Mia Lock Bagnato

Now we are a family of four. On April 5th at 1:35 am, Mia Lock Bagnato came into this world. She was in a hurry. Ellen went into labor at 1:00 and we just made it to the delivary room before she was born. It is amazing how births can be so different. With Taj, Ellen pushed for 3 hours and with Mia, Ellen had to focus on not pushing. We are so thankful that Dr. Rula was waiting for us in the parking lot. Even though we knew several people who had given birth to children in Oman, we were a little nervous. Dr. Rula was reassuring, patient, and pretty much predicted the birth the way is happened.

Mia weighed 3.120 kg. At that time, we were not really sure how long she was or how her APGAR tests went. After she was delivered, the midwife simply dried her with a towel and put her in a warmer. I quickly went over and picked her up and gave her to Ellen. Mia nursed a few moments later.

Ellen spent two nights/three days in the hospital. Her recovery was very quick and Mia pretty much slept the whole time. I spent my time shuttling back and forth between home and the hospital. Thank goodness for all of Marylin's help. I always brought Taj for a couple hours in the morning and a couple of hours in the evening. He loved seeing momma and Mia, but also was psyched to go check out the toy room in another wing of the hospital. We had lots of visitors. Mia's first visitor was Kevin, who is the director at TAISM. There were many other teachers and even some parents who came and brought their children. We felt very supported. Taj enjoyed all the gifts people brought him!

Bebe and Opa flew in from India on April 12th and stayed until the 16th. Their visit was highly anticipated because during these moments, the hardest thing is being so far from our family and friends. They bought lots of presents including a cool Indian outfit for Taj. My mother spent most of her time holding Mia. Both Bebe and Opa really bonded with Taj. He says "nye-nye" to all of his relatives each night before he goes to bed (we have many pictures on the wall), but now he always has to explain how he said bye-bye to my parents. By the way, he is also constantly making "snow balls" out of shirts and rags because Zander and Uncle Mikey showed him how on a video they sent.

April 17, 2006

Mia is 12 days old!
It is hard to believe because, in some ways, it seems like her beautiful bright eyes and cuddily self have been a part of our family forever. She has given us cause to pause and enjoy the present moment- lying next to her in bed; relaxed on the couch with her asleep on our chest; or watching her lie on the floor while her brother lies next to her, gazing in her eyes, carefully holding her hand and giving her gentle kisses on the head. Life moves at a much slower pace these days. I knew that this would happen and, prior to Mia’s arrival, I felt very anxious about how Greg, Taj and I would handle it. But, so far, life is good. It is as if we can all breathe a bit easier. Nine months of waiting and anticipating are over. Mia has arrived! We finally know what it is like to be a family of 4 living in Oman, far from family and the familiar instead of just guessing what it all would be like. I feel very complete.

Mia made her first visit to the beach yesterday and she was rewarded with a beautiful sunset. She also had her first doctor visit today. She has gained 7 oz. since her birth. I think her hair is growing. She is sleeping for 3-5 hours at a time and doing lots of eating and pooping. In addition, she is proving to be incredibly strong: rolling her head from side to side and exercising her lungs (crying) when we do not understand her needs. Unlike her brother at this age, she does NOT like baths or getting her diaper changed. Taj is being a good helper, though. He gently pats her head and in a soft, consoling voice says “It’s okay” whenever Mia cries. Now, if he could just learn to give his parents back massages we would all be doing GREAT!