Ella and Francisco

Ella and I were surprised on Monday with the most amazing gift. Veronica Maribel arrived on Monday, October 26, at 11:53AM.  She weighed in at 5lbs 8 oz and 18 inches in length.  Both Mom and baby are doing great.

Ella began experiencing contractions around 2:00AM and by 4:00AM we were timing and monitoring the frequency and duration.  The frequency and duration seemed erratic so I thought it may be false labor, but Ella knew from the intensity that it was time.  We went to the hospital and upon arrival at around 6:30AM the receiving nurse examined Ella and announced “Oh, you are having a baby today,” followed by an aside to the other nurse, “She is smiling and so calm, she should be screaming and flinging obscenities.”  I credit Ella’s calm to her inner strength as well as our fitness training over the summer.

The baby arrived and promptly expressed her displeasure at her new surroundings.  After cutting the cord I accompanied our daughter for a few of her firsts:

• Her first swaddling, which she loved.
• Her first feeding which, after a few moments, she loved.
• Her first bath in the nursery, which she did not seem to love.
• Her first shot; which she definitely did not love.
• Her first long nap, which like her Dad, she definitely loved.

The pictures below showcase some of these moments.

Meeting my daughter has been one of the best moments in my life.  I am simply beside myself with pride and joy.  Bienvenida hija mía!

Veronica’s First Day

Veronica’s Second Day

Veronica Comes Home

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