22 Hours Later

Our little Jane was born yesterday (August 10th) at 3:31 p.m. She weighed in at 8 pounds, 8 ounces (tiny!) and is peaches and creamy - light colored hair and blue eyes.

We walked to the hospital at five o'clock yesterday morning after about ten hours of laboring at home (and a few hours more than that of really bad back pain - the precursor of labor, I guess). Then we walked home from the hospital this afternoon with a baby less than 24 hours old!

Labor and delivery was a bit more traumatic at moments than we bargained for - mostly because Jane insisted on keeping her arm above her head (her little hand came out on top, even still!), her umbilical cord was wrapped around her tummy and got pinched a bit, and meconium was thrown into the mix in a big way. But we are doing great. I was mostly just thrilled that I went into labor on my own and didn't have to be induced. And blessedly, no C-section.

For those who took a gander at her vital stats: No one guessed her date of birth right on (she came overdue, but still earlier than even I expected!), BUT she was born on her grandma's 60th birthday. What's more is that her grandmother is also the mother of three boys and one girl, so in addition to a granddaughter on her birthday, we are going to send her something extra special.

Mrs. Lemon was the closest to the date and she absolutely wins the weight guess. (Code Yellow Dad was technically the closest on the weight, but he got a daughter.) So, Mrs. Lemon, look for your prize later this fall once I get back to Ukraine. And thank you for guessing kindly. My hips appreciate it.



(My grandmother sent the beautiful quilt that Jane is laying on. Each of my kids has a quilt tied and edged with points by her. They are such treasures. Thank you, Grandma B!)

Uh oh. I hear Charlie getting the "You can't drive cars on the baby's head" lesson. Gotta go.