OLIVIA IN NC

heaven in n.c.

Pardon my absence, I was just having a baby is all.

I feel like it's taken me ages to stumble back into blogland/the online social community—
even though another part of me feels like one week's absence is really not that long.
A week is a quick comeback, but I think it's a good sign that it feels like years: it's a sign of feeling super loved.
Much thanks to all of you that have expressed such interest—and a need even—for pictures & updates.
Sheesh, as if I'm not blessed enough with a perfect baby boy, we've got the best friends and family to boot.

Also, special thanks to my close Knudsen kin
for your love & interest* in this boy of mine—er, your Baby Ben's baby.

*read: posting photos online—see the following links—
He came!    Photoshoot!    Snapshot!    My boys!    He's home!    We're a family!

And now, as graciously requested—more photos and a little update:

Sunday, 23 January 2011 — "the duedate" — still a family of two

Thursday, 27 January 2011 — "the moment" we concluded I was really showing signs of labor.

Friday, 28 January 2011 — "our final date" — labor signs faded, but Ben and I distracted ourselves with an outing.
He skipped his last class and we had the best Mexican downtown, saw a matineé at the dollar theater,
and stopped for popsicles at a little joint a-la-Provo Center Street entrepreneur shops.

Saturday, 29 January 2011 — labor "for reals" — not until dinnertime, but  contractions started all at once, 5 minutes apart,
and didn't stop. Called the doctor who basically said, "come in whenever you want." We rolled into the hospital at 9:15pm.

Sunday, 30 January 2011 — "He's really coming" — past midnight, fully dilated, fully effaced, and I could smile between contractions. How could I not? Baby K was nearly here, Ben was by my side, Mom & Becky were at my beck and call, and Parisa, my nurse, was calling me a rockstar.

2:56am — We have a son.



His name is Cohen Juárez Knudsen.

He weighed 8 pounds and 12 ounces.



He measured 21 inches long.

 
And he is

HEAVEN.

*more photos and stories to be told—most will continue over at the 'online baby book.' Hopefully soon.