Introducing our Daughter: Adalyn Mutiara Hartner

It's been a big week for the Hartners.  On Monday, May 27, 2013 at 6:58pm in Penang, Eric and I welcomed our precious baby girl, Adalyn Mutiara (Pearl) Hartner into this world.  She was born 6lbs 8oz (2.95kg), 20 inches (51cm) long and with a full head of hair.  Adalyn has her mommy's nose and chin and her daddy's hands, feet and long legs. She was born at Island Hospital by the most wonderful and kind man, Dr. Narinder. Our hearts our overfilled with love for our sweet angel girl. 

Our Little Family of 3!

Adalyn and her momma just after delivery.

Hello World! Are you ready for me??

For those of you wondering about her middle name, Penang is known as the Pearl of the Orient and the Malay word for Pearl is Mutiara.  We wanted to make sure that Adalyn always carried with her her worldly heritage.

Our Sixth Anniversary

Six years ago today, Eric and I were married in front of our family and friends in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  It's been a wonderful ride this far and I am looking forward to our next big step, parenthood.  Only a few more days until we move from a family of two to a family of three!  Happy Anniversary to the best husband this girl could ever hope for!  I love you!

Here's a quick look at our last six years:

Officially Married!

Our First Anniversary, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Married for Two: Big Bend National Park, Texas

Three Years and a trip to Michigan

Four Years and getting ready to move to Penang!

Ten Years as a couple and almost five years married! Lake Louise, Canada

Five Years and a weekend in Langkawi, Malaysia

Six Years and our last anniversary as a family of two!  Baby Hartner will join us very very soon!!

The Baby Showers

Over the last month and a half, I have been showered with baby gifts and parties for our little one.  I have had three separate baby showers, thrown by wonderful friends here in Penang.  It has taken me almost a month to write this post, as the outpouring of love and support for the little life that I'm growing has been simply overwhelming.  I'm really at a loss for words for the generosity, kindness, compassion and love that has been shown to Eric and I and for our little girl.  I am also blown away by how many people truly care for us and without family obligation or having known us for an extended amount of time. It's humbling, really. 

I feel extremely blessed to be pregnant in Penang and to be bringing a new life to this wonderful community.  Everyone here is far from home and far from family, but have managed to make me feel like this tropical island is the most welcoming and warm place to have our baby.  I am excited to share this experience with so many friends and new "aunties" as well as our family and friends back home.  I do know one thing for sure, our baby girl is loved internationally and she hasn't even arrived yet.  What a great way to enter the world! 

Here are some pictures of the showers.  Enjoy them.  To everyone who partook in my special days, THANK YOU!!

The NI Ladies:  Paulette and Tica threw me a great shower, where the ladies contributed to help buy our crib!  Everyone also made personalized onesizes and we shared a great little lunch!

 

The Dalat Swim Team:  My wonderful friends Heather Johnson, Debbie Mayo and Elizabeth Graves organized a shower and invited all of my swimmers and their families to celebrate our baby.  It was a fun event where the kids joined us after school and enjoyed one of the most unique cakes ever!

Seriously, how cute is that cake?? It's perfect for a swim coach!

 

The Aunties: Our child will have an abundance of "aunties" in Penang.  Yasmine and Nikki threw me a fabulous shower, full of fun games, arts and crafts, a gorgeous cake and lots of special gifts.  Many of the ladies bought little Awas and I a newborn and baby photo session, which I am so looking forward to having!  I had a wonderful morning and really felt the love from my friends. 

Mia, Lou, Me & Nikki. Mia & Lou flew in from Singapore to celebrate with us!

A few of Awas' "aunties"

Thanks to Paulette, baby girl has her nickname ready to go on a onesize.

A beautiful handmade blanket from Shami!

Another Super Cute Cake!  And it tasted DELICIOUS!