- Born April 19, 2004 -

Before Melody was born, she was already cute.

"This is not the amniotic fluidic world I'm used to."	"Am I gonna have to be measured every day now?"

Proud parents with the little bundle of joy.

Here's Melody hooked up to everything but the kitchen sink.	But as the Baby Burrito, you can't really tell.

It seemed like forever before they would let Lori see Melody after the operation. So the night nurses conspired to sneak Lori, bed and all, through the back door of the NICU.

Mommy and Melody finally reunited.	She's got a little grip.

Melody at peace in Mommy's arms.	A NICU family portrait.

While Lori recovered in her hospital room, Paul made frequent visits to the NICU to sing to Melody and rub her little forehead.	Melody sleeps like her daddy... especially considering the fact that she has a tube going down her throat.

Just over three weeks after she was born, Mommy dresses Melody for her journey home.	All ready to go.

Melody is just a little tiny girl in her carseat.	And now she is prepared for the journey.

Placed in the backseat of Mommy's beetle.	Home at last.

<----- Melody's First Photo Shoot

© Paul and Lori Carhart