Our Family Grows by One

Around dinner time last night, Melissa decided that the little pains she was feeling were real contractions and that our family was about to grow by one. By midnight, the contractions were strong and regular (5 minutes apart). So, we called the Dr. and went to the hospital soon after. Although her contractions were strong and frequent (as short as 3 minutes), she was not progressing very quickly. Melissa was interested in being open about her pain management, but she is also a early to bed and early to rise person. The folks at the hospital thought she would get worn out from the contractions before the labor really progressed, so they gave her some morphine at around 2 AM to help her rest between contractions. Before we new it, she was progressing rapidly and by 7 AM it was time to start pushing. At 9:31 AM out came a beautiful little girl whom we have since named Abigail Lina Brown. Since she was born about 12 days early, she was a little small at 6 lb 2 oz and 18 3/4", but she is very strong and has a full head of long soft hair. Dad is mighty impressed that Melissa did the whole labor without any real pain medication.

Many thanks to the staff at University of Rochester Medical Center (Strong Hospital). More news and pictures to come.