One Week Old

Ruby June

Just about a week ago, we had our Ruby June!

I was in labor a week ago today, Sunday, and she was born at 1:38 am in the early hours of Monday, March 15, 2010.

Here is what Joe wrote to a few family and friends after she was born:

"We got her now!
At long last, please welcome our little girl, Ruby June, to the world. She's simply beautiful and amazing, just like her mom.
She was born Sunny Side Up at 1:38 this morning, after about an hour of pushing (maybe less!). Not bad for being 9 days after the due date!
Ruby is 21.25 inches long, and weighed 8 lbs, 6 oz. Molly did an amazing job to bring this little one into the world safe, happy and healthy. There were no complications at all. So far, both are resting comfortably and bonding quickly. Ruby has taken to nursing like a duck to water, and she has even found her thumb to be satisfying. That may be important in a few weeks, if she can self-soothe and sleep contentedly.
We're excited for everyone to meet her in time, and she'll be home from the hospital tomorrow. Please stop by to visit and meet the little one sometime soon. Thanks for all the support and love through the last 9 months. We all appreciate each of you!
Joe, Molly, Kai and Ruby"

Happy Birthday Ruby June!!

41 weeks

It feels in so many ways that we are on the edge of the cliff with our toes on the edge and we are waiting to jump.....it just is that we don't know when we will be pushed!

Yes, it's 41 weeks and we are still waiting for this little girl to come. But, we feel patient still.

I am feeling wonderful (most of the time) and am not feeling super anxious and nervous. Our midwife (and dear friend) Julie assures us the babe is just fine. We have until Tuesday to do testing to make sure she is still fine and then we have until 42 weeks before the big "I" would have to happen (Induction).

But, I try to remind myself that this is a perfect time for me to let go of some of my "Type A" personality characteristics and just wait for her to come and not push it too much. I mean, really, what can we do?

I hope she is going to be laid-back like her dad (and therefore this would explain the whole late thing). I can't think of anything better for a second born child!

In the mean time, we have been enjoying spending time just the three of us (Joe, Kai, and I). We know our life is about to change for all of us. Kai has been the focus of our life and as many of you know, when three becomes four, well, everything changes!

Here is a little blast from the past from my family-- I was the second born (but certainly not the laid-back one) and our family is following in the birth order of my own family growing up. Kai will be the wonderful sensitive, protective big brother just like my brother was. A story that our family likes to share is that whenever someone would offer my brother something (like a cookie or a treat) he would say "yes" but ask if his little sister could have one first.

Joey and Kai are so similar already in many ways-- so, I hope he will take after his Uncle Joey. But, maybe Kai, don't blow your nose on your sister's shirt when you get older. Just a suggestion....

40 weeks

Kai: Mama, when do you think you will have the baby?

Me: I'm not sure. But, I think it will be soon. What do you think, Kai?

Kai: Probably in 40 minutes.

I love his positive thinking!

Walking

We are still waiting for the babe to come!

I've been walking a lot trying to get this show on the road-- although, I'm actually feeling wonderful and not super anxious quite yet.

But, here is a photo of Kai and my brother's dog, Osa. Kai just loves my brother and Osa. He asked me the other night, "Do you think that Osa really loves me?"

Uncle Joey, Kai, and Osa hung out on Friday night so my mom and I could really pick up the speed and walk along the river.

Then, I pretty much have been walking ever since...but, I don't feel like there is much action happening quite yet with the baby thinking of entering into the world.

My due date was on Friday, March 5th, so I still have some time...we will keep you updated.

Flash From the Past

Here is Kai at 4 days old--

We're so curious to see what our new little girl is going to look like. Will she look like Joe again? Have my curly hair? Resemble her brother?

Check back here often for updates!

4 more days

We had such a great weekend!

After dinner on Friday night with some new friends from Kai's school, then a great wedding for Joe's co-worker on Saturday night, followed by brunch out at a yummy restaurant with just the three of us (Joe, Kai, and I)-- well, it's no wonder I'm tired, happy, and ready to roll with this new baby.

Joe and I are still laughing about dancing at the wedding on Saturday night. It felt like we were either in 6th grade again or at a Bible College, since we were dancing so far a part from each other due to this big belly!