So what's it like to have a baby?

Some friends and family have been nagging me about updating the blog with more pics more stories and more frequency. And to those people I say: Back off. Its hard working, taking care of wife and baby and finding time to blog. You NOW generation types. hahaha.... I couldn't keep it up. I love you all and I want to show more baby pics. I have been slow but will kick it up a notch here. Would hate to lose any of the fan support this blog has generated.

So what's it like to have a baby? I'm glad you asked. Its wonderful. She sleeps through the night. We have to wake her up to eat. She looks at me now as if making out my face in the early morning. She smells good all the time. She grabs my finger and holds on tightly for no real reason. She cries out and I feel as if its a cry for Charissa or me, not just a cry. She looks cute all the time, and she knows it. She is too big for half her clothes and I love her swimming in it after I put it on. She loves her arms out of the blanket and will wiggle until its so. She seems so content and peaceful. She looks like her mother. She cues ever so slightly at random times so we don't forget her. She inspires me to be a better man, husband and dad. She is the reward of waiting on God's timing. She is a reminder of His Graciousness. Having a baby is every bit a miracle and continued joy.

A Baby Shower

Charissa got her baby shower. Another long awaited celebration that is now reality. Friends from church, school, work, and all walks of life met together to celebrate Charissa and our little girl. Days like this are great reminders that blessings are far above material things but that of love from dear friends. We were showered with many material blessings too (and I am keeping them) but we were all the more appreciative of the encouragement, affection, and prayers we received today. I am so excited to put on a party for the next person so they may feel as loved as we are.

Our first walk

This may not seem blog worthy to you but I assure you its one of the happiest moments for me. For the past 6 years I have walked the same path. The same path with Charissa, the dog, all of us, or myself. And yes the same literal path. During this time I would walk and talk to Charissa about our lives and future plans. We often spoke of wanting kids and hoping they could go on a walk with us on this same sidewalk.....one day. That day arrived. And no amount of clouds could cover our joy. We walked Gianna and the dog down the very sidewalk we know all to well. But this time it was different. God bless the difference.

1st Family Weekend

This weekend we had family from Charissa's side come on Saturday and then on Sunday my family came. They came with joyous song to see us. Just kidding. See Gianna.

You can see some of our wonderful family.

All are welcome to come over and visit.

Refurbished Posts

Well Gianna decided February was way to long to wait to come and see us. So instead she came in early January. Not that I am complaining at all, but I have written alot of posts about February. So now we will back track and ammend some posts.

The birthday post should now read something like this: Some famous people that share our daughters birthday.

And, this is the birthstone post: Her birthstone history and info it here. Interesting stuff.

Finally, a post update for our early bird. Dancing baby has now been replaced by our baby. Sleeping baby. I have know her all her life and I can vouch that she sleeps 90% of the time. Doesn't mean I love her less, I just realize that she doesn't dance as much out of the womb as in.

Thanks for all the comments on our pretty little girl. I think each of you are very pretty too.

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Daddy's Girl

The Story

OK, the story you have all been waiting for. ahem....

Last Sunday night I was watching a bowl game. Around 9:30 Charissa calls my name to let me know her water broke while she was asleep. We went to the hospital right away. There the nurse told us that she did not feel a head at the bottom and that we should get the doctor in right away to see what it was. The doctor came in and told us it was a foot. She had not turned. She did have one small foot breached. They decided right away to do a C Section. So off they took Charissa, I called family and put on scrubs and before I knew it.....Gianna was born. She came into the world at 12:02 AM. Just a few short hours after we arrived at the hospital.

Gianna was 6 weeks early so they took her to NICU. She was a premature baby but had developed extremely well and was healthy from most accounts. She had to be on an IV in the beginning but slowly learned to hold down milk. A few days later she developed jaundice and received treatment under some cool blue lights. You can see here.

The sad day came on Friday when we learned we had to go but Gianna had to stay. After a good cry we went home. We came back to visit her that night and a couple of times on Saturday. Sunday morning we learned she could finally come home! We were so excited we both dressed in pink for the occasion. (Pictures below in the next blog entry)

She has been home now two days and it is wonderful. Last night I didn't sleep. Not because of her crying or anything like that. I stayed up and listen to the cues of my baby sleeping in our room. 3 1/2 years of yearning for this very thing, I wasn't going to let being tired steal the moment from me. She is a blessing and a reminder that God is gracious.

There are of course more details to the story and more pictures to be seen. But those are reserved for those who visit. Which you are all welcome to do. I am now off for another feeding to the most beautiful child.

Gianna Comes Home

Some more pictures for you. The picture album on the right hand side is also updated. We are now going to the hospital to feed her again. Its been hard to have her at the hospital when we are at home. Pray with us that she would come home soon. Basically, she is just small. Very healthy but they are afraid to let her go while so small and born so early. Charissa is healing well and I am doing ok as well. Now we just need a baby.

One of the great blessings of this whole thing has been to watch the love of so many family and friends. We got tons of visits and phone calls. Many, many gifts dropped off at the house, and thousands upon thousands of prayers. It has indeed been a celebration like no other. Well this daddy is tired..... I will try to update more this coming week. But we shall see.

Gianna Joy Ludlow

Born January 8, 2007

12:02 AM

5 lbs. 8 0z

18 in long

Longer story to come but very quickly. Born premature at 34 weeks. She was fully developed and is healthy. Not much baby fat so we keep her covered. Charissa is doing very well. We hope to bring her home soon. Click on our picture link page on the right. Pictures for you to see.

It is a great story and one I want to tell in more detail at a later time. Your prayers for us have been answered: Gianna Joy Ludlow. Gianna is Italian, coming from the hebrew word Yohanna meaning "God is Gracious". Her name will forever be a praise to our God when spoken. Its pronounced GEE AH NA.

We will indeed celebrate!!

6 Weeks and Countin'

We got the rocker finished. I am so excited about how it looks. I did the wood and Charissa did the cushions. Now we are a waiting to substitue the dog for our girl. So exciting.

By 34 weeks pregnant your baby is now almost five pounds and just shy of 20 inches long!! More so than ever before your baby resembles a miniature being from pregnancy 34 weeks on. Your baby can – and does – respond just as a newborn would by opening her eyes while awake and closing them while sleeping. Your baby can also grasp firmly and her little fingernails may need to be trimmed shortly after birth. This month also offers more time for your baby to build antibodies and for her skin to continue to thicken.