More Fun Baby Waking Video

Walk to the park, no Halloween party

It nearly killed me to not have our annual Halloween Costume Party, but it surely would have killed me to do it with a 4-week old . To all of you who I told we would have the party regardless, I have learned a new limitation. ;-)

Instead we had a mellow day, took a walk to America the Beautiful Park, and handed out candy to about 10 trick-or-treaters while we watched Thank You For Smoking (great movie!).

Olivia's 1st "Tuesday Night" out at the bar

Olivia went out for her first Tuesday Night (Vicious Circle) at the bar (currently back at the original location: corner booth at the Ritz) this week. There was much political discussion with the presidential election just a week away. We dearly missed Trish and Marcus (in South America - Chile or Peru, I forget which), Drew & Larry, as well as our far-flung and occasional members (you know who you are).

Olivia, Susan, Barb & Marjorie Van Hoy (proud Grandma)

Jim (Grandpa), Jeremy & Jeff

Bron, Neil and Connie

Grandma & Grandpa Van Hoy Visit

Grandma & Grandpa (Marjorie & Jim) Van Hoy came to visit for almost 2 weeks. They were a great help with cooking and laundry, baby-sitting so new mama Barb could take naps, and getting us out for some walks and hikes. Grandpa christened his first granddaughter "Princess Olivia".

Jim & Marjorie Visit Pics

The Pacifier is Supreme

We introduced the pacifier on day 6 and boy did we learn the power of the sucking reflex!

Olivia tries to wake herself up

After an entire morning and afternoon spent fast asleep, Olivia tries to wake herself up.

Olivia's First Outing October 8, 2008

Olivia's Day 2 Video - YouTube Debut October 6, 2008

Olivia's Birthday

The Olive Arrives!

Barb and Jeremy could not be more delighted that Olivia Ella Mariah Van Hoy came out into the world Sunday, October 5, 2008 at 3:47 pm. She clocked in at 8 lbs. 5 oz. and made lots of noise on arrival. Ella Mariah is her great, great grandmother's name on Barb's Dad's side.

Though it was technically an "uncomplicated vaginal birth," it didn't feel uncomplicated to Barb. Adding to the common excruciating pain of childbirth, Olivia apparently tried to come out with a high-five in honor of her dad; her arm was beside her (14" diameter) head! After Olivia was born the doctor discovered that one of the arteries from the placenta was outside the umbilical cord, where it could have easily been ruptured, but thankfully was not. The doc called her a miracle baby. We already thought she was.

Thanks to the skillful hands, warm towels and great patience of our doula Keith Roberts, Barb got through it with minimal interventions. She would probably have needed a lot more pain medication and very likely a c-section without his help. Barb's mom Judy and Jeremy also provided constant help and support during the entire 14 hours of labor in the hospital.