Announcing the Arrival of the Princess =)

First things first:

I'm exhausted.

(I just heard hundreds of women snicker in unison, "You're exhausted? WHAT ABOUT YOUR WIFE?!")

Good point.

But truth be told - for both Jenna and I - 38+ weeks of waiting, eagerly anticipating the arrival of little Amelia - all boil down to one day. Today. So I'll talk about today (very briefly, mind you) - but in a moment... first of all, let us get past this silly "Guess Amelia's weight" thing. =) I'm not going to come right out with her weight - that would be too easy. Instead, I will mention by name, those who have received "honorable mention".

Many, many thanks to all who decided to "weigh in" on the subject. We did it for pure fun, but found that many of you are rabidly passionate about your guesses. =) Seriously - we had 54 distinct responses!! Thanks to all who participated and made it that much more fun!

So, of the 54 people who guessed, we had nurses, doctors, military members, professional mothers, students, members of the clergy - even concerned grandparents, just to name a few. Without further ado, the list of those who receive honorable mention for getting the "pounds" right - in no particular order:

Billie Ebel – 7-3
Angela Tritle – 7-14
Jill Nelson – 7-1
Sue Pompeo – 7-6
Joni Sherman – 7-2
Andrea Hren – 7-3
Kathy Jaso – 7-1
Nathan Howard – 7-13
The Carrolls – 7-3
Marcy Pacheko – 7-1
Beth Harp and Nikki Voss – 7-6
Cyndi Langhans – 7-6
Sarah Ekman – 7-12
Vicki Fukai – 7-3 (and 20 inches)
Cathy Miller – 7-6
Mary Baker – 7-6.5

The previously mentioned folk have won accolades and applause, and hopefully, a warm-n-fuzzy feeling =) Now, onto the meat of the matter...

Those who receive SUPER honorable mention, due to 1) getting the pounds right, and 2) getting within 2 ounces of the birthweight:

Taja Burke – 7-7
Laura Watkins – 7-11
Melody Peterson – 7-11

What do they win? You guessed it: accolades and applause, and hopefully, a warm-n-fuzzy feeling =)

Now: THE SUPER-DUPER honorable mention award goes to the following, all for guessing within 1 piddly little ounce of the actual birthweight:

James Tritle – 7-8
Melanie Weaver – 7-10
Shelly – Day Recep at SHMC – 7-10

These three individuals, for their undoubtedly torturous and difficult angst in determining Amelia's birthweight, have won treats. =)

When all is said and done, though, all of you reading this email receive the super-duper honorable mention friendship award from us. =) [enough cheeeeze already - ON WITH THE PICS!]

Everything went well with Amelia's birth. She was born at 7:49 a.m. She weighed 7 lbs 9 ozs, and was 19 ½ inches long. She also can already do long division and simple calculations.

The only downer today was the fact that Jenna's spinal didn't work so well. First time in three children. So they had to give her general anesthesia - knocking her out cold. That, combined with silly hospital policy, meant that neither of us saw the birth of our daughter. HOWEVER - as sad as we were about that (or angry in my case), we are even more thankful that Amelia is healthy and whole, and that Jenna came through with flying colors. On a side note - I was also able to give Amelia her first two shots!! (thanks again Julie!) And Owen seems to take to her with great enjoyment mixed with curiosity.

That's it in a nutshell. We're still at Sacred Heart. We'd love to see you or hear from you, be it by phone or email. But even if we never hear from another soul again, we still believe words cannot describe how thankful we are to have friends and family like you!!! God is far too good to us. Sometimes it's hard to comprehend, let alone embrace. Okay - teary eyed now. Best be wrapping up. =)

Enjoy the following pics of lil Amelia. There are more to be found on our website. Just go there and scroll down.

Off to bed I go, for tomorrow awaits...

In His Love,

The Miller Fam - E, J, M, O and A
Look our family up at http://millerlights.blogspot.com