Introducing Campbell Josephine!

We're delighted to announce that the second member of the Pickle Patch has arrived! Campbell Josephine Gong finally made her entrance into the world (4 days late) at 11:52 AM on Saturday, July 25. She weighed 5 lbs 11 oz (2 lbs heavier than her big sister!) at birth, and was 19 3/4" long. She was born with her left hand raised in a power fist, looks an awful lot like her sister, and has been healthy and alert from the start, and all the Gongs are feeling mighty blessed to have her in our midst at last.
The story of Campbell's arrival is somewhat humorous. Faith went into early labor early on Thursday morning. With contractions suddenly coming 3 minutes apart, we notified all the grandparents (causing one set to change their flight reservations and fly West immediately) and headed to the hospital. After several hours of monitoring, we were told that the labor hadn't advanced far enough, and were sent home with the promise that "We'll probably see you again in a few hours."

48 HOURS LATER....Much to Faith's frustration, the contractions had stopped almost entirely by Thursday evening. Only now we had put family and friends on the alert, making her feel like the proverbial "watched kettle." With no boiling in sight by Friday afternoon, our friend Celeste arrived at the doorstep bearing one of the legendary "Prego Pizzas" from Skipolini's Pizza in Walnut Creek. This four-pound pizza is loaded down with almost every topping imaginable, and is promised to jumpstart labor. Maybe it was just coincidence, but Faith's water broke and labor began for real just 8 hours after eating the pizza....

Here's Faith heading to the hospital. The hand sign could variously be read as indicating our 2nd trip to the hospital, our 2nd child, or a subversive plug for Project Peace.
For those of you who know what we went through with Fiona's birth, the ease of this labor and delivery was astonishing. Faith still can't believe that she's at home already, and mobile, and coherent (well, semi-coherent!).
Many people have remarked that big sister Fiona looked a little less-than-thrilled in the family portrait we sent out with the birth announcement. While she was initially confused by Campbell's appearance, her expression is likely more of an indication that she's worn out from a full day of spoiling by her grandparents. Fiona has taken on the role of big sister with a great deal of panache. Our biggest problem will likely be her refusal to leave Campbell alone.
Just yesterday, she realized what fun it is to dress Campbell up in a "silly hat." (Pictures forthcoming).

Campbell, Fiona, their parents, and both the Gong and Cinquegrana granparents want to thank all of you for your well wishes, prayers, and support. We are so thankful!