Samantha finally made her long awaited appearance on May 7, 2007 at 2:40 pm in Chiang Mai, Thailand. She weighed 3.5 kilos (7.7 lbs) and was 51 cm long (20.1 inches) long. She has all 10 fingers and toes and a very powerful set of lungs. She has fair skin, dark brown hair and dark colored eyes. She is strong and healthy, and is very active. Mommy and baby will remain in the hospital until Thursday for recuperation.

She was exactly 2 weeks late! (No, there was no miscalculation!) In a way, we feel like she was several years late, because of infertility issues. This makes her arrival that much more anticipated and appreciated. She has the head-start of many years of prayer over her life so we know that she will be a very special person. We are also glad that we have until 2023 before she starts asking for the car keys.

After meeting her we know why she didn’t want to leave the womb. She loves Kangaroo Care (keeping the baby warm by holding her skin to skin).

Earlier today we came into the hospital for a routine checkup and discovered that the baby was experiencing some distress and Anne’s body was showing no signs of preparing for labor. So we decided to go ahead and have a C-section. In the end, the doctor assured us that this was the best and probably only choice. She is absolutely beautiful and worth all the effort to bring her into this world!

After the surgery, Anne was in no condition to look after Samantha, so Sean got to experience Kangaroo Care for two hours with his first born. They had a wonderful time together.

Anne’s mom Claudia came to help and did a fantastic job. Dr. Tawatchai and the nurses were also very helpful. Debbie Morse had planned on helping with delivery, but she was a great encouragement to us after the operation.

The Hebrew name “Samantha ” means “God Heard our prayers” or “Teachable one” or “She who listens” or “Listens to God” and her middle name Nicole is French meaning “Victory”.

God is so good and answered so many of our prayers for a healthy and beautiful baby. Mommy is tired but doing very well. Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers over the last few weeks. Please keep praying for her and our family as we are new to all of this.

View Samantha’s photo album at

http://www.sanborns.org/Pictures/Samantha/index.html