Chloe's Details

We have had a number of questions, so here are the details.  A few hours after the action, we have finally had a chance to catch our breaths and get to know our daughter a bit.  She is very curious and loves to suck on her thumb (Abby was never a big thumb fan).  She has all her fingers and toes, weighs in at 8 lbs 4 oz,  was 21 inches long, and is all smiles.  We hope to get a bunch of photos and videos up after a long, well deserved nap for mom and dad.  We also look forward to slowly introducing Chloe to our friends and family after we have had some quality family time.

And last, but not least, we would like to send a GIANT thanks to Cheryl, Amy, Jill, Julie, Tim, Jordan, Allison, & Christina!  You were all instrumental in making today such a wonderful experience for our family.  And a big thank you to everyone else reading along and sending us such positive thoughts.

2010-06-24 Welcome Chloe Elise

Please say hello to baby Chloe!

Welcome Chloe Elise

Born @ 9:21!

Transition time

Things are getting very close. Baby's heart beat is good, and Diana is good. I am guessing we will have a baby in the next hour or so.

Out of the pool and into bed...

Abby was able to swim with Diana in the pool.  They both enjoyed making "lyon" sounds together in the pool.  It was a very cute moment.  At one point, Abby looked at Diana's tummy and said "come out now baby".  Very cute.

Diana has now moved to the bed and is progressing nicely.  She is now 7cm and doing great!

In the Tub

Well Diana is now in the tub.  She is loving the warm water.  All of the temperature monitoring I did last night has paid off.  2 1/2 hot water heaters full and she is set.  The house is filling up slowly with helpers.  Everyone has a role (or two).  Me - I am on the playlist, blogging, and general comfort.  Amy is here taking photos, and Diana's mom is the go to woman for whatever needs done.  Surprisingly, Abby is still sleeping.  She wakes up bright and early on any normal day, but today - she is still in bed.  Go figure.  Things are progressing nicely...

The party begins

We have called in the troops, Julie is here, Christina is on her way, and Amy will be here with fresh coffee and a camera in hand (Amy - you rock!).  Thus, my photos should (maybe) improve.  Contractions are about ever 3 minutes, lasting 1 1/2 minutes.  Bilbo is being very attentive as well.  He went and found a pillow and brought it to Diana just afew minutes ago.  What a good dog :-)

The house is alive

Well, we are awake again after a great night's sleep (well - as best as you can expect anyway).  I don't know what "active labor" is, but if I had to take a guess - I would say this is it.  Contractions are closer, stronger, and longer.  I have the tub all filled up and ready to go.  We called our doula, Julie - she is on her way.  The house is alive.

Good morning

Good morning all.  We just had some nice well deserved naps.  Diana is lighting candles and mixing up the music between contractions.  The tub is about 1/2 full so far - so it will probably be full around 3am or so.  We just had some conversations with our midwife and doula.  The big question was - should Diana keep resting or take another walk and "keep things moving".  The advice was unanimous.  Rest it is.  Hey, if you know our family - that is advice that doesn't need to be given a second time.  While we relax with some good music (thank you last.fm) and candle light, why don't you head on over to woot.com.  They are having a woot off!  Get us a "bag o crap" if you would - thanks!

At the high school

We are just leaving the 40 yard line of the rosevelt high school football field. Why are we leaving the field you may ask. Why to check on the progress of the filling of the tub of course. We were out there dancing and contracting. We had moonlight, music, and fake grass under our feet. Quite nice actually. A good way to spend an evening if you ask me.

Walking around the block

I am currently walking around the block with D. Our neighborhood is very quiet and calm tonight. Things have been very quiet so far. The moon is out and is making the streets and trees glow. I wonder what the occasional car thinks as it passes by?

The house is all ready for the tub

Julie (our doula) came by and gave Diana some acupressure.  Our friend Alison worked with Julie and 7 hours later delivered a healthy baby girl.  Lets hope that Julie continues the magic touch.  We have just finished putting the plastic down on the floor in preparation for the tub.  Contraction Master (iPhone App plug - I want my my royalties ;-) is in action.  Diana is laying down now and trying to relax a bit.  Looks like we are in for a night with no sleep.  :-)

The early stages of labor

So this morning Diana's water broke and she began having regular contractions.  Afew days early, things were getting started.  As the day went out, the contractions became more and more regular and stronger (as they will do).  After a yummy lunch at work I was off to go checkin' on the crew.  Diana, planner of all planers was sticking to the birth plan.  I returned home to find it was time to begin gardening in the front yard.  Diana really wanted her early labor to be spent doing a relaxing activity - and for her that was prepping the peas and carrots for harvest :-).  Every has their own passion.

We have given it a lot of thought, and have decided that a home birth is right for us.  So the next part of the birth plan involved getting the tub scheduled, doula notified, and midwife team prepped.  The house is perfect and we are all ready.  Diana just read a book to Abby and she (Abby) is off to bed.  I am ready to go, contraction master iPhone app in one hand, and blog in the other.  It is the funniest thing to hear Diana singing Abby to sleep "Little bunny fufu hoppin through the .... I am having one now!".  That's my cue to push the timer button and to offer my assistance.  The tub should get here in an hour or so.  We are just in a waiting pattern.

Enjoy part of the story that Abby got to hear.