ARRIVED!!! Elliot Ballstaedt Halverson

The Vitals:
Born 12:28 p.m.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
6 lb. 14.2 oz.
21.5 in.
Mother and baby are in excellent health



Anna and I are over the moon. Elliot joined the world and our family today at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is a placid, cute little guy and he, of course, instantly won our hearts. His arrival today, 4 days early, came to a surprise to everyone.

Anna awoke me at 5:00 a.m. and told me that my prediction -- that the little guy would arrive on Tuesday next week (during the full moon) -- would not be coming to pass. She had been laboring since about 1:00 a.m. For the first few hours of the morning, we weren't really sure how to call it. But by 7:00 Anna declared that this was the real deal so we called our friend, Ally Pulley, to come over to pick up Oliver for the day. By 9:00 a.m. we were checked into the hospital and discovered Anna was already dialated to 8cm.

Anna opted for a epidural -- who can blame her -- that arrived around 10:00 a.m. After it kicked in, Anna was on record as saying, "this is like a day at the spa". (This confirmed my dire visions of spa experiences). Her contractions became less productive, but her nurse, Helen, and doctor, Zoe Beaty, were infinetely positive that her active labor would be quick. Anna feared a repeat of the marathon that was Oliver's birth. (Devoted fans will note that both Oliver and Elliot are born on the same day (the 17th).

She labored like a champ for about 20 - 30 min. and then Elliot graced us with his presence. And what a presence. He immediately reminded us of Oliver. He has a very placid demeanor and is light and small... and simply melts our hearts.

The name: We love the name Elliot. Ballstaedt is my mother's maiden name. Halverson seemed to be an obvious ending (and, probably legally required).

After some weighing, photos, cuddling and general oohing and aahing, I left to get Oliver so he could meet "Baby Bruzzer". We were anxious for his response, which was, in a word, non-plussed. He semed more interested in throwing pillows around the room and checking out the bio-hazard depositories than in the new family addition. As long as he wasn't traumatized... we think this is acceptable.

We are excited to share our joy of this awesome occasion with you. Anna and Elliot will be coming home on Monday. I will endeavor to keep this post up to date with pictures and details.


Ryan