Happy Birthday, Asher!!

Asher Gabriel Miranda entered the world on November 4th at 5:28AM

He's 7 lbs. 3.40z,

20 inches long

& absolutely perfect.

This is Chelsea posting for Raina.  The proud parents are resting & already so, so in love with their new baby boy.  I'm sure Raina will want to fill everyone in on the whole birth story soon, but until then just know that she's a super hero.... no, really!  I hope I have those same birthing genes!!  God's hand was on them the whole time & baby & mom couldn't be healthier or happier. Elijah was also a great labor coach & was there for them every step of the way.

This was the view from their room, how'd you like to be born right in the middle of midtown NYC?!

A little frustrated about being taken from that cozy tummy...

Love those lips!!

Meeting Asher for the first time

Looks like some curly hair!

All cleaned up & content in his mommy's arms.

Stayed tuned!!

"Pregnancy Update - 40 Weeks Plus"

OK, so I'm officially past due.  For some reason, I really didn't think that I would go past 40 weeks.  However, I was wrong!  I saw my doctor on Monday, and she did a procedure that she said could speed up the process but so far nothing has happened.  I have also been walking a lot, eating spicy food and taking special herbs to help induce the labor; but again nothing.  If I don't have the baby before tomorrow, I will go to the hospital tomorrow afternoon for a sonogram and stress test for the baby.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a few days late, but they just want to take every precaution that little Asher is still cozy in there.  I think he is perfectly fine; he is just taking his time.  I still feel him moving around like crazy.  He probably just knows how cold it got outside this week, and he is warm and comfortable in there!  The main issue is that he is just in there getting bigger at this point, and I definitely don't want that.  My Mom and Dad came on Monday to witness the big event, but they actually have to leave Friday morning.  Somehow I don't get the impression that Asher is feeling the pressure! :)  Also, I'm hoping to use my hospital's birthing center, but I only have eligibility until Sunday.  Everyone please say a little prayer that I will deliver before then.  Otherwise, I still feel great.  I don't feel at all uncomfortable, but I'm just so excited and ready to meet our little baby!

"One Last Workout"

Raina's sister, Chelsea, here!  I had to sneak in & document the big work out Raina had last week, even 9 month pregnant ladies can't resist the awesomeness that is a Michael Jackson cardio dance class!

So, I told Raina to strike a pose like she was lifting weights & this was what she came up with............... guess that's how she got that tight bod!

Check out that six pack!!

Just remember this picture next time you don't really feel like working out... slackers.    

Notice how Raina's right up there in the front of the class... this was because she was rockin' so hard she was picked to be the demonstrator (okay, or when asked who wanted to do it I thought it would be funny & forced her to go)! 

I have to admit I was impressed with Kristin's moves too (check her out back there in the gray shirt & blue pants), she had that Jackson 5 flava!

"A Few More Nights Out"

Asher is taking his time in making his big debut, so I've been able to have a few more nights out with friends.  Gina was in town this past weekend with her new baby Ruby.  It was so great seeing her and spending some time with the girls!

Stella now knows Asher's name.  She periodically points to my belly and says "Asher" or "baby".

Ruby seemed to really like Sara, but I have to say that she wasn't quite this content when I was holding her.  I guess I just need a little more practice which I will definitely be getting very soon!

Stella was even getting in on the mothering!

Our cousin Jenna and her boyfriend JT made a trip to Astoria to welcome Chelsea to the NYC!

Chelsea is settling in nicely - it is so great having her here!

Christina Powell was visiting New York with her boyfriend David a couple of weeks ago.  We have been friends since high school, and it was so much fun hanging out with her again!

"Asher's Nursery"

The wonderful and talented Madelina designed an amazing safari-themed mural for Asher's nursery.  

Luckily, we were able to recruit a few other friends to help out with the project!

Elijah worked on the giraffe (he is very proud of his contribution)!

Sofia is also an amazing artist - thanks for lending your creative skills!

My baby cuddle spot!

The final product was unbelievable!

Thank you so much Madelina - Asher will love his animal friends!

Emily used these wooden animals and Asher's name at the shower she had for me in Georgia, and they ended up matching perfectly in the nursery.  Thanks Em!

Now that everything is set up, we just need our little Asher Bean!

"Asher's 1st Fiesta"

On October 4th, Asher attended his first Latin fiesta thrown in his honor.  I hope he had fun!  A big thank-you to Kristin and Stella for coming all the way from Holland to throw this shin-dig.  My Mom was also in town from Georgia, and my sister came with her to finally assume her position as nanny!  Elijah and I had a wonderful time, and we are so grateful to everyone for hooking Asher up with all of the baby essentials! :)

Yo Quiero Asher! (No, that is definitely not Stella's Corona!)