Julia's Physical assessment

 This will be my final post.  

Julia has flakey feet, long body 20.5 inches, fully relaxed ankles and is small for her age. 

This all points to post dates, as anticipated. 

She has hair, intense eyes and an eager and capable suck is just plain sweet. 

As a member of the Melcher side of the family, she is smallest yet.

Also the longest gestation of any Melcher family baby. 

She weighed in at ....Drum roll... 7 pounds 4 ounces!! Wow, newborn clothes will fit, newborn diapers will fit!! Very exciting.  We have all had greater than 8 pounds, I believe. I'll get the corrections tomorrow. 

Anyway, she is a cute as a bug, vigorous cry and there just isn't anything like being at a birth to make your year, unless it is two births!! We are off to Sacramento to witness another miracle. 

Where is a photo?  We have taken 10,000 photos, but I can't seem to get any to upload.  Take a look at Facebook or Instagram I'm sure there will be 100's there soon. 

Sorry, I am signing off. 

A great birth, A great day. And a great birthday!!

Tucked in at 3:30 pm

 What a wild last minutes. I will go back and correct/fill in some of the empty spaces, but just wanted to say that from the minute Diana Johnson and Craig's family walked in, Natlie propelled that baby out like a torpedo. The water broke, and she screamed, and Kylie jumped in the water, caught the baby and that was it. 

Baby was a bit depressed at the first, but rallied well with just simulation and a bit of puffing from Natalie. 

Nat and baby were tucked in for a bit of food and a nap around 3:30, so we came home. Sorry that the blog didn't update as fast as I would have hoped. 

First moments.

 Karen is helping wrap the baby and Kylie is finding her place as "baby holder"  it is beautiful. Placenta is coming. 

3:18 Kylie is holding Julia for the first time

 As Natalie delivers the placenta, Kylie tries her skills at comforting the new little one. 

It is so nice. She will be the best big sister. Baby Julia already can feel the love of her big sister. 

3:16 Cooper cut the chord

 In the spirit of the "family birth" Cooper jumped in and cut the cord in one cut. 

The Johnson's walked in and Julia arrived!!

 One contraction and the bag broke and baby came in a flush of fluid. And Julia was here. 

She needed a bit of support, a few puffs from Natalie and a bit of rubbing, but she now she is pink and just a bit raspy. That fluid will absorb into her lungs in a few hours. 

What a wonderful relief and so quick at the end. Natalie is such a champ and just guided that baby out. 

Baby seems tiny, but won't be weighed until everything is settled. 

Covered in meconium.

 Big head and little body, but soooooo cute.  

Suctioning, but  her color is good,  lots of hair

A few puffs of air to improve her color