It’s a girl!  B was born 9 days ago, at home and in water.  My third child, she was my first waterbirth.  She was also my quickest labor yet, at 3 hours
(compare that to 24 hrs. & 19 hours for my first and second babies)!  B was also my first baby to come out without a compound presentation, so I guess that might explain something.

These last nine days have been a whirlwind.  B nursed almost 24/7 for the first two days.  Then, when my milk came in and suddenly swelled my breasts to gigantic proportions, I endured several days of hell and pain with no bras that fit (new Bravado bras on order!).  Finding a decent nursing bra in Costa Rica has been an adventure.  Then I had to haul my entire family into San Jose for two straight days to visit the new Ped, declare the birth to the government, get fingerprinted, and sign papers at the lawyer’s office.  I’m happy to say that at least, after all that, we are well on our way to becoming permanent residents of Costa Rica (thanks to B for her tiny bit of assistance in that matter ).

B is definitely a joy to us all.  I particularly love to sniff her head, while Arp likes to nibble her toes.  It’s so nice to finally hold the creature that was kicking me all those months (and causing all that heartburn and sciatica).  The pregnancy was hard, but it was well worth it!

B’s birth story to follow as soon as I get a few breaks between nursing sessions.  This girl is a bit of a piggy.