The Day We've All Been Waiting For!

Beaniebaby is a she! The day we've all been waiting for has finally arrived. Ysabella Kate Rama was born January 31st, 2007 at 6:46 am after 4 1/2 hours of labour. She weighed a whopping 6lbs 8oz at birth. They say that great things come in small packages and that has never been more true! I know that all parents think their child is the most beautiful, and Ed and I are no different. We are both completely in love with her and we were the second we saw her. We can sit and coo over her every movement for hours on end. It truly is an amazing experience. Ed has already said that he doesn't think he'll be able to be the disciplinarian in the family, Ysabella already has him wrapped around her finger! And boy is he ever a baby hog! Ed tends to forget how to share when it comes to our child.

The labour was short and couldn't have gone any better thanks to the many people involved...Ed (for being there for me through everything...and for remaining vertical to boot!), Gramma Pat (who has been and continues to be a great help to us: chef, housekeeper...) & Yvonne (who has been an amazing friend and support person to both of us, not to mention a stellar photographer!), the best co-workers a girl could ever ask for: Brenda (triage RN), Chris (Labour RN, cheerleader, and top-up queen), Nancy (RN and the person responsible for Ed and I meeting), Dr. Dickie (master anesthesiologist...epidurals ROCK!) and of course, Dr. Nathalie Fleming (for all of her antenatal care and for being so kind as to come in to the hospital in the middle of the night...with a big smile I might add... when she wasn't even on call just to deliver our little girl). I couldn't have imagined a better birth experience! Thanks to everyone for the many, many visits, gifts and well-wishes. Ed and I are so very grateful for all the people in our lives that have made this experience that much more unforgettable.

We think Ysabella looks more like her father...but we'll let you decide (I'm starting to think I was just the vessel to carry this child!) Here are some photos for now...more to follow of course. We are hoping for a good night's sleep now that our new family is home from the hospital. Good night to all and sweet dreams!