Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Elisabeth or Elizabeth?

Well, it finally happened: after fourteen days of constant contractions, four months of not fitting into any of her clothes, and almost nine months of nausea, Emily delivered our little baby this evening at 6:38 pm. The baby was 19.5 inches long and weighed an astounding 6 oounds 8 ounces (far heavier than the doctors expected). Emily was able to enjoy the natural pain of about six hours of labor but also has the added benefit of a C-section recovery. Nevertheless, she is very happy about our new little girl.

Of course, we have run into one small snag. When a nurse asked Emily how the baby's name was spelled, Emily replied "Elisabeth Jane." I, not wanting the baby's name to be spelled wrong on the birth certificate, corrected Emily and said, "Elizabeth Jane." Emily then corrected me and told the nurse that the baby's name is spelled with an "s" and not a "z." After a bit of haggling, o resolution was reached. Thus, the baby has yet to be officially named, though I am sure I will ultimately prevail. There are no famous Elisabeths (at least, no famous Elisabeths worth mentioning), but there are six saints, five Empresses, two English queens, and a slew of other successful people named Elizabeth. I will keep update everyone of our decision shortly after Emily gets her next dose of morphine.

Check out this link for pictures.

10 comments:

Puhlman said...

Oh congrats. Now she shares a birthday with my Ethan. Very good day. I have to agree with you on the spelling. I like it with a z rather than an s but I guess I am not in this little disagreement. Hope all is OK. Please tell Emily I am thinking of her.

Melanie said...

So excited!!! Congrats!!! And I'm with Emily on this one...Elisabeth, totally better. Oh so happy for you two!!

Melanie said...

Okay, just got back from looking at the pics...she's adorable!! And Mom looks great too! Can't wait to visit...will do everything I can to wait a couple days...

Andrea said...

Love the photo of Emily, Mia and "Elisabeth" together. I like the "s", she'll be strong enough to stand on her own--who needs the "z's"!

Sarah said...

Congratulations!!! She is beautiful. Emily, I feel your pain on the cesarean recovery- bleh. Hope you're all doing well and enjoying your new little girl!

Puhlman said...

OH I just barely saw the pics. She is so cute. I can't believe how much hair she has. Hope she is a red head. We definatley need more of those. :) I guess I was out voted on the spelling.

Denise said...

Congratulations! I am so happy for you...no matter how you spell her name.

Jen said...

She is beautiful!
Congratulations to your whole family!
Let us know if we can do any thing for you!

Jer, Er and kids said...

She is beautiful and so Merchant. you finally got a baby with lots of dark hair!!! Sorry Jeffrey but I think ELISABETH is it with her nickname and name she will be called being Elsie it only makes sense.I wish I was there to hold her. Give her a love from her Auntie, uncle and cousins and let her know we truly adore her already! Congratulations we love you!!!

Troy said...

Many congrats!! She's sure a cutie!! (And Jeff, when I read your post, I knew you were done for and that it would be "Elisabeth".)