Sara Marie Grey is here at last! At 1:03 AM Japan Time, she came into the world weighing 3,306 grams (7 pounds, 4.6 ounces) and measuring 51 cm from head to toe. Both Mother and Baby are doing fine.



On Tuesday the 14th, at around ten in the morning, Tomomi knew something was different. She was feeling discomfort every ten to twenty minutes -- a pain that suggested the onset of labor. It wasn't until late in the afternoon, after seeing whether or not the pain would come at more regular intervals, that we all decided it was time to go to the maternity clinic.

The clinic was busy. A lot of babies were being born at the time, and we quickly learned that the rooms were nearly full. Tomomi was brought to one of the labor rooms, where she and I stayed for about 4 hours. According to Tomomi, the labor was nowhere near as tough as it was when Anri was born (24 hours of little progression, followed by a shot of pitocin). But, when we were finally taken into the delivery room and the pushing began, that is where it got difficult. When Anri was born, the actual pushing was not so bad, Tomomi said. This time around, it was the opposite. Short labor, really difficult push.

She did so well, and the feeling of joy we both felt at first sight of our baby girl was overwhelming! We both remarked, almost in unison, how much Sara looks like Anri did when she was born. The doctor was quick to get out the digital camera after the birth and snapped a handful of shots for us. The time of birth was 1:03 AM, November 15, 2006.

By 3 AM, Tomomi had been taken to her room, where she would spend the next five days with Sara. A private room with a bathroom and shower, Tomomi was happy to finally get some rest after a tough day. After getting Tomomi and Sara settled in and all of their things put in order, I finally headed back home, getting to bed at four in the morning.

For pictures of Sara, please click here.