Olivia Ann Reade

Born June 8, 2009 at 9:53 a.m. after Jessica pushed once. (Of course, we had been at the hospital for 6.5 hours before that waiting for her to dilate.) 7 lbs, 13.6 oz; 18.5 inches; and had dark hair like her mommy (probably already has more hair than Emily). Her APGARs were 9 and 10, and she latched on very well with feeding.

Emily met her baby sister this afternoon (she let Olivia know, "You can have pacifiers"). Emily also gave her a number of kisses.

Things for which we are thankful:
1. Healthy mommy-Jessica felt better immediately postpartum than after Emily (may have something to do with the fact that Emily was a feather under 10 lbs)
2. Healthy baby
3. Great support of family and friends, physical and moral.
4. Wonderful staff here that have been exceptionally sensitive to what we are going through. Carol, an OB nurse of 18 years, candidly told us this morning, "We don't deal with your situation often. We are used to rejoicing with families whose childbirth experience is very smooth, and we grieve with families who lose babies. But we don't often have both happening at once."

Jessica and I are grateful that we were spared the tragedy of having one baby die on the day her twin was born. The grieving process is not over, but we feel a sense of relief that we can now begin to take a step toward some closure. The hospital chaplain was helpful in putting us in touch with a local mortuary. Tomorrow, I will begin ironing out some of the details. Throughout the day, the people here at Bergan validated the dignity and importance of Allie's life...which greatly comforted us.

Jessica is doing well this evening according to her OB and the nurses' reports, and "Dr. Mike" (our pediatrician) came to the hospital after he finished clinic today to let us know that Olivia looks good. If all goes well, we will have an uneventful day tomorrow and will head home in the MINIVAN Wednesday. (Note: We drove the Camry to the hospital. I was supportive of buying the minivan, but I am not embracing driving it...yet.)

I suspect Jessica will blog (6 months ago, I didn't know the word could be either a noun or a verb) tomorrow. Until then, thank you for your prayers--and thank God for answers.

Still waiting...

Well, we are 38 weeks and 3 days, and no baby yet. =) I joked that this would happen! I think I got myself so geared up to go into labor soon after the cerclage was removed that I am having difficulty with impatience. I need to remember that I am still 11 days away from my actual due date, and that every day she is with me she gets a little bit bigger and a little bit stronger. However, I am also getting a little big bigger (my shirts barely cover my tummy), and a lot more tired! More than anything, though, I am just anxious to finally hold our little girl. It has felt like a long road to get her here, and I can't wait to meet her.

Just wanted to let you all know that we are still waiting, and will happily post when baby girl arrives! Thank you for your continued prayers!

Much love, Jessica