Introducing Kailey

Hi All,

It's been a while and you've guessed it! Baby Kailey Amaris Robinson is HERE. In fact she is 3 weeks old and full of beauty, surprises, sleepless days and nights, love and blessings. Here's a quick update on lil Miss Kailey.

Born -- Saturday, September 05, 2009 at 7:12am Weight -- 6lbs & 14oz Length / Height -- 20in

Why Kailey? Why Amaris?
Kailey is a fusion of her parent's names (Kacy & Leandrew), but more importantly Kailey means "crowned with Laurel." A crown of laurel is a sign of victory. And Amaris means "as promised by God." So, our little one's name means "victory as promised by God." We were careful in choosing her name, because the meaning was very important to us, and after seeing her and being with her we knew that God ordained her to be victorious only -- which is why her name is Kailey Amaris.

Labor
Whew! What an experience. I knew before going into labor that this would be a never before felt sensation, but I had no idea it would feel like it felt. While it was painful, I kept telling myself that this was purposeful pain and that I was laboring for the birth of my daughter. In many ways labor is a perspectives thing. It seems like we have been so scared by the pains of labor that people often don't talk about the beauty of the experience, so I will. I must start by saying that YES IT DOES HURT and YES it is difficult and complex, but at the same time is is DOABLE, BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING, and life changing -- and can be done without all the medical interventions and yes even without the epidural.
Laboring for Kailey was wonderfully intense. I thought Thursday (Sept. 03) her due date, I was in labor but it only kinda started. I had contractions starting at around 5am on Thursday and then the fizzled out by noon, so Leandrew and I walked downtown Oakland for hours trying to "walk the baby out."I guess it worked, because on Friday I did go into labor. We labored at home for as long as possible -- I labored in the bed, in the bathtub (with candles), on the floor, and in Leandrew's arms. [Leandrew was the perfect labor support partner -- truly we did it together] Our parents made it to our house by the late evening and assisted us in the process (all while encouraging us to "GO TO THE HOSPITAL" -- even as we resisted). Finally, we reached the point when we decided to head to the hospital and have our baby. After laboring for more hours at the hospital it was time for delivery -- time to push. After about 10-15minutes of pushing Kailey Amaris Robinson made her appearance on Saturday morning!


Hemolytic Jaundice Condition
After moving to the postpartum area we were given the news that Kailey had to stay in the hospital in the "well baby nursery" for a few days because she had a condition caused by our blood's incompatiblity creating a high bilirubin count in her body or jaundice. Kailey was treated with aggressive phototheraphy for 4 days after her birth. During this time we stayed strong and I tried not to breakdown. She was away from us most of the day -- we were with her every 3 hours for 30 minutes for feeding. This was hard because we had become so accustomed to being together and we wanted her with us, not with the nurses under hot, bright lights; even though we knew it was for her health. On Wednesday (Sept. 09) we were finally given the green light to take her home -- Kailey was progressing nicely and the doctors believed this trend would continue, and continue it did.

Home with Kailey
Being home with Kailey is amazing. She is a pure ball of joy -- even at 1am, and again at 3am and again at 5am and again... and again. Kailey is the queen of funny faces and has the most precious little lips. She has plowed through many packages of diapers and we are washing blankets, onesies, towels and booties all the time. Being home with Kailey is special. However, we are excited to get out of the house and do something! Sooner than later we will be walking the lake and touring the city. Until then small trips are all the joy for us.


WE LOVE HER!

We love her so much and so does all her family. Everyone is super excited about her arrival and I can't send enough pictures to my aunts in Los Angeles. She has yet to meet all her Bay Area family, sooner than later this will happen. And then she'll be jet-setting to LA to meet more family. Kailey has so much love.



THANK YOU
We are so blessed to have amazing people in our lives -- and Kailey is just as blessed. Thank you all for all your prayers, gifts, love and support that you have shared with us during this time, we appreicate you and your love.

Until the next time -- Be Well,
Mommy & Daddy Robinson

More pictures to come soon!