Well, Rachelle Elizabeth Tebbe was born last night. Following is some pertinent details and intrigue:

Weight: 8lb 5oz

Length: 20inches

Complexion: Beet red/ purple

Present at the delivery were Michelle (as one might expect), myself (Dan), Michelle's mom (Peg), our good friend Renee Grubb and her daughter Tabitha, Dan's brother Andrew (who tactfully assumed hall-pacing responsibilities), the midwife, Maya, and a troupe of travelling Russian acrobats to round out the circus. I jest about that last one, of course. The midwife expressed consternation at the number of people there, wondering if it is common in America to have so many people there to help along the labor. I pondered reassuring her that no it's not common, we are just odd like that, but decided that wouldn't be very reassuring.

Andrew, who is born on Feb 25, was rooting for her to be born before midnight so she could share a birthday with him. Peg, who is born on Feb 26, was hoping she'd be born after midnight so they could share a birthday. Neither really cared, of course, but it added some intensity to everyone's predictions of when the baby would be born.

The labor progressed much quicker this time around (unlike Hannah's 49-hour stint) and it was going to be close. At 11:58pm Rachelle stuck her head out for a holler, and a bit later decided enough was enough and popped out. Every head swivelled around to check the wall clock, and saw that it was 12:00 exactly! The midwife ruled that that means the birthday is Feb 26, and pointed out that anyway, by her watch the wall clock was a few seconds slow. So Rachelle shares a birthday with Grandma Burson, just like I share a birthday with Grandma Tebbe. Hooray!

Rachelle let's loose a yell. More of this to come, I'm sure!






A tired but happy Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Uncle Andrew, and of course, little Rachelle.







For people who want to check for family resemblences. Due to lack of organization and clear thinking, we neglected to get a face-by-face picture of Michelle and Rachelle.






The little family. Yay!






Hannah and Rachelle