At 8:57am this morning, a six-pound, eleven-ounce, nineteen-inch bundle of beautiful, blissful joy became the newest resident of the world. Three weeks ahead of her planned date, bur Marlena Elise was ready for her grand entrance (or exit, depending on how you look at it). Luckily I finished putting together the last piece of furniture on Saturday, including installing the car seat.
This all came out of nowhere. Saturday at ten we were still three weeks away from delivery with no signs of that changing. By 1am--right after the Braves finished destroying the Padres--Elaine started having contractions. From there, we went from 0 to 100 in short order, breaking all land speed records in the process.
There were some complications, mostly centering around a rather flat fetal heart rate and Elaine's aggressive contractions (despite the fact that she was only 2cm dilated). This resulted in the decision to perform a c-section, both for baby's and mom's sakes, and probably mine too. As of 9pm, though, everyone is doing great. Marlie will be kept in ICU overnight so that they can monitor her breathing, but there is really nothing to be concerned about and she should be all ours by morning.
More details to follow later in the week or when time allows.
I'm going back to my baby and my baby's momma. And at some point I'll have to break my streak of being awake for 38 straight hours.
Congratulations to the whole family -- and get some sleep...someone's going to have to change diapers while Mom catches up on her own rest!
Posted by: Kassia | July 16, 2006 at 09:51 PM
Congrats! I had a feeling today. I stopped by earlier and thought, when was Elaine due again? So glad to hear eveyone's doing well. Congrats, again, and welcome Marlena!
Posted by: TJ | July 16, 2006 at 10:07 PM
Congratulations!!!
Posted by: Richard | July 16, 2006 at 10:10 PM
Wow - so great! Congrats to you and Elaine, Jeff.
Posted by: Sam | July 16, 2006 at 10:22 PM
Yay! Great news.
Posted by: Levi | July 16, 2006 at 10:33 PM
Oh Jeff, what wonderful news! Congratulations to you and Elaine!!
Can't wait to see photos of Marlena!
Now a few more exclamation points: !!!!!
Posted by: CAAF | July 16, 2006 at 10:38 PM
Congratulations! My sister's baby was born earlier this year a few weeks early and everyone was fine -- I'm hoping for the same good fortune for you and yours.
--cindy
Posted by: Cindy | July 16, 2006 at 10:59 PM
Congrats, Jeff!
Posted by: LTR | July 16, 2006 at 11:25 PM
Congratulations! And, of course, welcome to the next level. :)
Posted by: erin | July 16, 2006 at 11:33 PM
Wonderful news! Hearty congrats! -- Wendi
Posted by: the happy booker | July 16, 2006 at 11:55 PM
That's wonderful! Congratulations for all three of you!
Posted by: AC | July 17, 2006 at 12:57 AM
Awesome!
According to wikipedia ... ON THIS DAY...
1941 - New York Yankees' Joe DiMaggio gets a hit in his 56th consecutive game.
1951 - The novel Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger published.
Born:
1889 - Shoeless Joe Jackson, American baseball player (d. 1951)
1907 - Orville Redenbacher, American farmer and businessman (d. 1995)
1971 - Corey Feldman, American actor
Posted by: tito | July 17, 2006 at 01:40 AM
I can't believe you upstaged us. But hearty congratulations all around.
Posted by: Rake | July 17, 2006 at 01:43 AM
Holy shit. Congratulations Jeff!
Posted by: ed | July 17, 2006 at 06:24 AM
Huzzah!
Posted by: mchenrmd | July 17, 2006 at 10:19 AM
Congratulations, Jeff! So glad Mom and baby are doing well!
Posted by: Gwenda | July 17, 2006 at 10:27 AM
Yay! Welcome to the world Marlena! My very best to you and your wife. We need pictures.
Posted by: Megan | July 17, 2006 at 10:38 AM
Congrats, Jeff!
Posted by: Prof Fury | July 17, 2006 at 10:57 AM
Congratulations to you and your wife! And welcome to the world, Marlena!
Posted by: Justin | July 17, 2006 at 11:04 AM
Congratulations to you and Elaine! And I forgive you for being a Braves fan. ;-)
Posted by: Geoff Young | July 17, 2006 at 12:18 PM
Virtual cigars for everyone!
Congratulations,
- Bill Ectric
Posted by: Bill Ectric | July 17, 2006 at 12:53 PM
Wow! First Alicia & Justin's new baby on Saturday, now you!
Congrats!
Posted by: Frank | July 17, 2006 at 01:02 PM
Marvelous news!! Congratulations to you both!
Posted by: amcorrea | July 17, 2006 at 02:34 PM
Marvelous news!! Congratulations to you both!
Posted by: amcorrea | July 17, 2006 at 02:34 PM
That's wonderful, Jeff!! Hip, hip, Hooray! And a lovely, darling name for a beautiful girl. Well done!!!
Posted by: Anne | July 18, 2006 at 11:19 AM