Starting at center: Hayley Archibald!!!

Well my friends, its done. At least, this part is done.

After 41 terrific weeks Hayley Jean Archibald joined our family at 10 p.m. on April 23, 2009. She was a big girl, weighing in at 9 pounds, 14 ounces and ready to tip off her basketball career at 22 inches long already.

Chelsea is doing great especially considering the circumstances. The following is an account of our trip to the birthing club.

Wed. 8 p.m.-- Our original appointment to be at the hospital but we were delayed two hours because they were too full. Probably not a good omen but it did afford me the opportunity of double and triple checking the car seat, my one and only responsibility thus far.

Wed. 11 p.m.-- Chelsea's contractions begin being measured by doctors and nurses at the hospital. They are short and not as intense as necessary but we feel good that we are on our way towards having our baby girl.

Thurs. 1 a.m.-- Contractions intensify and our midwife and doctor decide that outside of pitocin, we should naturally progress. It is at this point that Chelsea starts using my hand as a stress ball. I was just glad to be involved in the process but wondered if my secret career aspirations to be a pianist or hand model were dashed.

Thurs. 7 a.m.-- Blessed soul that she is, having already endured roughly seven hours of contractions, Chelsea decides to continue on, with the aid of an epidural. The contractions continue and soon grandparents to be arrive.

Thurs. 3 p.m.-- Still showing signs of progress but no baby yet...

Thurs. 8 p.m.-- Still contracting like nobody's business, Chelsea is still not quite as dilated to the point where the little lady is ready. After strong consideration and thought, we decide to proceed with a c-section birth.

Thurs. 8:30 p.m.-- I put my scrubs on backwards as I prepare to go to the operating room for the birth. They (the scrubs) are a little uncomfortable and I was too afraid to ask one of the nurses for help because shouldn't they be attending to other more important matters?

9 p.m. The doctors inform us after prepping Chelsea for the surgery that she is now contracting and dilated. She could attempt to have the baby naturally but it might require pushing for some time with the possibility of no progress. Chelsea, bless her heart for all that she has endured up to this point, decides to continue with the c-section.

10 p.m. With little fussing and an absence of pageantry, our baby makes her entrance. She is beautiful, healthy and big. The doctors immediately tell us that Chelsea made a good decision because Hayley is nearly 10 pounds, 22 inches tall and her head was 14 inches around.

Isn't she beautiful?

Long story short... Hayley is beautiful. It is hard to believe that she is almost a week old. I know that it is a tendency of all parents to brag about their kids but she seems so strong and low-maintenance. She does like to eat and sleep though. We were looking through a scrapbook that Chelsea's mom put together that included some baby pictures and there was a very strong resemblance.

Here's some more photos:
And one video...

Here is the column that I filed for today's paper in regards to two of my favorite things: Hayley Jean and the Portland Trail Blazers.

Marching Along..

March has been such a great month. We started it off with losing an hour on day-light savings. Every year I am amazed at how much lighter or darker it is at certain times, mainly around 5 p.m. Now it's light until past 7! That same day we were able to visit my side of the family for my cousins wedding in Olympia. It took place in a country club on the water, it was beautiful.

Later this month, A few of my close friends were so kind and threw me a Baby Shower! I couldn't have been more excited and grateful to have had so many people express their excitement for me. We played creative games and ate really good cake, a super moist banana cake and a fudgy chocolate cake with berries. I also received many items for our little bundle of joy that I really needed. So a large thank you goes out to you ladies!

Later in the month, I was able to have one final ultrasound at the doctors. I was excited to have a little peak at our lil' girl while we wait in anticipation and excitement these last 2-3 weeks.

Typical baby though, she's moving and jostling around the whole appointment and once the Dr. applies the goo she turns into a statue. It was still neat to see the little feet and outline of her head and nose. She obviously didn't want me to get the fullest enjoyment because she also fisted her hands over her face. The two parts I have most enjoyed seeing on the screen. O well, she can't hide from me much longer : )

This month Skyler and I also had the chance to squeeze in some birthing classes. I thought I knew a lot from reading and talking to others, but wow. I learned there are so many different ways your delivery can pan out. Skyler was out of town the second class, but my mom was so nice and decided to come down and attend with me. It was fun to spend time with her and learn about my own birth and my siblings.

This last week has been especially nice due to the fact that Skyler has been on Spring Break. He has had the opportunity to travel for work and cover NCAA basketball games the past few weeks, so it was extra nice to just spend time together. We went to the movies and then out to Seaside for a day or so to see family.

We had "Chinese Ice Cream," went for a drive, saw our nephews (Skyler and Abe), watched Quantum of Solace (oo7) with his parents and ate breakfast at this cute little bakery I have been dying to try. I also bought my own first pair of basketball shorts at the Nike Outlet.