We met Stella Barbara Hardinger last night

Our family made a trip to the hospital in Cedar Rapids where Jay and Molly had their baby girl yesterday morning.  She was born at 12:14 am, weighing 6 lbs 15.8 oz, 20 1/2 in long.  She looks like a perfect little baby girl, I couldn't really tell any specific features that made me think of either Jay and Molly, but she has little features, lots of dark hair, and slept the whole time we were there.  She did make tiny little squeaks here and there but mostly was very quiet.

We got there around 7 pm, and took lots of pictures and took turns holding her.  Violet and Calvin made Stella some handwritten cards.  Calvin wrote "Happy Birthday Stella, Love Calvin" on his card and insisted on taping 2 pieces of gum on his card to give to Jay and Molly when he got there.  Violet wrote something like "Dear Stella, I am so happy you are my new cousin, you are cute and adorable. Love, Violet"

We brought along some Scratch Cupcakery cupcakes because after all, it is a birthday. :)  The challenge in the hospital room was containing Calvin's never-ending energy.  Violet transformed into a little momma, holding Stella with ease and staring at her adoringly and saying how sweet and cute she was.  Calvin held her too, but couldn't keep his hands off her face.  Vanessa wanted to hug and hold Stella too, I helped her for a few moments of Vanessa-affection.

A nurse came in to check Stella's temp and heart rate while Violet was holding her, so she got to assist in those checks.  Violet and Calvin both listened in the stethoscope for Stella's heart beat.

Jay and Molly looked pretty tired, but were relaxed and at ease around us, not worrying about the kids in the room.  We stayed for an hour then left.

Here's some pics!

"1176" was their room number, we wore stickers with the room # on them while we were "checked in visitors" for a short time.