Settling In

Saraphina watches patiently as Mom looks for fingers in the sleeve of her going home outfit.

Everything checked out fine with both Mom and baby so they were released from the hospital yesterday afternoon.

It didn't take too long to get settled at home. Dogs Amber and Ladybug got quick introductions to Saraphina. Amber is especially interested. Dave thinks it's because she hopes that Saraphina will spill things when she eats so that Amber can lick them up.

Shaun says no good kitchen would be complete without the Amber 2000 to clean up splatters and spills.

Speaking of Amber. Shaun invited her out into the living room for a closer look. After sniffing Saraphina, she sat down to watch Saraphina's new learning toy.

We figure by the end of the day she will be able to recognize several different animals... well maybe not the actual animal, but cartoon versions anyhow.

Shaun has put a sign on the front gate requesting that you call our cell phones before ringing the bell since Amber and Ladybug love to greet visitors in their own special way... lots of barking. This way we can put the dogs in the hall before they realize you are there. Thanks!

Coming Home Today

If all goes as planned, Saraphina and parents will be home this afternoon. Then we will get our camera back and get to post more photos.

I spent yesterday driving back and forth to the hospital with supplies (really I just wanted to visit with all of them). Saraphina had bonding time with all her grandmothers and grandfathers yesterday.

The maternity ward was completely chaotic because so many babies were born yesterday. We were warned that c-sections and inductions had been planned so that babies would be born on 8-8-08. I guess it was true because the nursery was packed and the nursing staff was stretched pretty thin. I took a batch of sticky buns and some chocolate chipotle brownies which Kris and Shaun gave out to the nurses. The news spread pretty fast and some nurses came back for more.

Shaun especially is looking forward to getting home to a proper bed and better food. I think Kris is looking forward to being in her own private space again.

First Release

Prepare for many more photos. She has glowing skin, red cheeks, and dark eyes. I'd write more but I want to get back to the hospital to see baby and family.

Whew! She's Here.

Saraphina made her grand entrance at 4:20 pm this afternoon. She is beautiful! Unfortunately you will have to take my word for it because Shaun has the camera with all the pictures on it at the hospital. I suspect he won't get them downloaded tonight.

Kris did not need a c-section. Both she and Saraphina are doing well and resting happily. Saraphina weighs 7 pounds 6 ounces and is 21 inches long. She looks a bit like Shaun and I see glimpses of Dave's mom in her right now. She absolutely has Kris' fingers, feet, and hair. It will be fun to see how she changes as the days pass.

Shaun sang Saraphina's song while they checked her out in the nursery. She is bright-eyed and curious. Mom and Dad are glowing, as are all the grandparents. We are so lucky... and very very tired.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll have photos.

Thursday Morning

It's morning. No baby yet but Kris' contractions are 3 minutes apart and getting harder. Not much sleep last night for Kris, Shaun, or family but we're in good company. Kris' doula, Kim, is awesome and the nurses have been nurturing and attentive.

Keep Kris in your thoughts, she's doing great with all your love and support.

At the Hospital

Kris is now at Cottage. Shaun is massaging her feet and we are listening to birds and flute music. Her water has broken but her labor is still fairly easy. At 5 pm she was almost 5 cm dilated. Saraphina is on her way.

Post for Cindy

Update of the hour. Kris' contractions are still erratic. She came back from the beach walk tired out and took a rest. No contractions for about an hour. After a sticky bun and some roast, she felt a bit better and started having contractions again (I think it was the sticky bun). The range seems to be 7 to 10 minutes apart when they get going. Since the magic number is 5 minutes apart, we aren't quite there yet, but we're getting closer.