LAYLA ASHLYNN IS BORN!!!

On Tuesday, Chona began to notice some changes to her otherwise easy pregnancy. She noticed some uncomfortable cramps and had the constant urge to go to the bathroom. Chocking it up to normal 3rd trimester symptoms, not much was thought about it. As the week progressed, so did the severity of her symptoms. On Friday, she awoke early and headed off to her water aerobics class, like any other week. Afterwards, she and PJ watched baby Quinn for the entire day (3 month old nephew), hauling him to work and then returning home for play time.

Chona's symptoms continued to worsen. At 4:00, Jamie came to pick up Quinn and noticed that Chona was in a lot of pain and that the pains were getting more and more in sequence - like a minute apart. At Jamie's insistance, Paul took Chona to Labor and Delivery to just get checked out. Sure enough, Chona's water broke! And they admitted her immediately.

The family waited patiently, but nervously in the waiting room. Dean and Adam watched TV, Jamie played with Quinn and Grandma Linda feverishly tried to finish Layla's baby quilt before she was born. Paul texted Jamie on his phone all throughout the delivery, giving them a play-by-play of the progress. Jamie texted Paul on the play-by-play of what was going on in the waiting room. "Grandma has a ways to go on this quilt, could you ask Chona to hold off." As luck would have it, Grandma Linda put the very last stitch in Layla's quilt at the EXACT moment that she entered the world - 1:26 a.m. It's definitely Layla's quilt.

When she was born, the doctors quickly swifted her away to the NICU where she was fitted with a special breathing device to help her lungs to open and shut. At 33 weeks, she just didn't have quite enough time to cook up this ability. The doctors are very positive about her prognosis and expect her to develop over the next few weeks under their close watch and care. She's expected to be able to go home by December.

The family got to visit this tiny little miracle early in the morning on Saturday. They tenderly touched her back, caressed her little legs and arms and proclaimed their love through whispers. I'm sure that they will visit their newest teacup member of the family a lot in the coming weeks.

PJ and Chona will remain at the hospital until Monday and possibly longer in a special boarding area upstairs from Layla. Chona was successful in pumping and produced some liquid gold that was wisked away and fed to Layla early this Sunday morning.


Layla at NICU all hooked up.


All warm and toasty, Layla lies under a heat lamp and is helped by the pure oxygen, IV and moniters. She's a beautiful little girl. Grandpa Dean says she looks just like him.

Chona and Paul after delivery - rest in the hospital room. Notice baby Layla's Quilt and baby Quinn lounging with his favorite Auntie and Uncle.

Perfect little toes

This is how big 4 lbs is. She'll definitely fit in the palm of daddy's hand and he will forever be wrapped around her perfect finger.

Layla Ashlynn O'Donnell

Born Saturday, November 8, 2008

Expected Due Date: December 27, 2008

4 lbs, 15.75 inches long

Chona is healthy and happy.