Introducing Noah

Team Horn Party of 5
We are very pleased to announce our newest member of Team Horn:
Noah Samuel
Noah was born July 16, at 10:21 a.m. At 7lbs 11 oz and 20.5 inches long, his arrival was an exciting one to say the least. We are amazed by his luscious blond locks!

Our Birth Story
As you may know, we do not have arduous birthing stories. That being said, we like a good story just as much as the next person. Never the ones to disappoint, we think it is fitting that Noah entered the word with a bang.
My induction was scheduled because I am prone to “rapid” labors. We arrived at Bethesda North at 5 a.m. after a quick stop at UDF for coffee. It took about an hour to get checked in and ready for the big induction.
6 a.m.: 4cm dilated and 80% effaced
*Not in active labor
7 a.m.: 4cm dilated and 80% effaced (I noted to the nurse that my contractions seemed short and were getting farther apart instead of closer together. She assured me this was normal, and cranked up the Pitocin)
*Still not in active labor
8 a.m.: 4cm dilated and 80% effaced (Again, I noted my contractions were not rhythmic and she assured me this was normal, and cranked up the Pitocin.)
*At this point, I try to convince John to take me home and we can try again the next day. He talks me out of it and we take a nap.
9 a.m.: 4cm dilated and 80% effaced (ARE YOU KIDDING)
*We are told the doctor is on her way to break my water *Not in active labor…still!
9:35 a.m.: 4cm dilated 80% effaced (Water broken)
9:40 a.m.: Active labor has started!
10:05 a.m.: John helps me to the restroom. It is here that I tell him, “I think I need to push”. John’s response, “Are you serious?!” (You should have seen his face!)
10:06 a.m.: John runs out of the room and informs the medical staff that I need to push. Everyone comes running in expecting to find me in bed (they are very surprised when they find me in the bathroom!).
10 something a.m.: I tell the doctor I need to push...NOW! She turns to “finish setting up”. The head nurse helps me get into position to push…then she shouts for the doctor to turn around because “the baby is coming!”
10:21 a.m.: Without the set up of the delivery table, Dr. Bare literally catches Noah!

Because delivery was so fast Noah did have a lot of facial bruising from his forehead to his chin. In addition to bruising, he was also jaundice. We are happy to report both have cleared up and our baby boy is healthy and no longer purple or yellow!

We hope you enjoy the pictures of Noah's first week.

The Headlines Read "Angie Delivers!"

But alas...it wasn't me. Yes, we were beaten and it's the "Pitt's". Back to the drawing board...all the guesses were wrong. My new prediction has me delivering on July 16th...no room for disappointment. Of course our Sprout could join the masses, myself included, and share a birthday on the 14th. For those of you who are unaware, there are many of us that have grace this planet on 7/14...I personally know of at least 12.

In the mean time, we are enjoying the last few days with our brood. Kameron has been busy preparing the overnight bag she and Eli will take to Nana's. Her sense of humor has become a great source of entertainment for us. She is definitely getting older, much to my chagrin, and it is only a matter of time before she goes completely "pre-teen" on us!

Eli seems to grow every day, and is entering a very "boy" phase...completely foreign to me. Everything he holds in his hand is now a projectile. If you are really "fortunate" he will not throw it AT you, instead he will use it to beat you repetitiously about the face and head...just ask Kami and Dad! Then there is his new meal time fav! Eli will take a drink of milk, lean over in his high chair and spit it on the floor. He doesn't let it "drool", he actually gets good distance. In addition to the food he throws, the dog is eating very well. We have come to the conclusion that (A) Eli is trying to get all of his rebellion out now, or (B) we are really in for it. I tend to lean toward (B).

Baby Watch 2008

I must admit, the much anticipated birth of Sprout Horn isn't drawing as much attention as the Angelina and Brad twins. Still I feel compelled to keep you posted.
As of today, I am 2cm dilated and 80% effaced. I have to keep reminding myself that it is progress and I am still ONLY 37 weeks otherwise I become discouraged. My induction date that has been bouncing back and forth between July 16 & 17 has been settled and scheduled. I will be induced 7/16 at 5am.
Ever the optimist, I am still hoping delivery will occur before I turn 30 on the 14th.
We are sharing our predictions. Feel free to share yours as well!
Angie’s
Date: 7/11
Gender: Girl
Weight: 7lbs 2oz
John’s
Date: 7/10
Gender: Boy
Weight: 7lbs 4oz

Around the Horn

No news is well...no news. We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Sprout. So far the baby has been compliant and was not born on Eli's birthday or the 4th, so any day now would be great. Until then, we are making plans to not make plans.

Eli is a complete and total maniac. Between RUNNING around the house, plotting with the dog and climbing on everything, we haven't had a moment’s peace. We had to rearrange the furniture so that he doesn't go OVER the stairs (thank you Greg and Lisa for the netting...it is a God send!) since Eli thinks if you climb it, you must walk/dive/jump off it...bonus if you go head first. His new favorite toy is the telephone. We hope you enjoy the video as much as we do! If you ever get a call from Team Horn HQ that sounds like this...we apologize!



We have also included the **Bonus Feature** staring Eli and Guinness titled "The Pillow Fight". At first, we were hoping to use this as an advertisement for Team Horn Daycare, but our attorneys have advised against it :) John filmed this video "free range". No babies or animals were hurt in the making of this video!

Elijah's Year in Review

Looking back on the past year, we are absolutely amazed! Elijah Gabriel has made our days brighter and at times has managed to make a 24 hour day feel like 30! Our little guy has fit perfectly into Team Horn. Perhaps he was the inspiration for version 3.0 which will be arriving any day.

Elijah's Stats:

7/2/07
Ht - 20"
Wt - 7lbs 7oz

7/2/08
Ht - 30 1/4"
Wt - 20lbs 2oz