Seventy-six years, that's how long it's been since there's been a girl born in the Robert family. The evening of July 8, 2013, at 9:56 p.m. all that changed with the arrival of Federica Grace Robert. She was born after only an hour and half of labor that included her mother, Jessica McCord Robert, walking the few blocks to the hospital and arriving there all ready to deliver.
Add to the excitement the fact that Federica was born in Italy, in a town called Gallarate, near Milan, at St. Anthony's Hospital. Her parents, Tim and Jessica Robert, are working for a few years in Italy as engineers with Nooter Eriksen.
Federica came into the world a petite, 3.08 kg. (6 pounds, 12.6 ounces) and 19 1/2 inches long, compared to her 2-year-old brother, Benjamin, who was 8 pounds, 4 ounces and 21 inches at his birth. Ben is quite enthralled with his new sister, whom he calls "Ica." He already wants her to follow him everywhere.
Her grandparents, Richard and Linda Robert of Cape Girardeau and Larry and Marian McCord of Oakville, Mo., rue the fact that they can't cuddle her in their arms, but are thrilled with their adorable baby girl. Thank heavens for Skype!
Her Italian name means "faith." May God bless this precious child with faith and grace to last a lifetime.
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