Some hospital glamor shots

Welcome Zoe!

Zoe Attabelle Kraus was born on 9/24/09 at 3:40 am. We had gone to the hospital the day before, just to check in on Phoebe's blood pressure and Zoe's movements, and wound up being induced because of fetal heart rate decelerations (yikes). Luckily, all went well, and Zoe made her way very peacefully into the world over the next 18 hours.

Phoebe was a little nervous and excited upon admission... and also the size of a baby beluga.

After waiting for labor to begin naturally for a few hours, we had to begin Pitocin, a challenge for Phoebe, who was hoping for a medication free birth using self-hypnosis for anesthesia.

The hypnosis worked wonderfully for early to mid-labor. Listening to the HypnoBabies scripts was very helpful and helped us all feel peaceful and calm.

After midnight, Phoebe got a bit tired and our dear friend Josh, the anesthesiologist, was called - an epidural helped Phoebe to finish the work of sending Zoe out into the world. She arrived in great shape - but with the cord wrapped around her neck three times! This was probably the cause of the decelerations. She was none the worse for wear, however. Here's her first photo:

Family portrait - Zoe already is looking for something to eat! This becomes a theme...

First smile?
Proud Dad brings Zoe from the nursery to Mom's hospital room - we spend the next 36 hours in the hospital trying to rest and recover, and getting to know Zoe.

She's pretty cute.

Hugs to all from the Kraus/Moore clan!