Introducing... Lillian Brooke!

Ali and I are so happy to report that we are now the proud parents of Lillian Brooke Schlameus, born at 9:51 pm on Sunday, April 25. Both Ali and Lillian are healthy and doing wonderful. Lillian weighed in at 7 lbs, 6 oz and was 20.5 inches in length (perfect golf build, I might add). Did I mention that women's golf is the most underutilized college golf scholarship?!?

Jokes aside, we couldn't be more thrilled to welcome Lillian to this world. It was a life-changing experience that we always remember like it was yesterday. Ali and I (Ali really) feel very fortunate to have gone through a relatively quick labor without any complications. On Sunday, after having contractions for the past couple days, Ali decided she was up for a long walk with her Dad, Brenna, and the pups to explore the Ballard Sunday Market. The contractions were occurring every 8-12 minutes so there wasn't much concern that Baby S would arrive that day. Well, we were wrong! A couple hours later, Ali broke the news that the contractions were now occurring every 3-5 minutes. Following my semi-frantic call to the doctor, we hopped in the car feeling extremely anxious/excited for what could come.

Upon arriving at Swedish on First Hill at 6:15 pm, the doctor decided, after receiving a second opinion, to admit us. A good decision considering that in the span of our two hours after arriving at the hospital, Ali had progressed from 4 cm to 9 cm! About 3 1/2 hours after check-in, we were blessed with our little Lillian. I know we are biased, but she is perfect. Words cannot describe the joy we felt and continue to feel about our daughter. We were truly amazed of how much we could instantly love something/someone that we had never seen or met before. We are extremely excited to get to know and care for her.

Ali was amazing throughout the entire labor - she was so tough, focused, and determined to meet her little girl. Her courageousness and love for Lillian surpassed any expectation I could have had. She is going to be the best Mom. I am so proud of my wife and daughter.

Thanks for all the calls, texts, emails, and visits. We look forward to sharing Lillian Brooke with all of you over the next few days, months, and years.

Lily & Auntie B (Becky, Ali's sister)

Lillian after first bath:
Lillian & Aunt/Godmother Brooke
Grandma for the first time

Just minutes after birth
Day 2

I get to go home!!
Sister Lucy meets Lillian for the first time
Minutes after getting home, time to test out nursery and have a little snack
Sleepy in Dad's arms
Day 3 w/ Uncle & Godfather Jake

Grandpa Jim