Was just about to remind you to VOTE TODAY AND EVERYDAY TILL AUGUST 11th for my “Grandmother Dearest” essay, which you can do by clicking HERE.

. . . and I was trying to figure out what to blob about today, when I got an important news bulletin from my niece Denise (Fitzpatrick) Fortune.

This goingon80 blob is better known for hot flashes than breaking news but here it is:  an honest-to-goodness news flash.

Here’s what Denise emailed me:

On August 6, 2011 at 2:57 a.m. the stork delivered Aniela Denise Mongomery at a whopping 7 lbs. 9 ozs., and with a good stretch, she measures 20 3/4″ long. She was born at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

Abbie was in labor for 32 hours.

(Ouchie. Try not to dwell on that last sentence. When coming into the world, some babies are just more reluctant than others.)

But how ‘bout that?  There’ve been lots of birthdays reported on this blob, but this is the very first BIRTH DAY !

The happy (and relieved) parents are my great niece Abigail Fitzpatrick and Darnell Montgomery.  This photo of Abbie was when she was feeling a little more comfortable than she was this weekend.

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This is a photo of Aniela as she looked one month ago today ala ultrasound.  I thought this is the one I would have to use to show her off, but then her fairy godmother attached this one to her email.

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So may we present the beautiful Aniela Denise Montgomery — one day old today.

I know that Denise must be super-proud about getting the baby named after her. Of course, Octo-woman is sulking: she thought they were going to name the baby after HER.  She doesn’t get it that “Aniela Octo-woman Montgomery” is way too long a name for such a short person. Otherwise – but please don’t mention this to Denise –  that probably would have been their first choice.

At any rate, congratulations Abbie and Darnell.  And as for you, Aniela – welcome to the world.