John and I are happy to introduce....

Miriam Frances Welsh
Born on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 12:51PM
7lbs 12oz; 19.75 inches long
Very sweet temperment.

I was feeling sort of under the weather on Monday/Tuesday..some cold symptoms and mild flu issues. I hadn't been able to hold food down for about 36 hours, which, even though I dealt with nausea/vomiting the entire pregnancy, I knew this was not quite par for the course. I was also on a preeclampsia watch from my Dr. When I called the Dr. on Tuesday, she encouraged me to go and get it checked out. It might be nothing, it might be something...so I went to the hospital triage on Tuesday afternoon.

They took one look at me and listened to my symptoms and figured that it might be good to induce labor. I wanted to go home and come back on Wednesday, but by the time the decision was made, it was not possible for me to leave. So the induction drugs started around 7PM. Labor continued overnight. John was super amazing. I can't say enough about how much I love him and appreciate everything he's done for me. I continue to be touched and amazed! I can't imagine God's love for us as I experience John's love and now experiencing love for Miriam. Sorry about the sentimentality.... back to the story...around 11AM, I was ready to go; and at 12:51, she was in our arms!

She has super long eyelashes and a full head of hair. She also has long fingers. The birth left her vitrtually unmarked or blemished.

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy!















Stay tuned for more pictures; I know we'll have plenty! This little girl is a sight to behold!

Much love,
Mary, John and little Miriam

Shower time again!

Here are some great pictures of from the shower with a few tid-bits of commentary. I had a lovely time. John decided to go to a movie, so he's not in any of these pictures!

We are 2 weeks away from the Arrival Day!



The Group of Coordinators. Judy, Martha, and Jessica. They really brought out a tasty spread of food!


Martha coordinated many people together for two large items: A stroller and a car seat. We are so thankful-- sorry we don't have a picture of the stroller. It's still in the box anyways.


Something was clearly cracking me up...


This is such a sweet, handmade outfit. It might even work as the "coming home from the hospital" outfit. Look, it's just the right size!

We also received additional clothes, a diaper bag, and other baby-related but highly useful items.

Judy made a wonderful cake. Thank you, Judy! What a nice gift! It was a peanut butter cake with raspberry filling. Just right, not too sweet, and decorated so beautifully! (as a plug for Judy, check out her website, www.silkcakes.com- she's quite the professional cake maker, and her cake repertoire is growing!)



Jessica coordinated the activity- decorating Onsies and bibs. Everybody was very creative:



(Right after John's heart:)


The shower was a really lovely time. Special thanks to Martha, Judy and Jessica. Thank you also to those who made the treck to the Bronx and the lovely gifts. Keep your eyes out on the mail, Baby, John and I really appreciate your good wishes and kindness.