In Our Arms

Here is our little girl in Mummy's arms, but today Daddy got to hold her for a long time and we snuggled up and had a quick nap together. Very lovely and precious!

Full View

Like many newborn babies, Talia tends to fall asleep during feeding times so we have opened up her blanket so she's not so warm and comfortable that she falls asleep. You can see her slim legs here which are skinnier that Ethan's when he was born!

First Day

Here are a couple more close-ups of our now 1 day old baby daughter.

Gadgets vs. Girls

Ethan took to Talia quite well all things considering, even patting her a little with our prompting! However he did think she was a bit over rated. His new toy was much more interesting! Conclusion: gadgets beats girls - hands down.

Special Day

It's not every day that you get to meet your sister for the first time so today is a very special day. Ethan was very well behaved though he missed Mummy so we are now at West Coast Park for a treat before going to see Mummy and Talia in the hospital. Talia is also looking forward to meet her brother. She has already packed a special present for Ethan in our bag today!

Love, Daddy

Dear Talia,

You didn't realize it at the time, but today your Daddy held you for the first time ever. You were so small but you looked at me with your big eyes. I heard them whisper, "I need you Daddy..." so I want you to know that I will be here.

You were cold today after your first bath and because the aircon was freezing! So while you laid down under the warm lamp Daddy warmed his hands in hot water and held your cold feet and hands! Soon you were toasty, and I wrapped you up tight so you would feel safe. You fell fast asleep on me after that. You must know this because one day you may feel you're too big to hold my hand or cuddle up close anymore.

Mummy loves you and cares for you so very much and so very well! Daddy's love looks different but is just as strong and big for you. As I held you today I felt that love growing stronger and stronger. Love in practise is like that. Add up Mummy's love and Daddy's love and multiply it by a gazillion and that is an idea of our Heavenly Father's love for you sweetie. I will love you and show you more as we go along. It's just your first day, but there are many wonderful things like this I want you to experience. Are you ready?

Love, Daddy.

Thanksgiving

Thanks for the prayers and love you have shown. Renata and Talia are resting well. Ethan will see his baby sister tomorrow for the first time! Visits in the hospital for family only please. Thank you!

Talia's Born!

2.525kg and 51cm long at 5.11pm - healthy and already latched on and feeding well!

Warm Bed

Our little girl's bed is being pre-warmed for her welcome into the world. Renata is now 9cm so that will be very soon!

Contractions

The spikes on the right are Renata's contractions We can see them getting stronger (amplitude), longer and more frequent. The urge to "push" is increasing along with the pain and our gynaecologist is on the way! Renata is 6-7cm dilated so looks like Talia will be here before dinner!

Water Burst

Last time when the water broke it was really messy and lots of laundry had to be changed. This time one of the doctors came in to gently break the water bag so it was all done very neatly. No pictures of that!! We are at 5cm now...

Heavenly Bliss

The epidural is in and it all went well. The doctor said Renata was shallow, not referring to her character but the depth of the spinal cavity from the skin! Various medications and blood pressure checks are going on now... Mummy is all relaxed and ready to snooze. Talia should be here in a few hours!

Daytime Differences

Having a baby in the daytime sure feels different than going in at 3am like we did with Ethan. Last time it was like a secret mission or covert operation cos it was all dark and hardly anyone was around. Now it is bustling and Renata even gets served lunch! (wonder if they will charge us extra for the lunch?) Not being sleepy is good too cos Daddy is awake this time!

Easy Does It

This giving birth stuff looks easy... At least Renata makes it look easy! See how relaxed she is, settling in for a lunchtime nap. She scrunches her face a little when the contractions come... Ivan would probably be squealing like a little girl if it was him.

Talia's Heartbeat

She sounds strong and well! The first doctor is checking her out. Talia's head is low but it's still early hours...