just so exciting.

I wish I could bottle the happy that was in the room that day. It was very clear to me that June will be as loved and adored as any human being ever has been.

PS — You can see lots more pics from June’s Homecoming here, including one of me still looking very pregnant the morning after her birth.

40 thoughts on “Flora June Blair’s Homecoming”

  1. Awww, so sweet and touching. That does sound like an enchanted homecoming. And YOU still look beautiful, no matter. My tummy looks like the baby weight has yet to leave and I’ve never given birth!

  2. Older siblings must be one of the sweetest aspects of having a sixth child. Congratulations to you and your little June. And you looked fantastic one day after giving birth!

  3. That is so sweet… and desperately makes me want to have another. Lucky that you were able to go home after just 12 hours. The hospital stay was always the least happy part of my children’s births. Enjoy your precious family!

  4. That is so awesome that you got to leave so soon – but I’m wondering how?

    With our second, we left as soon as we could – but there were so many little things, like the newborn hearing screening, the paperwork for the birth certificate, my OB’s clearance, and just the processing time for my discharge paperwork…I would’ve LOVED to be home in my own bed so soon!

  5. SO lovely!
    I had my 5th at a birth center and was home 5 hours after the birth. Recovering at home was THE BEST part of the whole thing– so peaceful and special and comfortable.

  6. Aww. You can completely see the happiness, the wonder, and the awe in their faces! I remember feeling the same when my mom brought home my sister. I was 12! It’s awesome to be able to remember that and relay that to her now that she’s 13 (I remind her at every birthday). It’s great that your other kids will be able to do that with her =)

  7. Congratulations on new little June! You have a lovely family and I enjoy keeping up with them through your blog. Thank you.

  8. So sweet, wish my baby had such a welcoming from her big sister but she just got ignored. June looks like a perfect finale – congrats!

  9. june was one our favorite girl names, but we had a baby calvin instead. she is darling and tiny and wonderful. homecoming pictures are the best.

  10. Thanks for sharing, Gabby!!! Absolutely gorgeous and the joy and awe and wonder just pops out of each and every image. What a lovely family to bring June into. God Bless!!! You look fabulous, even a day after delivery :)

  11. Did the older kids come to the hospital to visit at all? People think I’m weird that I don’t want my daughter to come and visit right away. I just don’t think it’s necessary, plus she has a medical disorder and I’ve been told to avoid hospitals with her in general.

  12. Emily J. Ridgway

    Beautiful photos, Gabrielle! I love that you captured this special moment with your family on film. I think your family is just lovely. Hope you are feeling well! I love reading your posts. :)

  13. Gorgeous story and photos. The pictures really do capture the joy you could feel. I especially love that look on Betty’s face. It’s one that seems to say “Oh my gosh, I truly, finally am a big sister”!
    Someone pass me a tissue. *sniff*.

  14. so so so precious! Where did you get/ and what brand is her incredibly soft and FABULOUS blanket?????? I want it! :) Congrats to you!

  15. What an absolute treasure, Gabby. I think the way siblings love each other (and especially new babies) is such a lesson in opening our lives up to change with grace and joy.

  16. Another beautiful addition to an already beautiful family…and that name is absolute perfection. Luvz it! Congratualtions. May June’s life be filled with much love and sunshine.

  17. I’m also SO curious as to how you got out so fast…your pediatrician was ok with you leaving so soon after? Did you have to sign out “against medical advice”?

  18. Analise Heaton

    I was so happy to read in this post that you had a housekeeper. I always read your blog baffled at how you keep up on a business, 6 kids, church, and have time for fun projects. Was the housekeeper just a special occasion thing or is that a regular occurence in the household. Congrats! She is a doll and I love the name.

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