Miriam's story

Dear family and friends,

Jon and I are excited to announce our baby girl's arrival! She was very prompt and born on her due date, October 10, at 4:48pm. Weighing in at 7 lbs, 3 oz, Miriam Isabel has a head full of hair, strong legs, long fingers, and a peaceful disposition. The labor was under 24 hours, which was my prayer... but it was much more intense than I could have imagined.

On the night of October 9, Jon and I went out for his birthday to a Thai restaurant (if you're in DC, you should really try Little Serow). We had hoped that the spicy food would trigger contractions. Whether or not the food actually did, contractions began 1.5 hours after we got home! I was too anxious to get any sleep that night (big mistake!) and Jon just got a couple hours. We stayed home as long as we could; contractions kept getting closer together, so we left for the hospital around 4am. From then it was a bit of a whirlwind and you do not want to hear most of the labor details. I will say that I am so thankful for the midwives we saw (Wisdom Midwifery at George Washington University Hospital) and our doula. They were so caring and encouraging during the whole labor process. And of course, Jon was a wonderful support the whole time. I couldn't ask for a better team.

We are so thankful for all the family that came up over the weekend! My mom and Jon's parents made it to the hospital before Miriam was delivered. Shortly after, my dad and many of our siblings came to meet Miriam. She was held and loved and watched and obsessed over... We feel a great deal of support already and are so grateful.

More about our daughter's name:  Miriam is Moses and Aaron's sister from the Bible who was a prophetess and is known for leading a victory song and dance after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea (Exodus 15:21). She's also known for being a strong leader and playing the tambourine. Jon is thrilled that her name is associated with music. For her middle name we chose Isabel, which is a family name and means "devoted to God."  Jon's maternal grandmother recently passed and her middle name was Isabel. Also, my great-grandmother recently passed and her middle name was Elizabeth. Since Isabel is the Spanish variation of Elizabeth, Miriam's middle name was meant to honor both Grandma Dafoe and NanNan; they were incredible, godly women and we are excited to tell Miriam about them often.

In sum, we pray that Miriam comes to know the Lord early, is bold about her faith, and loves music. :)

Thanks for your prayers and support and encouragement. We thank the Lord for a healthy daughter and mommy; we are beyond blessed.

right before dinner 

Little Serow

on the way to hospital

first hour in the hospital

first moments after birth 

right before leaving hospital

on the way home from hospital

Miriam singing into her fist

a peaceful smile after eating

showing off her long fingers