Baby Emily arrived at 6.03 am on March 8 2001.

For some of you, this may be the first visit to our website so we are pleased to offer some of the events prior to Emily's birth.

 We found that we were going to have a little girl after a routine amniocentesis procedure last October.  It was reassuring that the test did not reveal any problems.

Ultrasound at 17 weeks

At 29 weeks, another ultrasound was conducted when we able to see Emily moving her fingers.

Ultrasound at 29 weeks

Since then we completed Lamaze classes where we are being taught breathing techniques and many useful facts in order for the birth to be as comfortable as possible.  We also attended classes on Newborn Care, Breastfeeding and

On Sunday February 4th, Karen received her baby shower from friends and colleagues from work.  Many wonderful items were received which will help Emily tremendously.  We are overwhelmed by everyone's generosity and kindness. 

A big thank you to you all, especially those who were responsible for arranging the event.

On February 16th, Karen finished work expecting a wait of five weeks before the special event was due to take place.

However, at 1.45am on March 8th., things began to happen and we had to make a dash to the Family Birth and Newborn Center at Queen of the Valley Hospital.  Very quickly Karen was admitted and told that Emily did not want to wait any longer.  Our OB/GYN, Dr Kalpana Savla, was called from her home and at 4.45 am informed us that a caesarean section was required immediately.  Karen was taken to the Operating Room and at 6.03am., Emily Frances made her debut in the world.  She weighed 5lb 13oz and was 17 inches long.

While Karen's surgery was being completed, Emily was taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where she was observed for about an hour.  She was then transferred to the Well Baby Nursery where she underwent all of the routine checks before joining us in our room where we all spent the next few days.

Emily, just fifteen hours old

We are now at home and have quickly adapted to our new routine.  She is a wonderful baby and hardly ever cries, which requires us to set the alarm clock for those night time feedings which are necessary at this early stage.  

We have nothing but praise for the hospital.  The facility was wonderful and the staff were magnificent.  We are so grateful to all of them.

Special thanks are due to Dr Savla, whose care, attention and support over the past months has been exceptional.  It will not be forgotten

Our thanks go out to all of our friends who have sent gifts, flowers and cards to celebrate this wonderful event.

Latest:

On May 8th, Emily was two months old and made a routine visit to the pediatrician who declared her in A+ condition.  She has increased in weight to 9lb 4 oz and is 20 1/4 inches in length.  Emily now seems very interested in what is going on around her and is fascinated by colors, in the garden and  even on the TV and computer screens.  She has a mirror in her bassinet and reaches out and touches her own image.