Arianna Elizabeth Cimbura made her appearance at 2:30 pm on Sunday, April 25, 2004. She weighed in at 7 pounds and 19.5 inches. She is truly the most beautiful child in the world. (That's her daddy speaking.) Brenda's birth plans were this: "Give me lots of medication. I don't want to feel it." Well, the baby came so fast that she delivered naturally and without any pain medication at all. So much for plans.

We thought we'd call her Arianna unless she objected...and she didn't. She seems to answer to it well. At least at this stage. We are so thankful for God's gift to us. She is such a blessing. Mom and baby are doing well.

Baby Care Tips

I've put together some baby care tips gleaned from our recent experience:

  • If you desire a sick baby, have mommy eat some hot and spicy BBQ chicken wings before breastfeeding. You'll see milk flying for days.
  • Tim's Simple Swaddling Technique I found an easier way before going crazy as she "escaped" like Houdini from the other swaddles.
  • Teaching your child a foreign language: Take the opportunity to play DVDs with the alternate language enabled with English subtitles.

Indispensible items I thought I'd never need:

  • The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD shows awesome techniques for calming a child using their built-in reflexes. It's as close to hypnotizing a kid as you can get. The five S's work perfectly to calm her as long as she's not needing to burp, eat (get milk), or poop (change diaper).
    1. Swaddle - Tightly so arms can't move
    2. Side - Roll over on side, football hold
    3. Shuush - Louder than crying in ear
    4. Jiggle - Gently rock like Jello
    5. Suck - Pacifier
  • Baby swing will keep her rested or help put her to sleep. It's amazing that little ones find the turning mobile so fascinating.
  • Boppy Pillow makes it a lot easier to prop her up for photos or hold her for bottle feedings.
  • The Schwinn child trailer seat with conversion kit (look on Target.com for Schwinn Bike Trailer - SC775) allows you to go on bike rides or use as an excellent jogging stroller. We put her in there easily with her car seat and took our first bike ride on 6/23/04. Well designed and manufactured at a lower cost than a Burley. These are also available at Target stores on sale for around $135 which is a very good deal.
  • The Graco Metrolite stroller system is lightweight and well designed. Comes with two car bases.