Announcing: Matea Marie Schneider!

Melissa and I are very excited to to announce the birth of our
daughter, Matea Marie Schneider! 

Matea ("mah·TAY·ya" -- Hebrew, "Gift of God") was born on Wednesday, June 18, at 9:49pm.  Both Melissa and Matea are doing great!

Matea was born at 39 weeks, but was little for a full-term baby!  She weighed in at 5 pounds, 4 ounces, and was 18 inches long. She has a full head of dark brown hair already though!

Melissa had quite a fast delivery:

Left for the hospital	8:46 pm
Arrived at hospital	9:04 pm
Matea is born!	9:49 pm

Only an hour between leaving for the hospital, and having our baby!

Melissa had a sense that she might be in labor throughout the morning and afternoon, with mild contractions every 8-10 minutes, but she wasn't "sure" until after dinner; Jon worked a full day (through 5:00) that day. After dinner, things sped up quickly, and we got to the hospital in the nick of time.  We spent a total of only nine minutes in the delivery room before Matea's arrival!

Matea is little but perfect, and we are enjoying getting to know our little peanut!