Hello from Abby

Hi everybody, we just made a quick video to say and let you all know that Abby is excited to meet you all very soon. We will be uploading more photos to BD Photos (flicker) shortly, so stay tuned.




PS - Abby's friend Tatum just delivered her flowers! A ton of pink cute roses!

Good to be home

Well, it's great to be home with Abby. After our first night home with our new little bundle of joy, Brian and I feel happy, a little tired, and excited. Abby is getting so good at breast feeding, peeing, and pooping. She's not a bad sleeper either! We had to wake her up for all but one feeding, and she nursed like a champ. Brian and I didn't get too much sleep in between - that whole "new parent anxiety" is really a sleep killer. However, after a few cycles of getting up, feeding, changing diapers, and laying back down, the sleepiness soon took over, and we were able to rest a bit better.

Abby and I had our first breakfast together this morning. It was fun. I wrapped her up in her Moby wrap (sling) on my chest, fried up and egg, made some toast, and enjoyed a hearty meal in the quite morning hours with my precious new daughter all bundled up into me. Then we fell asleep together next to daddy for a little while.

After catching up with grandparents, getting showers, and scarfing down some snacks we are ready to start our day at 12:45 pm! Whew, this whole parenting thing sure changes the timeline for the day, doesn't it.

We are having so much fun so far. The real tired times have not yet kicked in. I'm sure they will very, very soon.

Just so you all know, we do have the phone off most of the time right now so we can get used to all these extra little tasks we now have. We will be checking voicemail and returned calls as we are able. Know that we love you all and appreciate your calls so much. Please just leave a message if we can't get to the phone, and we'll be looking forward to talking to you soon. We'll try to keep the blog updated as much as possible.

Here are a couple of cute videos Brian did this morning when Abby was awake and alert. Enjoy!

Love,
Diana

Home sweet home

After over 3 hours of "getting ready time" we have arrived at home. I finally understand why it is that parents with kids tend to run a bit late. We got Abby all bundled up ready for the car ride, and then heard rumblings down south, so we had to take everything off and do a quick diaper check just to put it all back on again. I am slowly becoming a diaper and swaddling pro. (As it has mainly been my job as of late.) Diana and I teared up as we drove away from the hospital. All and all it was an amazing birth. Not everything went as "planned" but everything went perfect none-the-less. I must give Swedish Ballard two strong thumbs up. The nursing staff was fantastic! Our "main nurse" Jennifer sat with Diana for hours while she labored just keeping her company and making sure everything was going well. Their attentiveness and attention to all of your needs was phenomenal. The COO even came by to see how we were doing.  If you or someone you know is planning on having a birth in the Seattle area and you come to be for advice on where to go; I will be sending you straight to Ballard with no questions asked. We have begun reading all of your comments, and emails, and started listening to some of the voice mails. We feel so warm with so many friends and family that care about us in this special time. All of your kind words fill our hearts. They are appreciated.

The morning afterbirth :-)

Well, it is the morning after.  We have been digitally quiet for quite some time now.  For those of you who have been through this process, you know why.  For the rest, let me explain.  After Abby was born, breast-fed and bathed we crashed we realized that Diana and I had been up from 7AM the previous day - about 36 hours.  In that time we slept for about 3 hours.  Diana had been working nonstop and I was just running around like a mad man trying to make sure she was all set.  We crashed.  We could do nothing more than hold Abby and sit quietly.  Finally we went to sleep and had the nurses baby sit for us.  When we woke up 3 hours later, Amy and Jordan had brought sushi over to Diana, Anne, Mike, and myself.  It was great.  Our own little hospital sushi party.  It was just what we needed.  After we finished eating we were able to go through some of the photos and separate out all of the PG and R rated birth photos.  After 3 QA checks, (thanks for the tip Wes) the PG photos are on their way up right now.  Just check BD Photos to see them.

Cutting the cord

Afew minutes after abby was born and she was snuggled up on my chest we clamped the cord and i was able to cut it.  We had to rub her a lot to get her to cry a ton, she wanted to sleep after all that hard work (just like her mommy and daddy).  We were able to start breast-feeding shortly after i cut her cord and she is now eating like a champ.  Daddy got to burp her in between breast-feeding and he was a total champ.  He got to hold his first newborn ever, just afew minutes old.  Abby is all snuggled up in mommy's arms and ready to take a long nap.

Welcome Abby!

I would like to proudly announce the birth of my daughter, Abbigale Reese McFarlane.  Abby was born on January 24th at 12:54PM.  She weighs 7lbs and 6oz.  She is 20 1/4" long.  Diana was a trouper and pushed her out in 25 minutes!  Making a total of 18 hours of labor.  My girls are rock stars!

10CM!

She is now 10CM.  Here we go!

The calm before the storm

The epidural has more than kicked in for Diana now.  She has been getting a ton of sleep and is no longer feeling the contractions.  Her entire bottom half from the waist down is completely numb.  She decided that this was a bit much and had it turned off for now.  Just playing the waiting game for now.

Our room here at Swedish Ballard is great.  I have a nice little couch/bed that I have been napping in, every so often I can just gaze out the window and watch Diana in her slumber.  The sun is out and we got to watch the sun rise this morning.  It is nice for me to get to look out the windows at the world our daughter will soon enter.  So many adventures, challenges, and rewards are awaiting her just outside the thin pane of glass.

I am reading your comments and thoughts to Diana, all of your kind words are very encouraging for her.  Thank you for your support!

Good morning!

Well, we just woke up about an hour ago.  Last night was a long night.  Diana was such a trooper through the contractions.  She went from birthing ball, to yoga positions, to the hot tub, and back.  We decided to get a morphine injection around 3:30AM.  This gave Diana a blissful 3 1/2 hours of sleep (me too!).  Our midwife and nursing staff have been terrific so far, they are very attentive to Diana's needs when I am standing around with shrugged shoulders and no direct course of action to act upon.  When we woke up, we talked with Rebehka (sp?) about what our options where.  She was still 4CM but was 80% effaced with about 1CM remaining.  So we are doing pitocin to help moving things along.  We decided that if pitocin was going to be involved an epidural would be a must.  They are all the rage you know.  So the epidural was just installed and Diana is in a semi-pain-free yet immobile bliss.  On we go with the process.  I would guess she will be born today around 6:30PM or so.  Anyone want to take a bet? :-)  

At the hospital now

Well, we made it to the hospital about an 1/2 hour ago or so.  I drove, as my friend Brian would say, Fun, yet safe.  We made it here in 11 minutes from our house.  Diana is doing great!  She is using the birthing ball and is doing "child's pose".  All the rage in the yoga craze!  Our friends Amy and Jordan came by.  Jordan gave his moral cheers and Amy is acting as our rock star photographer!  Diana is using the birthing ball now.  It is working well!

Pre Hospital Visit

Well, we are now going on 4 hours and we are still at home.  They said we can go to the hospital whenever we want to, but Diana is a trouper and so we are still hanging out here.  It is much more comfey and we have the dogs here to support us.  If I were a betting man, I would say we will hit the hospital around midnight ish.  We just made a video for you to see us.  Here it is:

Updates

This is Brian - on Diana's computer.

Ok, so we have started labor.  Here are the times if you are interested:

Start End Duration Frequency

09:15:13 pm 09:16:08 pm 54 secs 3 mins, 2 secs

09:12:11 pm 09:14:12 pm 2 mins, 0 secs 2 mins, 34 secs

09:09:36 pm 09:10:52 pm 1 mins, 15 secs 4 mins, 16 secs

09:05:20 pm 09:06:12 pm 51 secs 3 mins, 27 secs

09:01:52 pm 09:02:09 pm 15 secs 3 mins, 1 secs

08:58:51 pm 09:00:01 pm 1 mins, 10 secs 4 mins, 18 secs

08:54:32 pm 08:55:19 pm 47 secs 8 mins, 41 secs

08:45:50 pm 08:46:58 pm 1 mins, 7 secs 4 mins, 19 secs

08:41:31 pm 08:42:30 pm 59 secs 2 mins, 52 secs

08:38:38 pm 08:39:59 pm 1 mins, 20 secs 5 mins, 49 secs

08:32:48 pm 08:33:59 pm 1 mins, 10 secs 4 mins, 17 secs

08:28:30 pm 08:30:42 pm 2 mins, 11 secs 3 mins, 54 secs

08:24:36 pm 08:25:27 pm 51 secs 4 mins, 55 secs

08:19:40 pm 08:20:29 pm 49 secs 5 mins, 14 secs

08:14:25 pm 08:15:22 pm 56 secs 4 mins, 41 secs

08:09:44 pm 08:11:51 pm 2 mins, 7 secs 3 mins, 34 secs

08:06:10 pm 08:06:58 pm 48 secs 4 mins, 13 secs

08:01:55 pm 08:02:42 pm 46 secs 4 mins, 15 secs

07:57:39 pm 07:59:18 pm 1 mins, 38 secs 4 mins, 6 secs

07:53:33 pm 07:54:34 pm 1 mins, 1 secs 4 mins, 0 secs

07:49:32 pm 07:50:52 pm 1 mins, 20 secs 5 mins, 26 secs

07:44:05 pm 07:45:26 pm 1 mins, 19 secs 5 mins, 23 secs

07:38:42 pm 07:39:29 pm 46 secs 6 mins, 23 secs

07:32:19 pm 07:34:16 pm 1 mins, 57 secs

Some of the times were a bit trigger happy, but for the most part we hit the 411 spot on.  We just got off the phone with Rebeka and we will be heading to the hospital anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours from now.

Contractions are happening....

Contractions are happening.  We have been timing them on http://www.contractionmaster.com for about 1/2 hour now.  We are to call the hospital when we have contractions lasting 1 minute happening every 4 minutes lasting for an hour.  They started out about every 6 minutes and now are down to 4 minutes and are lasting about 1.25-1.5 minutes.  Begin super last minute nesting!

Almost there...

Today I visited my midwife.  I'm 5 days past my due date, and they wanted to check to see how far along I was.  Great news!  I'm 4 cm dilated!!!  That is so nice to know.  I only have 6 more to go.  Unfortunately, this doesn't mean I'm actually IN labor, just very close.    I am having more contractions than I was, so I'm going to walk the dogs a lot this afternoon to try to get things moving!

Our beautiful nursery furniture was delivered on Monday.  Here's a picture of the crib.  We love it.  Thanks again, Monica & Bart, for buying the crib.  I know Abby will love it.  The dresser is now stocked with clothes and diapers.  The sheets are on the crib.  What are we missing.... oh ya!  The baby.  It is really nice to have it all set up and ready to go though.

We don't have anything else to report for now.  Keep checking to blog.  We'll post a note when we go into labor and certainly after we have our little bundle of joy as well!

Happy Birthday, Gracie!  My sweet and somewhat devilish little niece turns 2 years old today.  Gracie recently learned to throw tantrums like a champ and according to her parents mastered the evil scowl which she uses with ease whenever her brother, Kaden, does not cooperate with her wishes.   Amy and Charlie are doing a good job ignoring her during these episodes, but they don't fail to sneak smirks and smiles at each other.  Apparently, Gracie is pretty entertaining.  They are camping this weekend in Wayside with Charlie's side of the family.

Today also marks our 1st day past our due date of Jan 18th.  Uhhhh.  I'm trying my best to not be impatient.  What a unique time in our lives.  We know this really big thing is coming but have no idea when.  Oh well.  Brian is encouraging me to use this time to rest as much as possible, as we won't be getting much soon.

Salumi was all it was cracked up to be.  It's one of those hole-in-the wall restaurants with a long line trailing out the door.  We ordered a salami platter with cheese, bread, and olives, soup, and delicious sandwiches.  Even though the line was so long, the employees treated us with a relaxed attitude that leaves you feeling like you're the only customer there.  Betsy, Brian, and I visited with a restaurant owner from upstate New York who often travels to SF and Seattle to get new ideas for his restaurant.  He was very interested in hearing our opinions about our meals.  

Today we took Bilbo to the vet.  We think he might have a bladder infection, poor guy.  Then we'll drive down to Puyallup for a birthday party for Destini (1st birthday) at Jennifer and Robert's house.  We'll have dinner there afterwards and then head home to wait some more.  

Have a great weekend!

-Diana

Downtown adventures

We are spending today with our friend Betsy having coffee, eating lunch, and running errands. As we walk up and down the steep downtown streets, it is great to see peoples faces light up when they see Diana and her Prego belly. We had a man in the elevator ask her due date. You should have seen his face when we said today! Diana is carrying a ton of paper towels around just incase her water breaks. Well we are off to Salumi to eat now. I have been wanting to eat there for two years now. Ever sense Ponder and Joe tasted the deliciousness. Yum. I can't wait.

39 Weeks, 5 Days, 2 Hours, and counting

So close, but so far away!  I'm definitely feeling like I'm getting closer to labor, but no "real" labor yet.  I'm still feeling great, having a really nice time relaxing before the big day (or night).  I'm not sleeping as well as I was before because I keep waking up in excitement, thinking "Am I in labor?".......then, "Oh, nope, I'm not."......then I try to go back to sleep.  Remember when you were a kid and it was the night before Christmas or a Disneyland trip?  I'm so amped!  I just can't wait to meet this little girl.  Brian has been feeling the same way.  He's really excited to meet his daughter too.  

This week I got a pedicure, learned to knit, and went to our last OB group appointment.  From now until delivery we'll be meeting with our midwife weekly.  My friend Jill and I started looking for a nanny to share once we go back to work.  Brian is trying to tie up all the loose ends at the office.  He will take off about 3 weeks once Abby arrives.

We'll keep you all posted once we have some news.  For now it remains a waiting game.

-Diana

Getting Ready for Abby

I've really enjoyed my first week off of work.  I spent most of my time in the super nesting mode.  I went shopping on Tuesday and bought this really cool paper that I used to decorate framed mirrors.  I'm going to hang them on the bottom of the shelf above Abby's changing table so that she can gaze up at the cool designs.  I think she'll like the high contrast and the mirrors.  They were fun to make.

Every morning I wake up and wonder if today's "the day".  Every night I dream of going into labor, my water breaking, having contractions.  I think my mind is trying to prepare itself for the work and excitement.  Again, I am so blessed to have this time off work because I feel much more ready mentally than I did a week ago.  

I feel great most of the time.  Evening and night times seem to be the most uncomfortable time for me.  I make Brian massage my aching muscles.  I'm taking little naps and the dogs on walks.  I'm catching up on the phone with family and friends.  I know I'll look back on this time and cherish the peaceful way I spent the last part of this part of my life (pre-mommyhood life).

Today Brian is off work (he only works M-Th now), so we get to play (when he gets up, that is).  He stayed up until 2 am playing with the new video camera we got in the mail yesterday.  It is really nice.  I'm so glad it arrived before Abby did.  We look forward to sharing little movies with all of you.  We are taking Libby to the vet for her yearly check up and shots.  This evening we are babysitting for our friends Tara and Casey.  They have a 5 month old daughter.  They will go see a movie while we watch Tatum.  I'm looking forward to it.

Well, I'm going to go get the dogs.  They just ate breakfast and are excited to start their day, as am I.  Have a great one.

-Diana

A new toy has arrived (no not Abby)

Well, our new video camera the Canon HG10 has arrived.  Like any good techie I have already figured out all of the functions and possibilities.  And to double check that I have everything down, I also read the manual.  :-)  We hope to be able to shoot a little bit of video before Abby arrives.  This way we will have a great touch on things by the time we need to shoot "real" video.  We are still trying to decide where to put these online digital gems.  Google video gives you unlimited storage, but the interface of youtube is quite a bit better with a 100MB limit.  Tough decisions.  If you have any thoughts, feel free to comment.  Regardless of which service we decide to use, checking in at this site will be the best way to see what we come up with.

So with the soon to be addition to our family coming soon, I have started reflecting on the rest of my existing family. I came to realize that I don't know anyone outside of two generations or more distant than an aunt or an uncle. Meanwhile, conversations with Diana through the years have reveled some quite random and distant relations. No one (to my knowledge) in my family has ever kept track of any sort of genealogy. I would like to change this for Abby's sake. I imagine trying to explain who all these people are, but think I may have a hard time doing so.

As luck would have it, one of my friends sent me a wonderful tool.

http://www.geni.com

This site allows me to map out all sorts of family tree information with the assistance of my family. I am quite excited about the possibility of formally capturing some of this knowledge in a form that Abby will have easy access to when she is older.

So I reach out to you, if you are in my family (or think you might be) please visit the site and add yourself and any missing family members to the tree.

38 Weeks and Counting

Well, I've decided I'm going to be done working. I had originally planned on working until Jan 11th, one week before our due date. However, I've been feeling like she just might make an early appearance, so to be on the safe side, I'm going to call it quits this Friday instead. I'm excited to have some down time, finish the little "loose ends" (ie, Brian calls "super nesting"), sleep, eat nutritious meals, etc. This feels like my last vacation before the real work begins!

I was just telling Brian tonight about how good this pregnancy has been for me. I've learned and changed during this process in ways I never expected. For instance, I've slowed down a bit, stopped trying to get so much done. I'm sleeping more, drinking plenty of water, and eating well. I actually (without even planning it), stopped making my classic "to-do" lists, which always contained way more items than could possibly be done in a day. We've hired a house cleaner - what an amazing relief. I've learned to listen to my body when it tells me to just lay down and relax.

I'm 38 weeks pregnant now, and I'm feeling it. Abby's dropped down into my pelvis (a sign she may be coming soon), so now I can eat full meals. I don't have heartburn any more, but the trade off is I have to visit the bathroom a whole heck of a lot more! :)

I've definitely gotten bigger in these last couple of weeks. Today, my midwife told me she thinks Abby is probably around 6-6.5 pounds. She's head down (good for delivery), with her back towards the right side of my abdomen. I've posted some pictures for all of you to see. It's fun having a big belly, but I'm also looking forward to regaining the ability to sleep sunny side up/or down - whatever the heck I want! :)

My friend Amy took some great belly shots for me the other day. I especially like this one. If you want to see all of them, just click on the photos link, and look at the album titled "2008-01-01 38 weeks and counting"

The babies are on their way

We are part of a prenatal pregnancy group (http://www.centeringpregnancy.com/) that has been meeting for the past 9 months. We have gotten to know and like all of the group members very much. And today the first baby was born in our group. We are off to go to our class in a few minutes and we will get to meet the new little guy and welcome him to the world.

Abby has been dropping and Diana has begun the “super nesting” phase. The combo of these two events tells me that we are not far off. If I were a betting man (which if you know me – you know that I am) I would say she will be early. Her due date is of course Jan 18th, but I am going to guess the 11th. Lets see how close I am.