Am I wrong? NBR.. landlord/maintenance guy (kinda lengthy)

lvlichelle · September 2013

Am I wrong in doing this? Two guys knock on my door around 11am, I see one of them out my peep hole. I was in my pajamas when they knocked, so obviously I couldn't answer the door. (it's my one morning when I can stay in my pjs as long as I want, lol). Anyways, I change and open the door. At this point they are down in the apartment below me. They heard my door open and the guy who was knocking on my door came to the bottom of the steps. He said "There is a water leak somewhere in the building and we need to look at your toilet". My response "Sorry my husband isn't home right now and I am not letting guys in my apartment without him being here". The guy replied "What time will he be back?". I said "Around 3.. you can come back then". The guys said "Well I am not going to be here then". I said "Well sorry my husband doesn't want any guys in our apartment while he is not here".

So my landlord calls about 2 hours later and wonders why I "refused to let them in". I explained to him about how my husband doesn't want guys in the house while he isn't home and I said "And I am going to respect that". Our landlord gets all huffy and said "Well I thought you knew they were the maintenance guys?" Um, I knew the one guy does the landscaping and some maintenance.. and the other guy is just scary looking. I have only seen the 2nd guy helping the other guy carry heavy things.

Am I wrong for not letting them in to look at the toilet? Or do you think I did the right thing in making them come back when Mike is home.

LiFeIsAmIrAcLe · September 2013

I think you were very right to respect what your husband has asked. These days you can't be too careful.

wearebirds · September 2013

I don't think that's wrong at all. I'd agree with PP though that its more about safety than about your husband just not wanting men there when he's not.

I'd have done the same thing.

kiwimommy429 · September 2013

You did what you felt is right and protected yourself. I see no wrong in that.

lvlichelle · September 2013

FarmBoysWife said:

Also- checking your toilet? For a water leak? I did plumbing in college and that sounds fishy re reading. Leaks can travel and the only way to determine the source if you don't see an obvious leak is start tearing apart ceilings or walls. If they find a leak then ask you to not use the plumbing until fixed.. But something smells rotten to me..

Yesterday when I came home from work (DH was still at work at the time) the "maintenance guy" asked me "Do you have a leak upstairs.. I heard you have a leak". Me "No, I don't have any leaks". Then I rushed upstairs and locked the door behind me. Don't get me wrong, I am not generally a scardy cat.. although since I am pregnant I am more cautious of things like this. My job is to protect LO and that is what I intend to do. Besides, my toilet seems fine, I hear no leaking or see any sign of a problem.. which is what they would see too.

ntdane · September 2013

I don't think you're wrong to be cautious. There have actually been a lot of reports in the nearby suburbs of Kansas City that men posing from the water company are entering homes and stealing from them. Checking for ID is important!

lvlichelle · September 2013

bearsbearsbears said:

Would you never let a repair person in your house with YH being there? I think that's really odd. I don't know how anything would get done in our house if I had to wait for MH to be available to let in the plumber.

I think you were a bit overly cautious, especially since you recognized both of the men. If I was nervous, I would have called the landlord to ask if they were authorized to do work. I probably would have asked them to come back in a little bit when I was ready, though.

I think most leases mandate that they give you 24 hours notice before coming in your until to do repairs/maintenace, except in the case of emergencies. As long as it wasn't an emergency, you were probably within your rights to tell them to go away.

I understand what you are saying.. I feel like if they would have given me a call (even on the way over) and let me know they were coming I would have probably not reacted so nervously... my landlord could have called me and let me know of their arrival. They caught me off-guard.

lvlichelle · September 2013

bearsbearsbears said:

@farmboyswife landlords are usually suspicious because a lot of people will lie because they don't want people entering their apartment. My friends recently had some upstairs neighbors who didn't report a leak for that reason and it caused tons of damage to their apartment. Not everyone is honest and it's a landlord's responsibility to take a look to protect his property/tenants.

Very true.. but, I gave the guys and my landlord a time to come back.. which was only like 3 hours later. There is no sign of a leak anywhere in my apartment. I feel like if my landlord would have called, even 5 minutes before they showed up, I would have been more comfortable with letting them check for leaks. I dunno, I went with what my gut told me to do.. and LO and I am safe and DH will be home within the hour.. he can deal with it.

rachbaby1 · September 2013

I don't even bother opening the door when I'm here alone. I do have a gardener come by occasionally when DH isn't home so that I can pretend I mowed the lawn, but he is a neighbor kid I have known for years.

lvlichelle · September 2013

FarmBoysWife said:

@bearsbearsbears true! I try to believe people are usually honest

I do too... except a friend of my Pastor was killed a few months ago in her own home. There was no sign of intrusion.. the police said it had to be someone she knew and would just open the door to when they knocked. If I remember correctly it ended up being a friend of the family who did it.

Momstheword83 · September 2013

rachbaby1 said:
I don't even bother opening the door when I'm here alone. I do have a gardener come by occasionally when DH isn't home so that I can pretend I mowed the lawn, but he is a neighbor kid I have known for years.

Haha! This sounds like something I would do.

legallyginger · September 2013

I probably wouldn't have let them in either, without my landlord calling first to say they were coming. And if I knew they were coming, I probably would have arranged a way to not be there alone. I also watch too much Lifetime.

lvlichelle · September 2013

bearsbearsbears said:

legallyginger said:

I probably wouldn't have let them in either, without my landlord calling first to say they were coming. And if I knew they were coming, I probably would have arranged a way to not be there alone. I also watch too much Lifetime.

Really? Are you never home alone with repair people too?

I definitely wouldn't let someone in without the proper credentials and I don't open the door if I don't know who's there. However, if I waited for MH to be home to have workers come in and do repairs, we'd be SOL and nothing would get done. He works more hours with a rigid schedule and I have the flexibility to work from home some days. I make sure to hire reputable places where the companies have great references. I'm just not at all nervous about it.

I think at least having the chance to be able to call a friend to come over so we are not alone would be more safe. Even though DH had to work today, I could have called a church friend over to be there when they arrived.

boymom312 · September 2013

You did the right thing. You were uncomfortable with the situation. You should always trust your gut instinct even if it's silly or turns out to be un-merited. Better safe than sorry. I'd have done the same. No leak, no DH, no entry until someone is there with you or you can confirm the names of the maintenance men with the landlord.

And as far as the repair guy example, typically they are scheduled so you know to expect them. Whereas this instance was unscheduled without even a heads up. That's the landlords fault, not yours.

legallyginger · September 2013

bearsbearsbears said:

legallyginger said:

I probably wouldn't have let them in either, without my landlord calling first to say they were coming. And if I knew they were coming, I probably would have arranged a way to not be there alone. I also watch too much Lifetime.

Really? Are you never home alone with repair people too?

I definitely wouldn't let someone in without the proper credentials and I don't open the door if I don't know who's there. However, if I waited for MH to be home to have workers come in and do repairs, we'd be SOL and nothing would get done. He works more hours with a rigid schedule and I have the flexibility to work from home some days. I make sure to hire reputable places where the companies have great references. I'm just not at all nervous about it.

No, I haven't ever been alone with a repair person. I'm incredibly uncomfortable around older men, I have been for as long as I can remember. So, I prefer not to be alone for things like that.

But, my husband has a flexible schedule, which makes things easier. And we've only ever lived in an apartment, where maintenance people would just come and fix things when we weren't home.

lvlichelle · September 2013

It is now 4:30 here.. still no one has came back by to do the "toilet leak" check since DH is home now.. guess it wasn't real important after all. Makes it all seem a little more suspicious.

lvlichelle · September 2013

bearsbearsbears said:

It is now 4:30 here.. still no one has came back by to do the "toilet leak" check since DH is home now.. guess it wasn't real important after all. Makes it all seem a little more suspicious.
Didn't they tell you that three would be too late? Why is that suspicious then?

Because if it were a true issue that needed to be inspected, they would have come back.. or my landlord could have came. Why are you so insistent on trying to justify them? Just curious.

mamathefox · September 2013

I'm a retired property manager. In the situation of a leak they have right of entry. If there is a possibility that damage can be done to the building and you deny entry you could be held liable for any or all damage to the premise(s) involved. I am surprised it took 2 hours to call. If a person refused I walked over their immediately and explained and stayed in the unit with the person if they didn't feel comfortable being there alone with the guys.

lvlichelle · September 2013

mamathefox said:

I'm a retired property manager. In the situation of a leak they have right of entry. If there is a possibility that damage can be done to the building and you deny entry you could be held liable for any or all damage to the premise(s) involved. I am surprised it took 2 hours to call. If a person refused I walked over their immediately and explained and stayed in the unit with the person if they didn't feel comfortable being there alone with the guys.

See this is what I was trying to figure out.. I wasn't sure if my landlord was required to notify me before they arrived or if he was allowed to at any time send the guys over without notice. I was not trying to be a jerk by not letting them enter.. I was just trying to protect myself and the baby.

mamathefox · September 2013

Also, you could have a leak and never know it,. The way apartment buildings are constructed allow leaks underneath standup shower and in the pipes involved with garbage disposals without you ever knowing, Those were the most common ones at the place I managed. Whenever in doubt call the manager/leasing agent you know to check the creditability of the person at your door.

lvlichelle · September 2013

mamathefox said:

Also, you could have a leak and never know it,. The way apartment buildings are constructed allow leaks underneath standup shower and in the pipes involved with garbage disposals without you ever knowing, Those were the most common ones at the place I managed. Whenever in doubt call the manager/leasing agent you know to check the creditability of the person at your door.

Well after all the responses I have had.. I think when this happens again I will for sure call my landlord and verify. I honestly didn't even think to.. the only thing I was thinking was getting them to go away.

Do you think my landlord should have notified his tenants that an inspection was being done today? I understand he might not have known yesterday about it.. but, I just feel like he should have called first.

mamathefox · September 2013

lvlichelle said:

mamathefox said:

Also, you could have a leak and never know it,. The way apartment buildings are constructed allow leaks underneath standup shower and in the pipes involved with garbage disposals without you ever knowing, Those were the most common ones at the place I managed. Whenever in doubt call the manager/leasing agent you know to check the creditability of the person at your door.

Well after all the responses I have had.. I think when this happens again I will for sure call my landlord and verify. I honestly didn't even think to.. the only thing I was thinking was getting them to go away.

Do you think my landlord should have notified his tenants that an inspection was being done today? I understand he might not have known yesterday about it.. but, I just feel like he should have called first.

Eh, thats a personal choice. If they trust their staff and they have been there a while (residents know them) they might not call. Sometimes the maintenance will discover the leak and just go to the other unit before they even inform the manager. My policy was I wanted to call the lease holder if they were going over unexpectedly for respect.

lvlichelle · September 2013

mamathefox said:

lvlichelle said:

mamathefox said:

Also, you could have a leak and never know it,. The way apartment buildings are constructed allow leaks underneath standup shower and in the pipes involved with garbage disposals without you ever knowing, Those were the most common ones at the place I managed. Whenever in doubt call the manager/leasing agent you know to check the creditability of the person at your door.

Well after all the responses I have had.. I think when this happens again I will for sure call my landlord and verify. I honestly didn't even think to.. the only thing I was thinking was getting them to go away.

Do you think my landlord should have notified his tenants that an inspection was being done today? I understand he might not have known yesterday about it.. but, I just feel like he should have called first.

Eh, thats a personal choice. If they trust their staff and they have been there a while (residents know them) they might not call. Sometimes the maintenance will discover the leak and just go to the other unit before they even inform the manager. My policy was I wanted to call the lease holder if they were going over unexpectedly for respect.

Okay, thank you

mamathefox · September 2013

No prob :-) I hope that all if fine and no water is stuck / sitting in your walls/floors! Let me know if you think of anything else

angelsnight · September 2013

Since you had no warning that they were coming, I wouldn't have let them in either if I were home alone. However as long as we have a scheduled repair or something, neither MH nor I have any issue with repair men being in the home when he isn't.

lvlichelle · September 2013

mamathefox said:

No prob :-) I hope that all if fine and no water is stuck / sitting in your walls/floors! Let me know if you think of anything else

Actually I do have another question.. can I send you a pm?

mamathefox · September 2013

lvlichelle said:

mamathefox said:

No prob :-) I hope that all if fine and no water is stuck / sitting in your walls/floors! Let me know if you think of anything else

Actually I do have another question.. can I send you a pm?

Go for it :-)

codec · September 2013

I totally understand you doing that. I just would next time not tell them you are home alone. That is a big no-no to me. I would have said I am sick, someone is sleeping, etc.

I never let maintenance into my apartment without the landlord telling me they are coming or me requesting service. Same thing for utility workers. If I didnt call you, you are not coming in.

crystaljoanna · September 2013

Have you talked to your neighbors that are experiencing the leak? It could help you identify if there is a problem and if it is coming from your unit. That might make you feel a little more comfortable if the landlord sends them back out.

Ricola · September 2013

I think the only thing you did wrong was to tell them that you are home alone, to be honest. If they really weren't maintenance guys and up to no good, that would have been pretty much an open invitation.

ingridreinke · September 2013

Hell no! I would not have let then in either. Landlord-tenant law states that the landlord must give 24 hours notice before entering/ having people enter your building. No notice- no entry. Too sketchy, especially for a pregnant woman alone...

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Am I wrong? NBR.. landlord/maintenance guy (kinda lengthy)

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

Re: Am I wrong? NBR.. landlord/maintenance guy (kinda lengthy)

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

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Want a personalized experience?

Am I wrong? NBR.. landlord/maintenance guy (kinda lengthy)

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6dBethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

Re: Am I wrong? NBR.. landlord/maintenance guy (kinda lengthy)

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6dBethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6dBethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6dBethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6dBethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6dBethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6dBethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6dBethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6dBethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6dBethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6dBethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6dBethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

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BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.