Georgia Gilmans

Amaris Joy Gilman was born on May 23rd (her grandpa's birthday) at French Hospital in San Luis Obispo. This is the story of her first few days as part of our family. We are so blessed!

I woke up Friday morning (the 22nd) having contractions that were 7 min apart and Derek and I began to practice our relaxation techniques from our Bradley classes. (It's easier to practice handling a contraction when they are actually happening). Around 11 am, Kaley, Mimi and I went to get a 3 generation haircut by Nicole Waldhelm. We took this picture when I got back to show the haircut and because I was pretty sure it would be my last pregnant picture for quite a while.

Later that evening Aaron and Greta invited us over for a yummy dinner. It was a great way to pass the evening having fun with friends but was a bit interesting when a strong contraction came along, leaving me silent for a bit. Here's a picture of me and Greta with the two girls.

By bedtime, the contractions were strong enough to keep me lying down. Here is Kaley helping me relax.

Sammy and AJ helped me relax too!

 We couldn't sleep that night thanks to the contractions, so we ended up watching Bride Wars and going for a cold 4am walk around the neighborhood. Finally we slept a couple of hours and woke up Saturday morning ready for our big day. Barbara, our doula, came to the house after breakfast and helped us make a plan to head to Pismo Beach to walk around before heading to the hospital. We got to the hospital around 12:30 after having experienced 28 hours of methodically progressing labor and were rewarded to learn that I was halfway dilated already. Amaris was born at 7:10 pm after a few intense pushes with the doctor barely able to get his gloves on in time. She was a nice hearty size at 8 lbs, 7 oz and 21.5 inches.

I'm actually proud of this picture. This is what I looked like 2 hrs after her birth. It's true what they say about natural childbirth leaving you with lots of good hormones.

Kaley and Mimi made it to the hospital by 9 pm and here is Kaley's first glimpse of her new baby sister.

Kaley brought Amaris a present, a monkey blankie similar to Kaley's favorite duckie

The next day my dad, G, flew in and got to meet Amaris too!

Say cheese: Derek, Cori, Amaris, Kaley, and Mimi

Admiring the baby

Our favorite nurse Suzanne was with us through labor up unti the very end. She was back the next day to take great care of us and celebrate Amaris' birth

Amaris gets bundled in her GT hat to come home the next day

Here she is after a few days at home

Cori and Amaris

Kaley loves being a big sister

Mimi perfects her technique of soothing the baby by bouncing on the exercise ball

Enjoying some cuddle time

Big sister holding little sister

One of my favorite pictures of her in the bouncy seat

More of Kaley holding Amaris

Kaley has lots of excess energy these days! Here she pretends to be a farmer while riding her "cow" G

G talks to Amaris over breakfast

Proud sister peeks into the bassinet

Becky was our first visitor to meet Amaris

Annie brought Finn over to meet his new buddy. Our due dates were 2 days apart and the kids are 2 weeks apart.

Dad, Kaley, and baby

Kaley loves having her friends, like Kade, come over to visit

One nap on her belly and Amaris scooted herself all the way to the wall of the bassinet

Derek, Kaley, Amaris, Rebecca, and Kade

Kaley and Kade being silly