August 2008 Archives

A week ago today, Jfer was working through her early contraction while I was looking forward to going home and taking Magda to the pool for a swim. A few hours later, after we put Magda to bed, Jfer called her mom that it looked like "real" labor and not too long there after she called Elizabeth to please come to our house and wait for Rita's arrival while we headed out to the birthing center.

We left the house a little after midnights, hooked up with our doula on the way to the AABC which is fairly close to our house. I had to pull over a couple of times when Jfer had a contraction (the first time it freaked our doula out a little, thinking Jfer was delivering). We checked in at 12:30 and Jfer did her thing, taking advantage of most of their anemnities, including their luxurious jacuzzi tub. After lots of work, and then a lot of hard work, our daughter was born at 4:02 AM. And later we learned that she was 7lb 12.5oz (3.5kg) and 18.5in (47cm). Quite a bit heavier and shorter than Magda - which helps explain the work.

Since we've come home, we've had a pretty uneventful first week. It still took us a little while to settle on a name, Simone Milada, but beside that, there haven't been any issues. Simone is a much better sucker than Magda was, and has been nursing quite successfully. At her 3 day checkup she only dropped down to 7lb 6oz and she had gained at least 4oz since then.

She's turning out to be a very pleasant, and so far, laid back baby. She enjoys her food and sleep and is a prolific pooper (thankfully she's past the black tar stage and now into runny mustard).

In retrospect, we're very happy that Jfer decided to use the Austin Area Birthing Center. We were pleased with Joan who delivered the baby and have nothing but good things to say about Kat who assisted.  We were also pleased with Ryka, our doula, during and after the birth.

It's strange how much Magda has gotten bigger since her baby sister was born. Before last Friday, Magda was just my little girl -- in my mind barely a toddler. But now, that I've spent time with Simone in my arms and sleeping on my chest, Magda seems all big and grown up. When you pick her up, she's all arms and legs and weighs a (comparative) ton.

This week she spent with Kayleigh going to a cool summer day camp. Dropping her off on the first day she didn't pause once after giving my a goodbye hug and took off with her cousin towards the swings. They were having a blast swimming, riding horses, doing crafts and getting dirty. Just what you want a summer camp to be.

Since I'm off from work this week, I've been able to pick Kayleigh up on some mornings and drive them both to the camp. Their conversations in the back seat are always fun to listen to. Here's a theological discussion they had:

• M: Kayleigh, did you know that God has the whole world in his hands?
  (This is a reference to a spiritual that Jfer likes)
• K: Uhuh
  (Not at all interested)
• M: Yeah, he's go the whole world in his hands!
• K: Huh!?!
• M: Yeah, his hand must be this big!
  (Indicating with hands apart)
• K: Yeah, it must be this big!
  (Now getting into it, marking an even bigger distance)
• M: Yeah, he can hold you.
• K: And a house!
• M: Yeah, God must be as big as Mungus!
  (Referring to the friendly giant on Dragon Tales, her favorite show)
• K: giggle
• M: giggle
  

We're very pleased that our long wait is finally over and we have a brand addition to the family.

Our baby girl was born some time after 4 am on Friday, August 15 and weighed in a 7lb 12.5oz (3.5kg). She's got a full head of hair and my nose (though I think most newborns with their squished noses have "my" nose).

She's taking her time letting us know what to call her, but I think we're getting close to naming her.

As of today, our count-down clock has officially started and we're eagerly awaiting the imminent arrival of our #2.

I've experienced Jfer's second pregnancy quite differently from her first one. While we were waiting for Magda, there were so many things we didn't know what that expect. With the second one, there is less time to wonder and fret about things.

But we're excited, all three of us, and are looking forward to the baby's arrival.

(The picture was taken by our friend Cecily who was kind enough to do a shoot with us a weekend ago).