Eva arrived on November 7th after about five hours of labor. She weighed 8 lbs 4 oz. which
was about a pound less than Carlo did, but she was 21 inches in length - the same as Carlo.
After a challenging year we were thrilled by how well the birth went. I have to credit our
doula, Sunshine Tomlin, for the support and confidence that she gave us (if only I had had a
doula for the first time around). And also my friend Marla who encouraged me to
try a VBAC as well as much research regarding it.

Carlo was happy to meet his sister in the hospital, and thanks to the easy birth we
were able to go home that afternoon. We were only out of the house for a day and
night and while we were gone Carlo's abuela took good care of him. Enrico's
mother stayed for two weeks and provided much help during a busy time.

To smooth the transition to brotherhood, Eva gave Carlo a balance bike. He has
taken to riding it around the park and now is looking to ride it downhill.
Fortunately, it has a hand brake - he just needs to learn to use it!

We have also started talking about Santa Claus with Carlo, and are thinking about
how we will mix our families' Christmas traditions and making some new ones
of our own. Unfortunately, when we told Carlo that Santa Claus would come bringing
new toys he assumed that he was arriving that night - a lesson in toddler time scales.
However, Enrico did buy him a Christmas pinata and Carlo is already practicing his
hitting technique.

Minutes after her birth we greet our little girl. (Yes, I did not have time to change into a
hospital gown - and I had been worried on the drive to the hospital that my shirt was stained).

Eva less than a day old.

Eva getting her hearing tested.

Eva getting weighed a few hours after birth.

Carlo meets Eva for the first time.

Carlo tries out the new bike that his sister brought for him.

Ya-ya with Eva.

Pretty in pink.

Sleeping like a baby.




Carlo is a proud big brother.





Dale, Dale, Dale. Carlo is ready for Christmas.

See you next month.