Amalia Eleanor Carkeek-Hercey, born 6.22 p.m. 12/28/2001 at Providence Portland

7 lbs 9 oz, 20.5 inches, 14 inch head circumference

Keri is stunned she got our daughter out in 5 hours from the first contractions, with absolutely no pain killers or drugs.  It was totally natural!  They did dope her up pretty good though later that evening when they had to do a surgery to stop her bleeding.  It's a small price to pay, though.  They said in old days or even during a home birth the blood loss would have been enough to kill her.  Way to be tough, Keri!  We have you covered for the next month while you get back on your feet.

Grandma Ann Carkeek remembers Keri when she was about this size and age...  She'll be staying with us the first week of the new year.

Here you see Amalia's first outfit along with a teddy bear gift we got from Jim and Julie Chu (Intel co-workers).  Minutes later on New Year's Eve afternoon we headed home.

Keri and Amalia got settled in back at home quickly.  I stoked a big fire, Amalia fed, and they both zonked out.  Welcome to the world of an infant - sleeping, crying, feeding, and soiling diapers. It's amazing to think about how much new information she must be processing every second of her life.   Thanks to all for your gifts, offers to help, and for support!