Finally Meeting Madeline

At one week and one day overdue, the doctors agreed to induce us, so that Jim could meet the baby before he had to go back to Iraq. We had thought we'd go into Tripler Army Medical Center for the induction on Monday night, but on Monday night all the beds in labor and delivery were full, so we got bumped back... By late Tuesday morning, though, there was room for us. We got Kathleen all settled with Nan O'Connor and headed out "to get Kathleen's little sister."

The induction went remarkably well, and Madeline Elizabeth Golby was born at 1:26 am on Wednesday, September 5th. She was 19 inches long (although we think she may have been longer) and weighed in at 8 pounds, 13 ounces -- surprisingly larger than her sister! After Madeline was weighed, we kept thanking my doctor for not waiting any longer to induce us!

We fell in love with Madeline at once. (How could we not?)

And we are exceedingly grateful that Kathleen had the same reaction. When she visited the next day, she ran into the hospital room and immediately climbed up on the bed to give Mama and "Kathleen's baby" a big hug.

Kathleen's love for the baby has not yet waned, even as the baby has stolen a lot of limelight. Kathleen loves to check up on Madeline, to kiss her, and to give her toys. And she worries when the baby cries.

Madeline has surprised us with her dark hair and her fiery little personality. She was none too happy about the indignities of being born, or of being examined by her physician. The little girl has BIG lungs! But as we get used to one another, we're finding her to be sweet and generally happy. (Though loud, still!)