Just two days after the arrival of our Bugaboo Cameleon, its occupant decided that the time was right to put in an appearance.
Franbert entered into the world at precisely 19:00 PDT on Thursday, 12th May, some 39 weeks and 1 day into her gestation. If you're east of the mid-Atlantic, you can consider her born on Friday, 13th May. She weighed in at 3400g and measured 51cm in length. All of her bits and pieces are in place and add up to the right number. In short, she's a perfectly healthy baby girl.
The fact that Franbert turned out to be a girl utterly astonished both Sarah and me. We had both been certain it would turn out to be a boy; I don't know why, but we were sure. Well, we clearly don't have a sixth sense for gender.
We'd like to thank Rosanna (our midwife), Kristin (our doula) and Pearl (our labour assistant) for their fantastic assistance during this intense experience. We were wonderfully privileged to have them as our birth management team and will always be deeply indebted to each of them.
If you're looking for photos, you've come to the right place. More to come as and when we find time.
Sarah made me censor the more interesting labour photos. We might be able to save a few from being consigned to the private family annals by some judicious cropping. if so, we'll add those later.
I can't tell you how proud I am right now. I am the father of a beautiful baby girl, but I'm also indescribably proud of Sarah, who experienced a completely natural homebirth (i.e. with no medication), just the way nature intended it to be. The experience was intensely emotional for both of us and has unquestionably brought us closer together as a couple.
Comments (12)
Congratulations Ian and Sarah! We can't wait to meet little Franbert . .
Chantal and Peter
Posted by The Duffs | Friday, 13 May 2005 at 08:45:42
Posted on Friday, 13 May 2005 at 08:45:42
Congratulations! Geoff and I had a burrito about 2 blocks from your house yesterday but decided it best to not just drop in :). We were anxiously awaiting your good news.
Posted by Jason and Vivian | Friday, 13 May 2005 at 09:30:04
Posted on Friday, 13 May 2005 at 09:30:04
Very very proud of both of you. This is what life is really about. I am so pleased that despite all the troubles you got the wonderful natural birth at home that you had hoped for - nothing is as magical, emotional and perfect as that.
She looks absolutely perfect to us too - but close up baby photos would be really great if you get the time. Cameron and Willow want more detail on their new cousin.
Posted by "Aunty" Fenella | Friday, 13 May 2005 at 10:00:31
Posted on Friday, 13 May 2005 at 10:00:31
Congrats to both of you and hats off to Sarah for doing something I would never dream of attempting! Little Franbert is awfully beautiful and I must say that girls are certainly the best!
Take it easy and post new pictures when you can.
Nicole
Posted by Nicole Myers | Friday, 13 May 2005 at 10:03:54
Posted on Friday, 13 May 2005 at 10:03:54
With tears welling up in my eyes, I write a big congratulations to you two and a big WELCOME TO THE WORLD to the little one. We are so lucky to have her in the world. Lots of love to all.
Love,
Megan
Posted by Megan McJennett | Friday, 13 May 2005 at 10:14:39
Posted on Friday, 13 May 2005 at 10:14:39
we are so excited for you!!! yay franbert! max was just saying that the single life just isn't for him - so he was very pleased to hear he could be set up with franbert. let us know when she's available!! have fun with your new little girl!!
-lauren
Posted by lauren, brian and max | Friday, 13 May 2005 at 10:23:27
Posted on Friday, 13 May 2005 at 10:23:27
Wow, it is so great being able to look at Franbert's pictures, I cant wait to meet her!
Congratulations again! :)
-geoff
Posted by Geoff | Friday, 13 May 2005 at 13:38:20
Posted on Friday, 13 May 2005 at 13:38:20
Congratulations! She is absolutely beautiful! We are so very happy for all of you. Looking forward to seeing more pictures. I think Griffin and Max will have to fight it out to see who can go out with little Franbert first!! Enjoy your precious little one!
-- Julie, J.J., and Griffin
Posted by Julie and JJ | Friday, 13 May 2005 at 14:08:44
Posted on Friday, 13 May 2005 at 14:08:44
Congrats guys, I'm so pleased it finally went as you wanted it to go. Theres nothing more magical than being a Mommy and Daddy to a beautiful baby girl. Take it easy and hopefully Frambert will bring me luck as I head out to down town Vegas.
Best wishes again
Tim
Posted by Tim | Friday, 13 May 2005 at 16:34:59
Posted on Friday, 13 May 2005 at 16:34:59
gefeliceeterd!!! heel mooie mesje!!!
* Ale - a strange dude from Brazil & Netherlands
Posted by Alessandro | Friday, 13 May 2005 at 19:24:16
Posted on Friday, 13 May 2005 at 19:24:16
in time... she has my sign!!! 4 sure, she will be a lovely girl!!! haha
Posted by Alessandro | Friday, 13 May 2005 at 19:26:51
Posted on Friday, 13 May 2005 at 19:26:51
Public congratulations from your midwife, Rosanna. It was such a pleasure for me to work with you both and to be one of the first to welcome Eloïse into your family. Thank you for trusting me. Sarah, thank you for taking such great care of yourself and doing the work necessary for a natural and uncomplicated pregnancy, labor and birth. Ian, thanks for being such loving support to Sarah. I will always remember your daughter's birth with great fondness and joy.
Posted by Rosanna Davis | Sunday, 29 May 2005 at 18:58:36
Posted on Sunday, 29 May 2005 at 18:58:36