Meet Abigail Jolie Weiss!

We named you Abigail Jolie Weiss, and you were born on August 9, 2009 at 12:43 PM! You weighed 6 lbs. and 8 oz., and was 19" long. Dr. Lupin delivered you via c section, and you cried with you eyes wide open the moment you came into the world.

Earlier that day, your dad and I spent time relaxing around the house. We knew the baby was coming soon, and were reserving our energy for the big day. So many questions were not answered yet. How would it happen? Would I go in labor in the middle of the night, and be in crazy pain? When would my water break? Is it possible to have contractions, and not realize it? Did we pack everything we'll need?

I forgot to mention that I thought I was having contractions every 20 minutes or so, but I was convinced that these were fake. I felt the same feeling last night, and still had not gone into labor. The pain was so faint, that I knew this couldn't be the real deal.

After being inside the house all day, we decided to go out for dinner. We didn't want to go somewhere stuffy or conservative, but we wanted to eat well. I knew that once I went into labor, I wouldn't be eating for a while. We went to a restaurant called Q for some BBQ! It was some of the best barbecue I remember having. The ribs were superb. Everything was perfect.

We drove home thinking about the great meal, and if tonight would be the night. The moment we got home, I took my nightly peek at the nursery, and began to get ready for bed. This could be the night, I thought to myself.

Your dad and I were in our pajamas discussing how life would change once the baby would arrive. How exciting everything is going to be, and how everything will feel so new to us while we experience so many firsts with our new baby girl. We talked ourselves to sleep at about 11:30.

About an hour later, I felt a pop in my belly and called for your dad. "Gregg, I need you here." Your dad ran over to help me out of bed, and it became quickly evident that my water broke.

We called the Dr. right away, and she said to go to the hospital. I wasn't feeling much pain, and decided to take a quick shower before we left. We were filled with excitement, and I was so excited that the pain had not set in. In fact, my happy hormones made me believe that I might be the rare lucky ONE who doesn't experience intense pain when in labor.

During the drive to the hospital, Gregg made a sharp turn which I was convinced caused strong pains in my belly that went away pretty quickly. My happy hormonses still did not allow me to think that these were my contractions getting more intense, and that this pain would come again. A few minutes later, and more contractions coming and going, I knew this was it. The reality, along with the labor pains had set in.

After 12 hours of labor, I was advised to have a c-section. Dr. Lupin said my pelvis was too small, and I started to get a slight fever. Off to surgery I went, and your dad was there for the ride. We met you at 12:43 PM at White Plains hospital. You were perfect. You cried very loud right away, and the nurses said how pretty you were. Your dad shreeked "Oh my god, Oh my god," and I kept saying, "is she OK?" All worked out wonderfully, and you, Abigail Jolie Weiss, were doing well. In fact, your second day of live you were smiling and pretty alert for a newborn baby.

40 Weeks

Today is August 6th, and you are due to come into the world today. However, we think you’re not ready yet, but we still have a few hours to go until August 6th is over. We tried to do some things that people say help induce labor. We ate spicy food and walked a lot, but nothing yet. Tomorrow I’ll go for a pedicure that is said helps induce labor as well. I’ll certainly enjoy that one!

We can’t believe that within a few days we are going to meet you. The Dr. says your about 7 pounds now, and your heart is moving at the perfect rate which is a very healthy sign. You have certainly been kicking much harder. I think I can feel you stretching in my belly, and there is probably not much room for you anymore. Wait until you come in the real world, and see how much space you have!

We love you so much and can’t wait to see your little hands and feet, and cuddle with you all the time. Get your rest now, because we need our strength for labor and delivery!

Love you!

39 Weeks

This is daddy writing on August 1, 2009. You will be here any day now, and I am so excited to see you! I know how proud I will be when I hold you in my arms, and how proud I will be when you accomplish great things -- everything from speaking your first words to taking your first steps to going to school, and all of the great things ahead. You have an amazing life ahead of you, and I want to see you accomplish everything you want, and make a great difference in the world. Be yourself, and don't let anyone tell you what to do. Follow your heart, dream big, and work hard at things you want to do; I know you will be successful!

It has been an amazing 39 weeks so far. We've been so excited about having you join us; You've been the focus of everything, and it is in many ways because you are so incredibly special to us. You have already brought so much happiness to us! Mommy and I have worked hard at preparing a great home for you. We hope you like your room, your toys, and your clothing! It has been fun shopping for you!

We know you are going to be the cutest baby and the most beautiful girl. You will put your mind to what you want to do and challenge yourself and do great things.

Can't wait to play They Might Be Giants for you. Can't wait to read you Dr Seuss. Can't wait to make you giggle at silly jokes. Can't wait to take you to a Yankee game. Can't wait to hold you in my arms and stare into your eyes and make you feel safe and loved.

We can't wait to meet you!!! See you REALLY soon!!!!!

Love,
Daddy

37 Weeks

A lot has happened in just a few weeks. We’re already at 37 weeks, and we can’t believe that you will be here so soon. You’re still kicking away in my belly. Your dad and I love it when you do! We hope you are getting used to our voices by now.

You went to another concert this past weekend. The band is from Brooklyn and there called The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. The played a show for free at the South Street Seaport, and sounded great. We were with your Aunt Dani and Uncle Chris, and a few other friends.

The baby shower that your Aunt Dani threw for us was great! There were about 25 friends and relatives there, and you received a lot of great gifts. In fact, your wardrobe is pretty styling!

Your bedroom is pretty much set up! Your dad painted the room perfectly, and the furniture has been delivered. We can’t wait to see you sleep in your little crib that your grandparents bought for you.

We’re also fixing up the living room to make the perfect amount of play space for you. You already have a few toys waiting for you, and we’ll have a comfy carpet on the floor that you can play on!

Your dad and I are so excited to meet you. We hope you’re warm and cozy in my belly, and that you come into the world easily. Love you so much!

33 Weeks

You are 33 going on 34 weeks! The time has gone by so fast. Your dad and I got to see you in a sonogram at 32 weeks. Everything is looking good, and you were looking right at us. We could see your entire face pretty clearly. They also told us that you are already 4 ½ pounds and confirmed once again that you are a little girl.

Technology is amazing, and when/if you decide to have children, you’ll probably be able to see a lot more than we are seeing today. Our parents, your grandparents, didn’t have any sonograms. They didn’t know what gender the baby was until the day of delivery. In fact, my mom didn’t even know that she was having twins until she gave birth to two girls.

My baby shower is this coming weekend, and there will be close to 30 friends and relatives there. My sister, your aunt, is throwing the party at her house, and she’s put a lot of effort into it already. Everyone is so excited to meet you in the next 6 ½ weeks!

You’ve been kicking up a storm. So many people have had the opportunity to feel and see your kicks! I love feeling your little flutters. I have a feeling you’re going to be a great swimmer because you sort of feel like a little mermaid in my belly.

We’re counting down the days until you arrive, and are so excited!

27 Weeks

A lot of activity has occurred lately. You are already 27 weeks old! You should be able to hear mommy and daddy’s voice much better now, and you are blinking. You are also about 2 lbs now, but when people look at my belly, they may think you’re even bigger!

You’ve been kicking and punching much better now. I can feel that you are getting stronger. Daddy has even felt the strong kicks, and was pretty surprised that you were so strong already!
Our baby shower is on June 28th, and we’ve registered for a ton of items. Because furniture takes so long to deliver, we just ordered your furniture. It’s pretty modern and sleek, but has a feminine touch too. We also picked the paint colors out (yellow and pink), and we hope you’ll love them!

We hope you’re doing well in my belly! We get to see you one last time before delivery at 32 weeks on an ultrasound, and can’t wait.

I’m trying to eat healthy foods for you, and your dad is always making the best snacks to make it easy. He’s a great chef that you’ll get to enjoy very soon…

23 Weeks

We’re jumping now to week 23! You’re about the size of a mango and about 11” long and weigh just over a pound. I can feel your kicks and punches now. You’ve been pretty active, especially after I eat something yummy. Your dad and your aunt have placed their hand on my tummy and have felt your movement. It’s been pretty amazing! We can’t wait until our next sonogram so we can actually see you again.

You should know that you have already done a lot of exciting activities with us. Here are a few:

- Barcelona, Spain trip
- Baltimore, MD where you went to opening day at Camden Yards (Yanks vs. O’s)
- First game at the new Yankee Stadium (a spring training game)
- Glassvegas show at Bowery Ballroom
- Your first Passover seder at Grandma’s house
- Morrissey concert

We’re starting to think of the right color to paint your room. We ordered a neutral carpet so that any color will work. We like the color yellow, but also want to bring in another color…maybe pink?

We just started to register for products for you. We picked out a nice stroller and some other essentials. We still have a lot more to add, but we thought it was a good time to start. There is so much to think of with a new baby, especially because your dad and I are new to this.

I’m getting over a bad cold and cough. I hope it’s not bothering you too. I especially worry about my coughing keeping you up if you’re trying to nap. Hang in there little girl, my cold will go away pretty soon.

We can’t wait to meet you…