Lena Tamiko was born at 5 am, December 26, just 3 days early.

Early on December 25th, about 2:30 am, Lesley went into labor. By the time Hiro and Lesley went to the hospital, the baby was on her way. Lena's delivery was planned as a natural childbirth, and Lesley took no medication for pain relief or for hastening the labor process. We were attended by a doula (Michele Oseroff) who assisted Lesley and Hiro through the whole adventure. While the doctor and nurse were attending to other business, Michele stayed with the expectant parents throughout the night. Lesley's labor was also eased by some wonderful music that played on Hiro's portable stereo. This picture was taken about 10 minutes after she first appeared outside her mommy.

We all stayed at the hospital overnight on the 26th, and the vital signs of Lena and her mother were monitored. Both mother and baby were duly discharged the next morning. Daddy shared the hospital bed with the two that night, and no one got much sleep because Lena learned how to breastfeed! Click on this picture to find out what Lena sounds like when she wants more milk!

Now we are all home and happy. For us it was a blessing that our insurance only covered one day in the hospital because we probably couldn't stand another day of hospital meals. Lena is feeding constantly when she is not sleeping. Hiro is keeping Lesley well fed so that she can make lots of yummy milk for little Lena.

Lena is 6 months old! Here is an update!