The Adventures of Benjamin and Libby II: May 2009

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Yet another birth announcement!

Dearest Family and Friends,

We write to share with you the arrival of beautiful Eleanor Rose Skolnik! She arrived on May 7th at 6:52pm, weighing in at 6lb, 7oz and 20 inches tall. Her hair is golden, her skin satin, and her eyes a deep blue gray (will they be Papi's brown or Mama's blue?).

Libby's water broke around 3:45am. The labor began slowly, allowing both Benjamin and Libby to send last minute work emails out, make sure the car was packed, and to call the insurance company to pre-authorize the hospital stay. Libby's contractions began in earnest not until around 1pm and then progressed quickly. We didn't even leave for the hospital (Holy Cross) until they were around 3 minutes apart! We were able to have a natural, unmedicated birth - thanks to Benjamin's constant coaching, massage, love, and encouragement. Shayla, our doula, provided excellent support and served as a medical mediator for Benjamin. Eleanor Rose was born less than three hours after we arrived at the hospital!

Our first (almost) two weeks have been amazing. Eleanor Rose is a champion feeder, sleeper, and pooper. She is also the most beautiful little creature who makes us cry and/or laugh out loud on a regular basis with her curious, pensive, pirate-y, grins. Libby is recovering well - walks with Maipo around Greenbelt have certainly helped get her body back in action!

Thank you to all of you for your love and support -

With hugs and huge new-parent grins,

BLe&M

Benjamin, Libby, Eleanor, and Maipo Skolnik

Papi and e snoozin on a Tuesday morn

Friday, May 15, 2009

A few random shots

Cuddled on the cute quilt from Mar & Ned, who were the first to learn of Libby's birth in 1980 and just happened to be with Mark and Kee when we called to tell of Eleanor's arrival!