Phalanges

Some of you may have heard that Ellen has inherited Daddy's phalanges. Well it is true and to prove it here is a close up of the the piggies. Please note the elongated second phalange which is of equal length or greater than the big piggy. A sure sign of intelligence.

Pediatrician Week 2

Today was Ellen's week 2 appointment with the pediatrician. At which time we learned Ellen has gained a full pound since last week to bring her total body weight to 7lbs 8ozs. That's a full 9ozs above her original birth weight. So what does this mean? Ellen and Mom make a great team! There is still room for improvement as far as sleeping goes. In fact we were told Ellen might be on a opposite schedule and we should therefore make an effort to make her more active during the day. Either that or we may have to send her to Italy to live with Amanda in Trever in a more appropriate time zone.

Bath Time

Ellen had her first bath several days ago but I am just now posting a clip from it. She is doing quite well and sleeping in 3 hour increments throughout the day and night. Which is how frequently she has to eat so it works out well. It was a big shock to our sleeping patterns but I think we are starting to become acclimated. Hopefully the return to work for me won't be difficult with the somewhat erratic periods of sleep. All in all the experience has been amazing, trying and a blessing all at the same time.

Enjoy the clip of Ellen's first bath.

Ellen Is Here Beer Label Complete

Following Ellen's arrival and in time for submission to AFCHBC I have completed the label to accompany the belgium tripel brewed in honor of Ellen Elizabeth Crain. A copy of this label in PDF format can be downloaded at the following link: Ellen Is Here Beer Label.

Out on the town.

Ellen had her first evening out on the town and it was a memorable one. She met so many of her friends for the first time including Claire King pictured below. Claire is now just 2 months old and has already grown so much. Also in attendance was Victor Garber (not pictured), Ellen's first celebrity siting on just her first venture on the town.

Ellen to make first public appearance!

Ellen is ready to hit the town... well, at least her two grandmas think she's ready. There's an opening at the gallery this Friday (Jan 19th) from 6-8. It's a group show (2 painters, 1 sculptor) that should be pretty cool. If you are up for it, Ellen would love to meet you. Since parking can get to be a pain later in the evening, I'm planning on showing up as close to 6 as possible. If Ellen doesn't mind, we'll be there till closing, or at least for the majority of the evening.

Love,

Kathleen

See gallery website for show info and directions.

Naptime

Ellen tends to sleep the best during the day but is getting better at night. Here is a snap shot of her this morning taking a little siesta on the couch!

Thats pretty darn cute!

What Ellen enjoys most.

In the short amount of time Ellen has been home we have come to realize she loves to swing! In fact this is the way she currently prefers to sleep. As long as she sleeps she can do whatever she wants doing it.

Introducing Ellen Elizabeth Crain

Drum roll please................ here are the long awaited pictures of Ellen just shortly after her arrival Friday January 12th at 9:03 AM (6lbs 15oz; 20").

Just minutes after birth

Family Portrait (excluding Gypsy)

ELLEN IS HERE !!!

Hello All!!! Ellen Elizabeth Crain was born Friday January 12th at 9:03AM weighing 6lbs 15oz. She was an long 20" in length and has her Daddy's fingers and toes!!! Mom and Ellen are home as we just arrived yesterday and everybody is doing well. I have lots of pictures to post of her just minutes after birth and will have them up shortly. We are still settling in here at home and I should have some time to get to it shortly. Check back soon! Ellen can't wait to meet all her adoring fans!

Congratulations to my sister Carin who finished first in Ellen's Baby Pool! Your bottle of "Ellen is Here Beer" will be on its way to you shortly.

Love
Brian, Kathleen and Ellen

Ellen Pending

Here is this week's medical update! At Kathleen's appointment it was determined that she is 75% effaced and still at a -2 station. Which isn't much of a change from last week but she is now just over 1 cm dilated and her cervical consistency is soft which is progress!! Kathleen is not very enthused but I believe this is a step in the right direction. We have another appointment this Thursday at which time they will strip the membranes in effort move things along. Induction was also discussed and we will mostly likely be arranging an appointment for induction on Monday of next week. Hopefully Ellen makes her grand entrance, or exit depending on your perspective before then but preferably not during the big Charger/Patriots game this Sunday.

Expect another update Thursday unless something happens between now and then!

Still waiting....

We are still currently waiting and are now 1 day past the expected date of delivery. Still no major events that may elude to Ellen's arrival in the near future. Another appointment is scheduled tomorrow morning so we will have a medical update then.

Happy Birthday to Jonathan yesterday and Elvis today! Oh! I almost forgot! Happy 4th Birthday to Gypsy, that's one hound dog "The King" would dig.

Labor Inducing???

So as the date approaches both Kathleen and I get more and more anxious for the big event. After our most recent doctor's appointment Kathleen has gotten some what frustrated by the lack of progress and is beginning to fret that it may take longer than expected. So in effort to induce labor we are beginning to explore the various superstitions. Spicy food is at the top of the list so we'll be heading over to Punjabi Tandoor to indulge in some seekha kebab and chicken vindalu.

If anyone has some must try remedies now is the time to share them!

Ellen Update

For those of you who have not heard, this morning's appointment revealed little progress since last week. Currently as of this morning, 70% effaced and 0 cm of dilation. Appears we might go past the expected date of Jan 7th. Next scheduled appointment Tuesday Jan 9th.

Lastly, I have locked the game so if you want to change your guess you'll have to ask me. Bribes also work well.

UPDATE: The game is once again unlocked for last minute entries and revisions. Take advantage.