Better Night

Hi all. Here is a photo of us visiting our birthmom's family. We found someone else to be behind the camera for us!

Last night was a little better for us. Kaylie slept in 3 hour increments and Jana and I tag teamed the waking moments. We think we know one thing that contributed to the short stints of sleep on Thursday night. We were using the bottle that have the drop in bag liner. Even though we were using the smaller versions, the bag was still rather large for only 2 ounces or so of formula. I think we were not getting all of the air out, and the formula was clinging to the sides of the bag. Bottom line is we think that caused more gas on her tummy and short stints because she was not getting as much formula as we thought.

We went with a different bottle last night so we are hopeful that we have made an improvement and it is not just a coincidence. Kaylie has been pretty active today. Active in the sense that she has been awake and looking around. I'm not sure what she can actually see at this age, but she is definitely trying.

The bad news is Jana is fighting off the initial stages of a cold. That could make things challenging. She is being careful and we all are using antiviral soap, and sanitizer hoping to minimize any exposure. I'm afraid we won't be able to avoid it, but we're keeping our fingers crossed.

Busy, Busy Night

Well no new pictures, yet, but soon. We had a busy night. It was our first full night with the baby. Wednesday night we were at the hospital until 11:45 PM, but a full night is a little different. It is even more so when you make that first full night in a hotel room. Fortunately, we are in a Residence Inn which is more like a small loft, so we have a small kitchenette and sitting area.

Kaylie was up just about every 2 hours (sometimes a little less). Usually the sequence was diaper change, then feed her, and with in minutes, sometimes while feeding, it becomes obvious that another diaper change is in the near future. She is quite a little machine. But the good news is she is obviously processing all that formula she is downing! I think the day has been a little quiter than the night, but it is still early in the day. More to follow...

Busy, busy, Day

Hi all. Well no new photos today as it was a whirlwind. The question over the past day or so was whether our birthmom, Sena, would be discharged on Thursday or Friday. We were initially thinking Friday, but the hospital and Dr. decided today. So shortly after arriving at the hospital this morning, we found out for certain that Sena would be discharged today. That meant a lot of shuffling with the agency. To help address some of the agency's scheduling conflicts, Jana, Kaylie, Sena and I drove to Pensecola to sign the necessary paperwork. We then drove Sena to her home, and eventually on to Sandestin where we are staying.

The good news is that we are over most of the paperwork issues until finalization which should occur in the next 3 to 4 months. Everyone is doing well, just tired. It has been both a hectic and emotional day for all involved. But, we knew that would be the case. Now, we are in the waiting mode until we get word from the Florida agency that we are cleared to cross state lines. There will be more pictures, but my camera was idle today. I promise, that won't be the case tomorrow!

I Didn't Drop Her!

Look at me. I'm holding the baby and didn't drop her. By the way, that is me she is gazing at so intently (ha ha). Actually, I have been holding her quite a bit but I have normally been behind the camera. And after viewing the photo above, you can see why I am better suited to be BEHIND the camera.

Today has been another day of feeding, diaper changing and swaddling. We are still working on the logistics and timing, but the birthmom and Kaylie will be discharged from the hospital on either Thursday afternoon or perhaps Friday morning. Sena, our birthmom is still recovering so we will see how she progresses. She has been great and we've all shared in caring for Kaylie.

So, not a lot to report new. Kaylie is an eater and that is good thing, but it means a LOT of diapers. All reports show her in good health so we are very greatful for that. And for those of you with little boys, I can tell you that cool air on a bare bottomed little girl seems to have a very similar effect as with the boys. Not as much altitude, but plenty of force! Lesson learned (let's hope....)

Eyes Wide Open..... Well Almost!

This photo is actually from earlier today in the nursery, but she does have her eyes open. She slept for most of the day so they were usually closed. She did finally begin to open them tonight just before we left the hospital, but of course I did not have my camera in hand.

All in all the day went well. The staff at the hospital were very good to Jana and me and seemed to go out of their way to make sure we were very much a part of the process. They even brought the two of us into the nursery for a good 20 minutes to spend time with Kaylie shortly after she was born. We fed, we changed and learned to swaddle the baby and as a result she is now affectionately referred to as our little burrito.

It has been a long day. We were at the hospital shortly after 6:30 AM this morning as the delivery was scheduled for that time, but the Dr was late. Hence the birth time an hour and a half later. Despite it being a very early morning after flying across country, it was fortunate that we started early. The hospital is a small regional hospital and according to some of the staff, average maybe 2 births. a day. Today they had 7 and one of those was twins delivered via emergency cesarian. Needless to say, things really heated up shortly after 9:00 AM this morning.

Tomorrow starts a little later for us but we still hope to be at the hospital by 8. We look forward to more of the same as we hone our feeding, burping and changing skills. Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll get Jana to take a picture of me holding Kaylie!

New Mom & Baby

Here is one of the first photos. We have some from the nursery but poor Kaylie has no clothes on! Can't have those making their way around the internet. Things are going well so far. Kaylie is eating and processing according to plan. We'll keep more coming as we get them. As always, thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers!

There is one update. I had incorrect info on the birth time. It was 8:11 AM versus 8:09 AM. Close!

She's Here!

Just a quick post to announce that Kaylie is here! She was born at 8:09 AM
CST and was 6 lbs 12.4 ozs and is 18.75 inches long. Everyone is doing
well and pictures to follow as soon as I can get the laptop fired up!

The Adventure Begins

Well, here we sit waiting to board our departing flight here at LAX. If
all goes well we will be in Florida by 9:00 PM tonight. We are definitely
not flying light but given we will probably be there 2 weeks along with
packing baby essentials, that should not come as a surprise to anyone. We
have about a 3 hour layover in Charlotte late this afternoon so we hope to
see my parents for a bit.

Thanks again to everyone for your support and generosity. We'll do our
best to keep you updated and will hopefully post some pictures in the next
day or so!

Sent with Good (www.good.com)

Arrangements Made

Well, after several hours tonight, we finally have travel arrangements, as well as hotel and a car. I can't say that all airlines are this way, but USAirways has really taken any enjoyment out of travel. We are using frequent flier miles to travel, but the tickets are still not free. There are award fees, there are expedite fees because we are under 14 days notice, 911 fees, and on and on. If we happen to need to change our return date because approvals are delayed, the change fee is $150...... per ticket!!! Oh well, we have flights. We leave on Monday, January 26 and are booked to return on February 7. We did have a funny aspect. While exploring travel arrangements we talked with USAirways personnel with regard to the baby. Basically, we want to book a ticket so that we will have a seat to place her carrier in. 4 and half to 5 hours is a bit long to have a lap baby. Well, we were trying to purchase a one way ticket for the baby. So, they asked her name, which we provided. They then asked for her birth date, which we also provided. It just happened to be next Tuesday! Needless to say, USAirways personnel had no clue what to do other than they could not book a ticket for someone who had not been born yet. So, we have to wait until Tuesday to book a ticket. I guess some days you can just be too honest and up front with your answers.

Our Day is Near!

Well, if you are reading this then you know that our delivery date for
our new daughter has been set for Tuesday, January 27th. We set up
this site so that we can keep our friends and relatives updated while
we are in Florida and shortly after. Hopefully, I will have our other
web site up shortly after our return to California, but until then,
we'll try to keep updates flowing to this blog. No particular news
today other than the appointment for delivery. For now, we are just
working on determining travel plans and option. More to follow!