The House

What is this you ask? Well, it's a pit in our basement. In the midst of bringing up baby, we have been having major work done in the basement of the house. It's long overdue and the goal was for the work to be comlete BEFORE baby arrived. Unfortunately the work only started the week Christie went into the hospital. Then, inexplicably there was a several week delay.

At any rate, the photos above are the shots of a large pit found in the basement. There is no good explanation and it has since been covered over with a new frame of pressure treated lumber and a covering of plywood. The entire floor will have a raised platform built which will bring the floor to the level it was before demolition. Once that is done, a slate tile floor will be installed. It's all very exciting and our anticipation goes as the weeks without a den have started to get long and tiring. Try living out of your kitchen and bedroom!

I will snap some photos of the rest of the floor later (it's just concrete slab) and the bathroom. The upgrade will be significant and give us a very nice den once it is complete.

Bathtime

Bathtime: It keeps getting better. Remember back a few weeks ago I talked about the little girl shriek? Well, she still gets close to that when I wash her hair, but the rest of the bath seems to under control. She seems to submit to it more willingly, at least.

I am obviously leaving out the fact that she needs these baths due to the fact that she spits up quite a bit - still. The reasons are complicated, but the result is not. The result is something akin to sour milk! Yes, how lovely. So, she spits up and it makes her outfit wet, but inevitably also finds it way into the crease of her neck.

What more is there to say? I guess that's it for now.

Recovery

Yesterday was the Waverly Street Block Party. Very fun! The downside is that it takes a little longer the next day to feel like oneself. Yes, Guinness was flowing and beautiful Esposito's burgers were grilling. We met a few new people and even encountered another expecting couple right around the corner. The longer we live in WashWest the more I like it.

I am right now posting this from the car (on my BB) while Christie picks up a few things from Target. We just finished up at Lowe's and I figured poor Willa could sit this one out.

Later I'll post some shots from the block party and maybe even have more to say.

Cheers. Happy Memorial Day!

Baby's first picnic

Baby was born to travel. So, on this busy Memorial Day weekend Mommy and Daddy had to oblige. Out to the street, into the car, onto the road, expressway, exit, country road, picnic. Yup, that's how Willa rolls. This child has already expressed an interest in excercising her leg muscles for what I expect is training to stand - say in a few more weeks. She's working on her first words, and last time I checked is at least 50% through her application essay for MIT.

Ya.. the pics. Here you go.

Daddy Types

So... Busy week for Daddy. Needless to say, being back to work is now like having a second job. Or is it the other way around? I'm happy to be working two jobs. One pays the bills; the other pays in a currency which has immeasurable value. Yes, you should cry now. (here's a tissue)

I'm posting so much because I'm happy to be a dad. Willa has changed my life in a good way and exceeded my expectations about what fatherhood could be. I have a lot to learn - still. But, I'm someone always looking for a project and this might just be the greatest project one can ever take on!

So, that's my little teary blurb for the day. My next post will be a crowd pleaser. I promise.

Mobile Blogging

I am blogging from my blackberry now. This is a test so I will keep it short.

Baby goes to Washington Square

What a beautiful day! After a relaxing Sunday morning at home, Mommy and Baby and I went for a walk in the neighborhood. Washington Square is my personal favorite of the four Philadelphia city parks and today's park was filled with just the right amount of people quietly enjoying a sunny Sunday afternoon. Sure, Rittenhouse Square is posh and surrounded by the priciest real estate in the city, but WS is our park and frankly has more space to spread out.

Mommy holding baby tight! Doesn't Mommy look great, by the way? C section just 12 days ago and she's just glowing.

A busy day requires a good nap. Willa laid next to Mommy in the bed for a while and started to snooze. And with that, the weekend comes to a close.

James meets Willa

My friend James and I went out for a few beers tonight at our favorite watering hole: Doc Watson's Pub. After, we stopped over at the house so he could meet Willa. At first things went really well and they seemed to bond. She grabbed his (recently washed) finger and made her trademark squeaking sounds.

But, enough was enough. Willa decided she needed to get back to napping. "Talk to the hand," she said. OK, just kidding. But, in a caption contest this would easily be labeled "enough already!" Right? :)

B&W Willa

Sometimes color is a distraction from the pure beauty of a shot...

Nobody puts baby in a pouch...

Except Daddy!

That's right. Babygirl Willa is not one to be bossed around. But, Daddy's new sling is very comfortable and it doesn't take much convincing to get her to snuggle inside.

The slings only came in this past week but Christie and I have both made use of them extensively. Last night we went back to Marathon Grill (the one born on the same day as Willa) and had a wonderful dinner. The night ambiance was very nice and Willa enjoyed the warmth of the pouch.

Today we did a little shopping and later walked around the Italian Market Festival (http://www.9thstreetitalianmarketfestival.com/index.html) for a nice little afternoon on the town.

So far it's been a very nice weekend for this new family!

Notes from Willa

Last night I dressed up like a burrito.

But I got hot and then Mommy and I had some together time :)

Catching rays

Yesterday, Willa decided to take in some sunshine. These are shots of her sitting under the window in our second floor hallway. Don't worry, she wasn't exposed to direct sunlight for very long!

Willa's first night at home

Willa on her changing pad in various poses.

The light is bright!

Hi!

Leg raises make strong abs.

crazy rain!

What a storm! When you see red, you know it's going to be a drenching rainstorm. And looking at the 600 mile radar, I see a lot of red along the east coast. It's always a bit of a nail biter in the courtyard for obvious reasons...

Oh well, let's hope the red passes quickly.

Tuesday Recap

Somehow the day got away from me yesterday. I think the best thing so far about Willa is that she sleeps pretty well. Our first night with her was not at all what I had been told to expect. Christie and I both were able to get several hours of solid sleep! In fact, last night (Tuesday night) was also pretty good - with Christie taking the 2AM feeding and me on the 5AM.

I'm sure this pattern may change, but so far Willa is only fussy when we frustrate her with feeding or she has a stinky diaper. Last night we gave her a bath and spent some time just bonding on the bed. She is more and more alert each day and seems to be taking in her surroundings with interest. Of course she is still learning about her arms, hands, legs, and feet, but knows how to flail in the cutest way. She has a very endearing little girl scream which she saves for bathtime. Sometime, I'm going to record it to preserve for the future.

On Tuesday, Willa also spent some more time taking in the suns rays. She doesn't look as jaundiced to me, and I'm sure her color will just continue to get better with time.

I'll post some of the wonderful new photos we've taken when I get home tonight. (Yes I'm back to work today... ugh)

Home at last!

It sure is nice to be home. Today they tested my hearing, eyes, and a whole bunch of other things. It was exhausting for me since I'm tiny and don't have much patience for prodding. I squeal like a little girl because the doctors usually take off my blankets and poke me.

I passed all of my tests though - without studying. I even passed the carseat test. Honestly, I don't know how other babies fail that one. I still don't even know what they tested!

Mommy and Daddy took me home in my car carrier. I wanted Daddy to carry me in his arms, but there was a hushed discussion about "safety" and I knew I wouldn't be so lucky. Maybe when they have their slings I'll get to ride close to them.

Tonight I drank 55ml of Mommy's milk and it was quite nice to do it in my own bedroom. The roommates I had in the TCU were all nice, but sometimes a little fussy and distracting. I do hope Haily, James, Antoinette, and Aaron get to go home soon, though!

So, let's see... I kept my little sign which says "WILLA NOELLE" (the nurses made it for me) from my vital signs monitor. It's cute and I'm going to ask Mommy and Daddy to hold on to it as a keepsake. Also, my cap is actually the same cap the nurses placed on my head a few minutes after I was born on the 8th of May. I like to wear it now to stay warm and remind me of that special day.

I'm so tired now and ready for bed. But, I think I will have one more snack and then sleep.

Good night (Daddy typed this for me, in case you didn't figure that out)

Surprise, Again!

Willa is home! Today, Christie and I met at the hospital to find out all of the various results from different tests and to learn when Willa would be discharged. Surprisingly, they said, "today." So, similar to buying a car or house, we went through piles of paperwork and a fully rigorous process which involves signing a paper saying you will not shake your baby and then a series of other forms. Thankfully they make all of babygirl's first appointments: pediatrician, any follow-up tests, etc. So, we just have to look at a schedule and see what to do and where to go for the next two weeks.

They provide you with a few take home prizes, but nothing too helpful. If anything we had a heavy load to carry - again, because we weren't expecting to go home with her!

But, we are overjoyed and it's nice to finally have her in our care. There's a sense of panic that washes over suddenly when we realized, she is in our care. But, I'm sure that's the new parent feeling. Oddly, two days ago we were sad to leave her. Now we're in a way worried about being the best parents we can be!

For now, we'll just do what we do best: feed her. We have some practice with baths as well, so the basics shouldn't be too much of a problem. But time will tell!

Tonight we rest.

Monday AM Update

I dropped off some of Mommy's milk this morning at the TCU. Willa's overnight nurse was there and caught me to tell me Willa has been very hungry! Her feedings have been 55cc or more which is significantly more than we were able to feed her from Tuesday to Friday of last week. It's a very good sign and hopefully means she will be coming home tomorrow.

Later today, we'll have an update on various tests from late last week. Good results, plus her increased appetite should satisfy the doctors.

More later...

And the cats are preparing for Willa, too. This is them practicing how they will snuggle with Willa. We'll definately need to supervise!!

Happy Mother's Day, Mommy!

Today is Mother's Day. Of course, I'm sleeping! But, feed me, and sometimes I wake up!

Hi Mommy. I can see you! I like the view I have today.

I am enjoying taking in some rays. Vitamin D helps eliminate my (mild) jaundice.

Happy Mother's Day!

Today was Christie's first Mother's Day and we decided to celebrate at the newly opened (5/8 - the same day as Willa!) Marathon Grill across the street from the hospital. This restaurant is one of our favorites for many years now and to have one in our neighborhood is of course exciting. But... to have the BEST LOOKING Marathon Grill within a five minute walk is sublime. The interior is perhaps one of the best examples in Philadelphia of creative but respectful adaptive reuse of an old property.

The above sign is what greets you when you enter the restaurant. Beautiful stained wood!

Our view of the bar from our table. Rich wood, clean lines, simple lighting... and exposed brick. The bartender had cool glasses - of course.

And Mommy feasted on Brioche French Toast with Mascarpone and Blueberries. Hey, she's got two top producers to fuel.

Sadder Day

Today we had to leave. Christie was discharged and Willa was not. It's an understatement to say that it was an emotional day... After her noontime feeding, we packed up things and left the hospital. Willa had a few tests yesterday and over the night. But, the results will not be known until Monday! So, that means we need to make the trip back and forth for the rest of the weekend.

Here are some Daddy-daughter pix from today's feeding:

And BURP!

Day 4 (Friday)

Today they discovered little Willa has reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). It sounds worse than it really is. Basically, we need to be diligent about burping her frequently during feedings and placing her on an inclined bed. However, today was the first day with 100% breastmilk and she did much better overall. The formula seemed to make her sick - reflux or not - so it's nice to be able to feed her real food finally. Anyway, that's all the science to report for now...

Tonight we got a few good Mommy-daughter pictures:

Coolest Dad Ever

Minutes before surgery... on 8 May 2007

WIlla in the city: Her 8th floor view

Oh, and not to brag... but, Willa sits in the 8th floor TCU and this is the view she has. I'd say that's a half million dollar view, wouldn't you? The setting sun created a beautiful skyline of shapes and sizes. What a great way to come into the world.

Daddy's little girl

So, this photo is not exactly from today. Today, being Day 4. But, I like the picture because it shows how happy I am, and how comforted Willa is when she holds my two fingers in her tiny little hands. I will have more photos and information to post tonight. But, for now, I just had to get this photo out to the blogosphere.

Day 3

Today the oxygen tubes came off! And, Mommy tried a little breast feeding. It's late now, so I'll have to post more tomorrow when I have time.

(the cheeks are red from the adhesive tape which had been holding the breathing tube in place...)

Day 2

The good news today is that Christie is up and out of bed - walking on her own, even. The recovery from surgery has been quick for her and the pain, minimal.

Willa on the other hand is still in the TCU and has struggled somewhat to get used to life outside the womb. Of course, she is stable and thankfully has begun feeding. In fact, they have now removed the IV feeding tube and gone to a feeding schedule which features some of Mommy's milk, and then formula to supplement. Keeping it all down still seems to be a challenge, but that of course - like everything - will come with time.

The other exciting achivement is that Willa opens both eyes at times. Of course she can't really see much yet, but just having her eyes open makes her seem so much more alive and real. She's able to make little smiles and has little grunts and goo's that she is able to make at times. She gets fussy when she is moved around a lot - which has been nearly constant at the TCU. And when she is fussy, she knows how to let out a pretty good wail.

Mommy spent the better part of the afternoon making up for her bedrest time yesterday and had a very happy bonding session with Willa, feeding and holding her as she enjoyed Day 2 of life.

The first 24 hours showed some improvements and hopefully the next 24 hours will yield the same if not more progress. Coming early into the world couldn't have been easy, and luckily all of this is happening at a place where very bright and capable people are able to care for her.

More later...

Willa Noelle - 8 May 2007

Today, Christie and I became parents. It obviously came as a bit of a surprise, being the first day of the 36th week in the pregnancy. Nonetheless, the entire experience went extremely well. And considering the circumstances (emergency c-section), mother and baby are doing remarkably well. The details are as follows.

Christie had a regular checkup and ultrasound planned for 8:30. However, while getting ready to head over to the appointment, Christie noticed some of the telltale signs of her water breaking. Instead of heading to the OB/GYN office, we went straight to labor and delivery. The addmital process was quick and within ten minutes we learned we were at 0 station and 9cm dialated. Needless to say, the staff moved quickly to get her into surgery and Willa Noelle was born at 09:45.

She measures 47 cm (18 in) and weighs 2640 grams (5 lbs. 13 oz.). She featured an L shaped body - as a result of the frank breech position - and a full head of hair.

The surgery had gone well, but due to the speed of delivery, the early arrival and the fact that it was a c-section, Willa had some difficulty breathing. She was well, but needed a little extra help from the Transitional Care Unit. She spent the day there but had frequent visits from Daddy - one time with camera gear in tow...

Christie is doing great and has not had to use her morphine drip nearly as much as the staff expected. But, the downside to the circumstance is of course not being able to go to the TCU to see Willa. But, tomorrow Christie will get to see the baby!

For now, here's a photo of the two of us:

And one more of our beautiful little princess:

Good night, all.

(Yes, this post was written by Markus)