Birthday pictures - day one.

Thanks to Dr. Becky Kightlinger for providing what was selected [after an animated symposium] as Rhea's very first onesie - pictured at left.

Please be advised: We're really laboring with our internet connectivity and speed; so although we have loads of fresh and inspiring content to share, we beg for patience with our updates.

We are now enjoying life at back at the family house in Kitty and she is being enjoyed and fussed over by the all the uncles, aunts, grands and visitors. Her care and maintenance is truly a family matter.

Last night was the first reasonable amount of catch up sleep for the immediate clan. We still have a serious deficit to overcome and we're learning to take small naps whenever the little princess decides it's a good time for the three of us to chill. We've had to struggle through some difficult moments of feeding-related stress but we're proud to say that Rhea has not had to once dip into the enfamil bin.

Grampa Amar and the entire family has been an invaluable source of advice and encouragement. The amount of cooking, washing, changing, cuddling, and burping going on for this new member and her bewildered parents is astounding.

Minutes old, demonstrating her astute evalution skills.

Wide awake from the inception, she is very active with her eyes and boasts an impressive level of head and neck control.

Rhea's very first daylight

Julie and i do not have words to express the profound emotions of joy, awe and gratitude we feel at this miracle of life. Becoming a parent for the first time is a frightening, breathtaking and indescribable adventure. Weird how i get all choked up just talking to the taxi driver on a quick breakfast run for example.

Very special thanks are due to the entire staff at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital here in Georgetown including Dr. Galton Roberts, Terry Mohamed, Nurse Austin, Nurse John, Mrs. Parks, Dr. Butters, Dr. Kumar, to mention a few of the dedicated professionals and friends that facilitated this difficult but safe arrival.

Our deepest thanks to so many family and friends for all the thoughts and prayers, emails and phone calls that sustained our little family so far. During the course of our pregnancy we have received so much love and support from countless friends, acquaintances and even complete strangers that we simply cannot express all our appreciation at one time to so many.

By the way: She is remarkably flexible, but that is her hand [and not her foot] inside the sock to wave hello to her all-new world.

Stay tuned for statistical breakdown, significance of names (hint: we're not particularly T. Swift fans), video, copious photos {depending on upload speeds} and all the highlights and milestones as they happen - be advised we've already seen the first recorded wink, smile, burp, sneeze, tantrum, fart, snooze, snack,and astonishingly loud hiccups!

As of this posting her first diaper is still white and tidy.