Introducing Our Sweet Girl, Selah Ruth

The last few weeks have felt like a soft, warm blur in the very best way. Our little girl is finally here and she has already changed our world in ways I didn’t even know were possible. Miss Selah Ruth has made us a family of five and I can honestly say our hearts have never felt so full. I keep finding myself looking around the house, seeing everyone together, and just thinking wow… this is exactly where I am meant to be. As tired as I am some days, I truly cannot imagine doing anything else with my life than being a mom.

People told us that going from two kids to three would feel like a huge jump. I heard over and over again that it would be overwhelming and that the adjustment would be a lot. So I will admit that I was pretty nervous while we waited for her to arrive. But so far, it has been the smoothest transition. It has honestly been a breeze. I keep waiting for chaos to show up at the door, but right now we are just soaking in the sweetness of this newborn season. I’m sure once Selah is on the go and crawling all over the place we will officially feel like we are running a little circus, but for now everything feels calm and somehow even easier than I expected. Maybe it is because the older two have stepped into their new roles so naturally. They adore her, and seeing them love on their baby sister is something I know I will remember forever.

Since she arrived, we have had so many people ask where her name came from, and it has been so special to share the meaning behind it. Her first name, Selah, is a biblical name that appears often in the book of Psalms. There are a few different thoughts on what it means, but many believe it is a word that invites us to pause and reflect on what came before. Almost like a moment to breathe and take it all in. I love the idea that her name reminds us to slow down, especially in a world that moves so fast. Every time I say her name out loud, it makes me think about how important it is to stop rushing through life and actually enjoy what is happening right in front of us. She has already brought that kind of peace to our home.

Her middle name, Ruth, is extra meaningful. It comes from my great-grandma, Onita Ruth. She was strong, steady, loyal, and kind. She loved her people well and lived with a quiet strength that I have always admired. Giving our little girl her name felt like a way to honor her and carry part of her story into the next generation. I hope Selah grows up to have the same soft strength and love for others that my great-grandma showed every day.

The last few weeks have been full of figuring out a new rhythm as a family of five. There are more tiny socks to keep track of, and more naps to work around, but there is also more laughter and more moments where I find myself stopping just to take it all in. We are learning what works, what doesn’t, and how to make things flow without losing our minds in the process. The older two are adjusting so well, and I can see their confidence growing as they learn how to help with little things. It has been fun watching our whole family shift and grow to make room for Selah in the most natural way.

Life has definitely kept us busy. Between nighttime feedings and keeping up with everyday life, I feel like the days fly by faster than ever. I look at the calendar and I cannot believe it is already almost Thanksgiving. It feels like we blinked and the whole year disappeared. We are already gearing up for Christmas and honestly it is wild to think it will be here before we know it. Soon after that, we will be stepping into a brand new year. I swear the older I get, the faster time moves. Maybe that is why this season feels extra important. I want to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy every little moment before they pass me by.

Even though things are busy, they are also so full of love. We have been surrounded with so much support from our family and friends. People have checked in, brought food, offered help, and just showed up for us in the sweetest ways. It has made this transition feel even more special. There is something about welcoming a new baby that reminds you of how strong your community really is. I am so grateful for the love we have received.

As we settle into this new chapter, I am excited to bring more stories to the blog. Life as a family of five is already full of funny moments, sweet moments, and moments that stretch us. I know there will be days where we feel like we have it all together and days where we definitely do not. But that is the beauty of real life, and I want to share it all. I want this space to continue feeling like a place where we can connect, laugh, and relate to each other through the ups and downs of motherhood, family, and everything in between.

And since we are creeping up on the end of the year, I would love to hear what your goals are for the new year. Are you dreaming big? Wanting to slow down? Hoping for more rest or more adventure? I feel like everyone has something on their heart as we get close to January. So tell me what you are hoping for. I love hearing from you.

Here is to this new season, to our sweet Selah Ruth, and to all the little moments that make life as a family of five so special. My heart is full and I cannot wait to share more of our story with you.

-Love, Bailey, Kendell, Stetson, Stella, and Selah (The Born Fam)