Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Gabriella's birthday

The Internet played a huge role on Gabriella's birthday. During the process of induction, pre-labor, labor, pushing and the c-section, there were breaks where Kristal and I updated our Facebook pages to keep the many family and friends informed.

The updates quickly disseminated basic information and allowed folks to sort of follow the birth from the comfort of their own home or office. 

It also allowed comments from family and friends to reach Kristal instantaneously. That support and encouragement was key to helping Kristal along during some very rough patches.

In the end, there were 13 posts and they provide a nice timeline for us...

James is dad to Gabriella Jean Arnold, 7 pounds, 9 ounces and 22+ inches long. Ella's mom is feeling better but still in recovery. 12:45 a.m.
James is a father of a baby girl. She's healthy and making all kinds of noise. 11:54 p.m. 
James Pushing didn't work. C-section coming. 10:43 p.m.
James Push time. Pray all. 8:42 p.m.
James Probably any time now. Kristal's ready. Baby's ready. I'm ready. Doctors and nurses need to get ready now. 7:50 p.m.
James Kristal is at 6 cm and the baby's in position. Doctor said she might be pushing within the hour! 6:31 p.m.
James is it's Patocin time. 4:36 p.m. 
James is watching Kristal nap while her contractions continue. A wonderful sight. 3:09 p.m.
James is 3 cm. Here comes the epidural. 2:01 p.m.
James is watching Kristal in labor. She's doing great despite the pain. 1:50 p.m.
James is contractions stronger. They actually hurt now. That's supposed to be a good thing. 12:40 p.m.  
James is water is broken. Baby coming along great. 12:05 p.m.
James is at the hospital. :o) 7:02 a.m.
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9 comments:

  1. Rebekah ZennMarch 11, 2009 at 5:29 AM

    Hooray! What a fun day for those of us NOT pushing...! Thanks for keeping all of us in the loop- can't wait to meet Ella!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Steve and Rachael GreerMarch 11, 2009 at 5:56 AM

    Great job keeping us all informed! We all felt like we were right there with you guys!

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  3. lisa guierMarch 11, 2009 at 6:21 AM

    congratulations! I've added you to my favorites! I can't wait to see pictures of ella. I'm guessing that's what you're going to call her. Wow you and Vanessa with the big babies!

    ReplyDelete
  4. JenniferMarch 11, 2009 at 6:22 AM

    "Sort of" follow along? Brother, I was GLUED to Facebook yesterday, from 8:00 am to 10:45 pm, when I had finally had to give up and go to bed. And then I checked again at 1:00 am!!

    I've said it already but I'll say it again, so SO happy for you both, and we can't wait to meet Miss Ella. :o)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gerry Robinos JrMarch 11, 2009 at 7:48 AM

    James thank you for the play-by-play updates. I was checking my Facebook constantly for updates like everyone else. I'm happy for you guys and I can't wait to meet Gabriella. Great job all 3 of you.

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  6. ashley.and.grahamMarch 11, 2009 at 8:08 AM

    Congratulations!!! Can't wait to see pictures of little Miss Ella! We're so happy for y'all!
    Ashley & Graham

    ReplyDelete
  7. JohnnaMarch 11, 2009 at 8:57 AM

    Even though Kristal asked me tons of questions, she was NOT supposed to follow Garrett and I's labor/delivery ordeal!! Allen & I noticed a startling similarity to the same type of entry into the world (stubborn) and same initials for both babies (GJ) although Ella has Garrett beat since your last name starts with "A" and we're "B" :)
    Congrats!!

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  8. JohnsonsMarch 11, 2009 at 9:26 AM

    I'm so proud of you guys! I love the name! What would we do without facebook these days? :0)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kevin GuierMarch 11, 2009 at 9:44 AM

    Awesome, congrats! Maybe the first ever facebook documented birth, there's gotta be a prize for that or something.

    ReplyDelete

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