Louise's page

It seemed fateful that Sheila's waters broke during the snowstorm that all but shut down Seattle and environs on Tuesday, November 19. We got to our Family Beginnings birthing center at Group Health--Capital Hill that night at about 11 pm and spent much of the rest of the night walking laps trying to make the labor progress. But it turned out that the water broke due to an atmospheric change caused by the snowstorm, not because labor had sufficiently progressed. It was determined the next morning that intervention would be the best path to take to avoid any infections.

Labor induction began shortly after 1 pm on Wednesday, November 20, 1996. Louise Marie Blech finally emerged into the world at 7:22 pm, Pacific Standard Time. She weighed in at 7 pounds 14 ounces and is 20 inches long. She began nursing a few minutes later. We are exhausted.

Many, many thanks to our birthing support group: Marc Henry, Eileen Little, Debbie Hart, Stephanie Dickie, and Dr. Michael Madwed. Mirabelle was present too (though Mom's yelling and the normal sights associated with birthing kept her out of the room during the actual active labor) and soon after the birth held her little sister for the first of many times.

Sheila is weak, but elated and recovering fast. Kerry is sore but overjoyed. Mirabelle is quite excited. Thanks to all our family and friends for your continued support.

Before ...............

................................ After:

Louise Marie Blech (November 20, 1996)

Big sister, Mirabelle Rose Blech, greets her new little sister, Louise Marie.

"Hey Ira! Will you save a dance for me?"

The Support Team: Eileen Little, Marc Henry, Sheila (with Louise a-swaddle),
Stephanie Dickie, and Debbie Hart. Thanks gang!

Celebrating the Blech way, with imported chocolates (photo by Marc Henry).

"Hey! Where's My chocolate!"

Return to Home page