Settling In

Apologies for the lack of posts. We're having some computer issues and can't upload any new pictures at the moment. But rest assured we're here, settling in as a family of five. Our newest member is opening her eyes more and more. And perfecting many strange expressions.

We do have some video documentation of Crazy I and Crazy II tearing things up. But DadKV returns to work this afternoon so I'm not sure when we can realistically expect for it to be uploaded and posted.

In the meantime, life here goes on. I spend most of my time with this little package.

And everyone else has been very understanding. Here's Leigh, chilling out post-diaper change on the rug, watching some Sesame Street.

And that, folks, is all I can offer until we get our computer issues resolved.

First bath

Baby Hanako's first bath.
Mama had lots of help.
Post bath exhaustion.
DHawk 3 1/2 years ago.

Vistors

Baby Hana (ko) (rhymes with Ghana-co) has been receiving visitors.
Here she was allowed to rest in her father's lap.
Grandparents are excited.
Mama thought she would be comfortable with a bed of warm laundry. Usually this would be the sort of thing I would propose, but we're just rolling with whatever Mama cooks up these days.Mr. Reliable, Professore Nicola Camerlenghi swung by on his way to Italy. Aunt Molly also got some lap time.Unfortunately, no documentation of DHawk wearing out grandparents, professores, and others with endless sports.

Bonus Hawk shot.

Hanako comes Home

Danny is behaving himself for the most part. He wanted to "walk around . . . holding my sistah." We compromised with some couch time. He likes to end with an abrupt, "I'm done."
Danny and Leigh dancing last night. Leigh is sick with something, and we hope it's not catching.

Bustin' Out

Crazy I and Crazy II warmed up Mama's room for Crazy III's arrival.We asked for it, we got it. Total chaos as Hanako Margaret joins the others.
Danny is much more interested than Leigh, probably age appropriate.

Progress

Now we're hoping to get her out of the NICU by tonight. They don't like me down there. Hopefully they will discharge her out of spite.

While we wait for that, here are some photos of the last three days.
Runaway uterus!
Aunt Maggie said all fours was a good position.This lasted one contraction. Then the uterus-wrangler stated, "I think that shook something loose! Not doing that again."
Aunt Maggie used to do that to me, too. "Touch that light socket, it feels good." "Smell my fart, it smells good." "Eat this tempe burger, it's better than the real thing."

Don't skimp on the cream cheese!Happy.
More happier.Resting in the NICU, the least restful place I could imagine.Cracking the eyes open. She looks a lot like D Hawk.
Added for comparison, D Hawk 4 years ago.

Grunting

Shortly after birth, Hanako get transferred to the NICU because she was "grunting." Apparently, this is not normal. I have found the NICU to be a fine, sterile place which changes newborn parenting from an intensely actual, physical, and visceral experience to one that is essentially virtual, distant, and clinical. Good times. Perhaps I wouldn't have been so grumpy had we not gone through this:Here are the tubes.
Anyway, now it's Wednesday morning. Mama has just breast fed her for the first time, and she's off the CPAP. Now to just convince the health care providers that she should be with us, rather than in a lexan box. More photos to come.

Hanako Margaret

Sand Table

Ever since Leigh's birthday, Danny has been clamoring to play with Leigh's sand and water table, so we did.
Leigh enjoyed getting wet.
Danny found a worm.Mama got big. (36 weeks on Friday) Danny also spotted a salamander.