Yes, she is here! Our precious Michelle Nancy arrived Tuesday afternoon July 21st at 3:55PM. We could not have asked for a better birth experience. Cory arrived in Tacoma Sunday which made her timing absolutely perfect.
I went into labor about 3:00 AM on July 21st. We met our doula and midwife at The Birthing Inn at 9:00 AM. Every step of the way, they were amazing. I was unable to keep fluids down due to labor nausea and our midwife Susan immediately recognized the importance of getting me intravenous hydration which was easily accomplished right then and there. In the final hour, the bath tub was filled and at 3:55 PM I gave birth to our little Michelle Nancy in the water, just as we had planned all along. Four hours later, we were clear to go home, or stay in the beautiful birthing suite for up to 24 hours. We decided to go home. That night, we slept as a family together, in our bed, in our home. All the pain, all the work, so worth every step of the way. I could not have done it without such an impeccable team: Barry, Cory, our doula Kelli Hancock, and midwives Susan Sherwood and Amy Gordon. Our thanks go to everyone at "The Birthing Inn" for truly making Michelle's entrance into the world warm, safe, and beautiful. I cannot say enough accolades for everything they did to make the birth experience OUR birth. Thank you also to all of the friends and family for all your love and support along the way. A new adventure begins!
Starting to try out little outings. Yesterday, Cory and I took Michelle to my office. Of course, an office full of nurses were very happy to get their baby fix for the day! This morning, Donna and I took Michelle for her first ride in her stroller down to Titlow beach. She seemed to enjoy the ride in a quiet-alert state with one feeding break while throwing the ball for Io. I was especially glad to take a short walk. I was so active during the pregnancy that convalescing has been difficult this week. 
