On Tuesday, December 30th, more than 2 weeks than Abby's due date, Jenn and Matt went to the DeAnza Hotel in San Jose to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of our first date. Before we left, Jenn's Mom (Jenny) and her aunt (Pokey) took these pictures.

At the DeAnza, we're sitting in their fabulous lounge on the same couch we sat on 3 years ago (well, really more than three years, the date was in December, but I digress...) These are the last known photos of Jenn prior to going into labor

As you can see, we had our cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory to eat in our room

After the water broke on the bed (!) we called the doctor and rushed to the hospital 40 miles away. On that night, red lights were optional. We had up to this point assumed we could leisurely motor to the hospital since, as you can see, we live all of 2 miles away. This night found us significantly further out...Still, God (once again) was with us, as we passed no more than 3 cars the entire way.

Here we see our room from the outside, and Jenn in our room. At this point we're having light contractions that are kind of tough to feel. The machine that we watched for hours that monitored Jenn's contractions and Abby's heartbeat is on the right.

Pokey really lucked out - she was to go home the next morning, but got to be here for the birth! These are a few pictures taken while still in early contractions. Then Pokey & Jenny went home during the actual birthing.

Well, not too many pictures taken until Abby is actually born. But here she is! Abby weighs in at 6 lbs 7 oz!

Here's a MOVIE of Abby!

Here she is as we settled down over the next day. She looked different only a day later!

Proud Grandpa, Grandma and Great Aunty

Jenn's Grandma, aunt and cousins surprised us when they came up from Salinas!

Four generations together at once

As mom recovered she sat near the window (which had a great view of the peninsula) with Abby

Abby's Grandpa Ken installed the car seat for us wonderfully. Then he brought the seat up to our room so we could load Abby in and carry her down

Finally, time to go home. At this point, it finally felt right to go home and try to manage all the things we learned ourselves without help from the nurses.

The first car ride. Abby's seat works like a race car restraint; it is a 5 point design. She falls asleep easily when in it as it holds her in snugly

We're about to go into our new home. Then dad went out and got burrito's from Coyote and Jamba's

Abby, with some of her gifts. She is getting more and more accustomed to her crib that her friends Peter and Deb gave her. And she also loves to admire the roses that her grandpa Greg, great grandma Becky and great aunty Nancy sent her (especially because Abby's middle name is Rosalee)

Here are some great pictures of her on January 5th. She looks particularly stunning in blue when her eyes show - but this is tough to pick up with the camera. She is also eating more and more every day.

17-Jan-2004: Abby wears her first dress while held by Grandpa Ken