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.