SURPRISE!

Hi Everyone,

Bob and I have some very exciting news to share with our family and friends. We have very little information right now and, unfortunately do not have the time to call all of the people closest to us but wanted to let you know about a new addition to the Harding - Wheeler Family! Shawnelle (We have decided to nickname her Ellie) is Peter's biological sister and Bob and I were contacted by DCF yesterday to see if we were interested in have her placed in our home for pre-adoption. For obvious reasons we jumped at the chance to have the baby with us and the big kids were incredibly excited when we spoke to them about it. We have not talked to Peter about her biological relationship to him yet as we intend on getting more information from the actual social worker on Monday morning and then work out the best way to handle things while we wait to find out if we will be able to adopt her.

There is, clearly, alot more to share but for now I thought an introduction was the best way to start off.

Ellie arrives at our house today at 8:45 a.m.
Peter got the first kiss and Molly got to hold her first - they made a deal!

Annie was uninterested in the new baby but we made her get in the picture anyways! The poor kid was so sick last night - fever and just miserable.

The five kids with Daddy - they were so excited to welcome Ellie!

Daddy tries his hand at holding both babies at the same time.

Sweet little Ellie. She is a very chill baby - has yet to cry or whine.

Ellie!

Bob bonding with Ellie!

Auntie Meg was the first visitor to come and see Ellie - she fell in love with her instantly!

We will update with more pictures and information tonight - for right now we are thrilled to have this opportunity and can not wait for everyone to meet Ellie! Wish us luck!

GNM - ILY!