World, Please Meet Our Daughter, Alma

To celebrate her first week of life, here's her story from the beginning ...

Since we had an ultrasound appointment on Monday morning (December 7) to have some tests done [since I was one week "overdue" with my pregnancy and there was a chance that we would be induced], we wanted to decorate the house and get all the last minute items together over the weekend. On Saturday we went to Lowe's to get a Christmas tree and all the trimmings with our wonderful neighbors Randy and Erin. Sunday was spent decorating, going to a prenatal yoga class and attending Mass. By Sunday night we felt we were finally ready to go into labor ... and so we did!Monday morning at 4:40 a.m. I was sitting up in bed reading when my water broke. (I woke up at 4 am most nights of my pregnancy, usually for a bowl of cereal.) As requested, we waited until 6:30 a.m. to call the doctor so that we wouldn't wake him up. He told us to come into the hospital right away. Here I am in the evaluation room right before switching to hospital clothing. I wanted one last photo of being pregnant.We were able to have an awesome birthing experience. My body was well-prepped for the day -- all that prenatal yoga paid off! -- so I didn't need any pain medication and labor progressed naturally and quickly throughout the day. The only intervention the doctor decided to do was re-breaking my water since my natural water break was higher in my belly and not effective enough. I only had 25 minutes of pushing at the end of the day, which I hear is quick for a first child. I feel so blessed by how (relatively) easy the process was for me.

We were also blessed to have the same nurse for the entire delivery. Debbie was such an angel/ peaceful spirit/great cheerleader. I'm bummed that we didn't get a photo of her. Honestly, I don't think that I would have been able to have a completely natural birth without her encouragement.

But more than anyone else, Joshua was my pain medication. He stayed so calm and was extremely attentive. With his constant positive attitude and soothing massages, I felt comfortable enough to do the things which eased my contractions, like singing and swaying to stay loose. I don't think that nurses have seen many women sing as much as I did. It felt natural for me to use music as a way of relaxing.Alma was born at 6:24 p.m., weighing in at 8 lbs 1 oz, 21.5 inches. She had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck twice but that was quickly resolved.When the doctors and nurses were completing the paperwork, they stamped Joshua's white tee-shirt with her feet. How cute is that?! After Joshua and I visited with her for an hour, we invited my parent's back to the delivery room to meet her. It was fun to have them there and see them glow over their newest grandchild. We had to part from her for a few hours so the medical staff could evaluate her and my parents had to leave because it was the end of visiting hours. Joshua and I went to our recovery room and were so geared up that you might have thought that we just won the Super Bowl. We ate some dinner and recapped the events of the day. It was nice to have that time with just the two of us. Our hospital stay was great. Joshua was allowed to stay overnight in the room with me and we didn't have the share the room with any other patients. It was nice to have those two night to get used to parenthood in a little cocoon of care.

The following day, Brian and Bridgette came to visit. It was wonderful to see their excitement and feel their support.On Wednesday evening, we left the hospital. My parents stayed with us for two nights and provided invaluable help -- cooking, cleaning and shopping for us so that we could simply concentrate on taking care of Alma. The only problem with having both my father and Joshua in the same house is that they are too funny. I feel like my healing was delayed from all the laughing. Sounds corny, but it is true!

Then Kate and Neal came from Pittsburgh to cook us meals, show us a few pointers for taking care of the baby (Kate is a pediatrician -- lucky us!), and share photos from their recent trip to SE Asia. It is always good to see them, even when sleep-deprived.

The pets are handling the new addition well. Shanti the cat is keeping her distance. Simon the dog is also keeping his distance ... with a little prodding from us.

Overall, the transition to life with a baby has been super. Sure we aren't sleeping much, but we didn't expect to. Alma is very sweet and too cute to comprehend. Here are some photos from today. Since I needed some fresh air, Joshua and I took the dog and the babe to a local park. It felt so good to be outside and walk around a bit.

And, since this was a hot topic prior to her arrival: No, she doesn't seem to have red hair. It is a beautiful shiny blond color. Although, it is difficult to tell at this stage what color it will be when she grows up.

We will be sure to post more photos soon!