Joe

I realized there aren't nearly enough photos of the 'superdad' who is such a natural---and who supported me through labor like he had done it about a hundred times and who knows just exactly how to calm and soothe Kai.

One more great photo

More....

Kt finally got a chance to meet Kai after a week in Florida when all of the activity was happening (the birth)-- she made such a gorgeous blanket for him. Here is a preview--

Then, Foday, our good friend who we have known and mentored since he was in fifth grade, was back from college for a break and he stopped by-- he is by far the most natural baby holder we've had visit yet!

Even more visitors..

My Aunt Janet is in town from Anacortes, WA. We had a great visit yesterday with Nonny too-- how lucky Kai gets guests flying in from around the country just to meet him. See, he really is THAT cute!

Visitors

Here are some photos from my Dad and Kai's birthday party--We are so lucky to have family members so close by. My dad and Kit have brought by food to our house and have visited often. Plus, my dad and Joe already have great plans for Kai as a swimmer. Poor guy-- I thought his long fingers would make for a better basketball player!

The cutest baby....

Here are some more photos-- I tell you, he keeps getting more and more cute each and every day. He is a very good baby who is treating us well. He hardly fusses and when he does, he is patient with us as we are all trying to figure each other out.



I love how he just stares into our eyes-- I seriously can't imagine how we ever lived just over a week ago without him in our lives. It's just...unbelieveable.

4 days old meets 33,081 days old

We took Kai to meet his Nonny (his great-grandmother) who turned 90 last June. She was overwhelmed with joy and love poured from her. What a special moment to see such a strong connection that spans 4 generations!

Baby Team

We received excellent care at HCMC - the nurses and midwives are fantastic and talented women who show concern for mom and baby in every move. Julie is a dear friend from college who guided us through labor, delivered Kai, and made sure Molly was safe throughout the process.
Our doula, Rebecca, was also exceptional, taking care of baby, mother and dad. She made sure we had water, were comfortable as possible, and helped the new dad understand what was needed and how to help best. She gave amazing support for us.
In addition other key team members played important roles. Gramma (Joan) gave emotional support and strength to us all. Ally handled the video camera and Molly's hand. Pops and Kit stepped in to see the final push, which was an added bonus. Molly could not have imagined laboring without this entire team, but honestly, the Stanford University marching band could have come through the room, and Molly would not have noticed much!

We hit the jackpot with this one. We're so excited to have a new little person to love and teach and adventure with. Molly had him after a slow-starting labor, and some heavy duty pushing. She was a a superhero, and never even thought about interventions, medications or other assistance. Her strength was unbeleiveable to see. Kai was born on Monday, 12:05, just after midnight. He weighed 7# 10 oz and is a long drink of water, at 21.5 inches. He's a laid back night-owl type of guy, prefering his drinks in the wee hours of the morning. We can't decide if it's harder for Molly or me. She is a morning person, but 3 am is a bit early. I am a night person, but, then again, 3 am is a bit late for me. Already, it gets interesting.

A couple more...

So, here is one more photo of me in my swim suit--- I don't fit in my Size 16 Speedo One-piece suit anymore, so I have to stick out quite a bit in this one-- Vavoom! I think the lifeguards keep an extra eye out on me when I swim every other day.










Here is our bedroom-- it's purple. Joe picked out
this color too. It's "Lipstick Lavender." I think Joe may have missed his true calling in life-- interior design!

Nursery

Our nursery is almost done-- finally! As many of you know, we decided (Ok, so maybe it was more me...) to re-do the entire upstairs. I blame it on my urgent nesting instincts. Anyway, Joe was busy (as were many of you helping us) while we fixed the ceilings and walls and then painted the entire upstairs. Oh, did I mention I couldn't sleep in the house for a few nights because of the toxic ceiling paint...yeah, quite the production.

Here is the finished product-- Joe picked out the color-- it's "Potpourri Green."

Sarah

Sarah (Paar) Hanhan and I are both pregnant!! Our Moms were pregnant at the same time and we've been friends ever since and have always dreamed of having babies at the same time-- plus, the great news is that we are both having boys!! Instant best friends and canoe buddies in the Boundary Waters!

Some More X-mas Photos...

X-mas

Here are two photos with my Nonny--

We have a lot of fun x-mas photos-- we had a great holiday and it was busy! With Joe's 37th birthday, X-mas, my 33rd birthday, then New Year's Eve-- well, this baby was waiting to come until after the festivities since we were having so much fun!

I'm almost at 39 weeks now, so we will keep you updated when MoJoe finally comes! We can't wait!

Holiday Party

Joe and I went out last night to our friend Jimmy's annual holiday party-- it may be our last party without having to get a babysitter.

I felt like a walking advertisement for birth control since I was limping (due to some back pain) and my ankles looked like they were sprained (since they were so swollen). Up until a few days ago, I kept saying, "I could be pregnant forever." Now....well, maybe there is a reason you are only pregnant for 9 months!



Still, I was amazed all night watching "mojoe" move around-- he is just so active. You can feel his foot or hand come poking through. It's incredible.

At my midwife appointment this week (with my dear friend, Julie, who will be delivering this little guy), I found out I have completely dropped and am almost all thinned out-- so, we're on our way to becoming parents!

I still have 4 weeks left and most likely I will not deliver until then, but we'll keep you posted if anything changes.

Boston

In November, I was lucky enough to go to Boston (what a wonderful gift!) for a weekend get-away with my best friends from Grinnell. We stayed at Sarah Bruinooge's apartment and Ally came along with me from Minneapolis and we met up with Sabrina Eagan who was in town from Uganda.

We had a blast walking around town, eating (and eating and then eating some more), relaxing on the couch, and spending time talking and getting caught up.

It was the perfect weekend and I came home feeling so rejuvenated. Nothing like women friends to remind you of the what is truly important in life!

36 weeks!

So, here are some of really big belly shots-- some are a little risque, so consider yourselves warned!!

House Projects

We have been working like crazy getting the house ready for our mojoe. We fixed the ceilings of the bedrooms and bathroom upstairs, took down the wallpaper in the baby's room, fixed the plaster walls, and then painted everything! It all looks good!

Thanks to all of the people who helped us-- and there were a lot of people! Here's a photo of Kt helping me clean the bathroom at 9 pm on a Tuesday night. What a friend!

Night Out on the Town

My mom treated Joe and I to tickets to see "Full Monty" at the theater. We had so much fun-- it was great to get dressed up and out of the house! Although, in the 1st photo, I have to say it was the first time that Joe had a hard time picking me up! Yep, I'm 30 lbs. heavier!!

Happy Halloween!

The three of us got dressed up to frighten and delighten!