Introducing Rachel

Our new daughter, Rachel Emily Gale was born July 25, 2008 at 12:24 pm. She weighed 6 lbs 3 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. She and mommy are both really healthy, and we are back home now! My sister, Katrina, took a ton of pictures during everything and she made a little video out of them, which you can see on her blog: Katrina's Blog

Funny Lizzy

We got a little bassinet for Rachel so she can sleep by our bedside while she is nursing like crazy in the night. I set it up the other day, and Lizzy was all excited about "Rachel's Bed." It has a little storage basket on the bottom and Lizzy is constantly taking toys into our room and putting them in the basket. Anyway, today Lizzy disappeared down the hall, and I went to go see what she was up to. She had climbed into the basket and was playing with the toys she'd put in there! What a funny kid!

Ultrasound Picture

I had a late ultrasound today to make sure everything is good to go with Rachel. I'm at 2 cm and 80% effaced now. Her head is dropped down and in position - everything looks good. The ultrasound estimates that she is 6 lbs right now. And look - she can smile already!

Ready to Go

I just got back from my 36 week appointment, and I am dilated to 1 cm and 70% effaced. Which means, I am ready to go into labor any time! I was in the same position at Lizzy's 36 week checkup and I had her 3 days later... so we'll see! It's getting very exciting now. At least this time, I have my hospital bag all packed and ready! I watched my childbirth / Lamaze DVD a couple of days ago, and I've had plenty of braxton-hicks contractions to practice my breathing on, so I'm feeling pretty good! I'm definitely sick of being pregnant in this heat, so I am so excited to not be pregnant anymore! Next time, I want to try to have a baby in March - that way the 3rd trimester is in the winter, but the baby is born at the beginning of spring, just in time for cold and flu season to be over!

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July everyone! I made some ribbon bows to go in Lizzy's hair. Our camera batteries were out of juice in the morning, so I had to wait for them to recharge, therefore in the picture, her hair is kind of messy since it was after her nap. Oh well...