#1 Blog Post: Arrival of Brianna Mae Talbert

The birth of little Brianna at 9:18 P.M. yesterday (Saturday, April 18) knocked all other possible blog topics immediately out of contention. Amanda worked every day last week and had a few sporadic contractions. At her Thursday doctor appointment they asked her to come back this coming Monday to be re-evaluated. It never got that far. Amanda and Stephen went out to yard sales and to run a few errands Saturday morning. Around lunchtime, Amanda called to say she thought the time was near. She was going home to eat a light lunch and then on to the Emergency Room, as she had been directed. By mid-afternoon Stephen called to say she had been admitted. Amanda and Stephen alternated calling a couple more times each and things seemed to be progressing nicely. Judy and I had made just a few phone calls to family so they wouldn't be totally caught off guard. There was a long lull after 7:30. Then, around 10:55 the happy call came in from Stephen. Brianna had been born at 9:18, and Amanda and Stephen had been quite occupied since then. She is 19 and a half precious inches long and 6 pounds 14 ounces. JUST RIGHT! Amanda's labor was around 8 hours and Stephen said her performance was admirable. We were so happy that Brianna came before midnight so we could let family here and in Georgia know, though all had given permission to call at any time. There was great jubilation on the other ends of the phone lines. After all, Brianna is the first great grandbaby on both sides of our family. MANY pictures will be taken! We trust that Amanda and Stephen were able to catch some power naps overnight, even with Brianna having feeding times every couple of hours. You'll be hearing a lot more about Brianna Talbert in upcoming blogs . . . breaking news as it happens!

She opened her eyes just for me!

Triumphant Mom Amanda

Soon, we'll go hunting!

Three generations.

Want to go out for Chinese?

Proud Great-grandparents couldn't be happier.

Intruders have been to Pinebluff.

The alleged perpetrators.

Brianna's first gift--from the hospital nursery staff.

Roses for Amanda. She earned them.

Now it's MY turn, Thelma.

I'll never remember who all these people are.

They have me at a disadvantage, but at least I can get my way when I make that special noise of mine.

Changing diapers is a little like being on a pit crew Brianna.

Who needs boys!?

Ah, back where I belong--home base!

If she eats the blanket does that mean she's ready for solid food?

Thank goodness--she doesn't look like me!

Hmmm. . . how can I manage to keep anyone else from holding her?

Tomorrow, we'll learn the second verse to "The Cat Came Back."

Let's see if I remember how to do this. . . .

I'm not sure, but I think I'm dreaming!

Ah, life is good!

(She may be able to play the piano with her toes!)

Don't let her get a-hold of that earring, Grandma Judy!