Bath time

I am trying to add a movie we took while giving Renna a bath.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J3NBlICyro







More to come later.

Happy New Year!

Katie, Scott, and Renna

Getting into a routine at home

OK, day 6 of life. She is already starting to change. She does not open her eyes very much, but here are a few shots of her with her eyes open. She is a little more awake and interactive each day.

Katie's mom, Bea, has been here helping so much. We couldn't do it without her. My mom is here in spirit (and on the phone and the internet and over a video phone and with many thoughtful gifts). She sent us beautiful flowers. See below. Renna can't wait to meet her in 6 days.

We are muddling along with not alot of sleep. Katie let me sleep through two of the overnight feedings (the most wonderful wife). I have to write a few psychological reports over the next week. I had planned on cutting that out when Renna was born, but 5 weeks early means that all plans are out the window. I am glad that I have been able to cancel my patients for the entire week. So, when I do get to sleep I "sleep like a baby." Here I am doing just that.

we gave Renna her 1st bath at home last night. Hilarious.

I am not sure who was more confused, her or us. Next time

I will get some pics up.

Baby comes home!

Well, Katie, Renna, and I came home on Tuesday the 26th. We spent 4 nights, including Christmas and Christmas Eve in the hospital.

Everyone is doing well. Katie is recovering from the surgery. She has been very mobile. Renna is wonderful! I cannot even begin the explain what it feels like to have her with us. Our 4 days together have been busy, exhausting, intense, and deeply meaningful. It is amazing how important the smallest things become. She feeds well and we are relieved and happy. She has to have her foot pricked to take some blood for routine tests and it is awful to see her in pain, if for only a few minutes.

Anyways, more thoughts on parenting later. Now down to the pictures.

Here we are in the operating room. I was able to sit right next to Katie as she had the c-section. The medical staff was really great.

Here we are in post-operative recovery just minutes after the birth. We were both so stunned, elated, and overwhelmed. Renna was relaxed and calm. She figures she'll leave all the worrying to Mom and Dad for a while.

She's a sleepy little girl. At 5 weeks early she has done great. Thankfully, we did not spend any time in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). Renna stayed with us in the regular hospital room the entire time. She is premie, so she sleeps alot. Everyone says that we will remember this quite fondly in a couple of weeks when she is more active

We've been making it on very little sleep. Here I am catching a quick snooze. Despite all of the sleep deprivation and all of the work, Katie and I both really enjoyed the first 4 days. It is incredible to just be together the three of us and to share with your partner in such an important and vital task.

Katie's family has been a great help. Auntie Em is here holding Renna. Katie's parents and Chris and Molly have been a big help too. We never lacked for food or help or support or encouragement over the first few days. Here Em is holding Renna for a bit.

My family has been great too. Grandma, Grampa Howard, and Aunt Robyn are coming very soon from Chicago. They have been great with emotional support and enthusiasm over the phone and in e-mails. We can't wait to see them.

Here is Katie looking very happy and content. She and Renna are my much loved girls. Katie has been SO patient with our sleepy little feeder.

We spent Christmas in the hospital. The Russells brought the good cheer. Katie's mom is here with Chris and Molly's kids, Chloe and Anna. They were excited to meet the baby.

I got a Chicago Bears hat for the holiday. Renna is a football fan.

Baby Renna is born!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Little Renna was born on Friday, December 22nd at 6:26 PM. She weighed in at 5 pounds even and measures 18.25 inches

Many more details to follow, but I want to post these two pictures as soon as possible. (I can't believe how much there is to do and how long it takes in just the 1st day. I am learning that having a baby means getting very good at doing things with one hand!).

We are all doing fine. Katie has done an AMAZING job as a mom already. Renna is very relaxed and cuddly. Katie had a c-section and has already stood up and been moved on to regular food. Good progress. I keep telling her that she has a high pain threshold, but she says it is the Percoset! Strong and modest.

OK, more later. I want to get the pics out before we get occupied again.

Ok, wait I have a bit more time to write. Katie says "Tell them she was borm at 34 weeks, 5 days and she's 'a champ.'" OK. Renna is breathing well. Her lungs are great. She has been in the room with us the whole time. No need (thankfully) for the NICU. We are working on her feeding. Babies this little are very, very sleepy. But, she is getting there.

We hope to be home on Monday.

Everyone here at the hospital has been really great.

We appreciate everyone's thoughts and good wishes.

Katie, Scott, and Renna

Dad Learns to Swaddle

Scott is preparing for fatherhood. Here he is practicing his swaddling technique on Renna's stuffed animals. He's really got it down now.

OK. let's try again -- I hope taking care of Renna won't be this hard

Ok, let's try to get these pictures in this again.

Thanks for all your patience.

I guess that it is good that I am figuring these things out now. As my sister, Robyn, has pointed out -- read and figure things out now, because you won't have much time later.....

Ok, I am just practicing for the BIG DAy with some other pictures.

Here are some pics of Katie and the (growing bump)!

The first couple are from the summer.

The final picture of the two (three) of us on the porch is supposed to be used for a letter we are sending out to neighbor's with buildable lots on their land. We are hoping that someone will sell us a lot in Asheville if we look like a nice, pregnant couple (which we are) and not a greedy developer (which we are not)/

First try at the blog

Well, here is the first try.