Wakey Wakey

So based on two nights of research, we have determined that Clara Jane has her days and nights mixed up. Thus, today we began a concerted effort to encourage the wakeful periods she had during the day. Julie being Julie, she pulled out a book. This tome was called White on Black (companion tome: Black on White). These books featue big white pictures on a black background (or vice versa). Today's lesson included the finer points of sailing. We learned about bow and stern (and aft--synonymous with stern); and which side of the boat is port and which side starboard (hint for our less nautical-minded readers: port has the same number of letters as the side to which it refers). All this per Ted who can actually sail, for which Julie thinks he is quite yar (Ted is not a boat of course; Julie just likes that word).

Clara's First Visit to Dr. Harrington

Today's big adventure was taking Clara for her first appointment with Dr. Harrington. Our Girl weighed in at 8 pounds, 7 ounces (74%) so she is almost back up to her birth weight. Curiously, she measured less than she was at birth at 20 1/2 inches (79%). Suspect, Fans, suspect. She has a touch of jaundice, but is in otherwise perfect health. Joe also had a touch of jaundice so we put him in the bouncy seat and moved it about the porch. We've not yet done that with Clara, but will. Instead, we've been taking the Lady outside to survey the lands. She has pronounced them quite fine.

Dog walking pays off again

This afternoon, Ted took the dogs for a long walk in hopes of tiring them out (no such luck, just as crazy as always). On the way we passed yet another house with an outdoor toy at the curb for free. This time it was a swing! Ted thought, I know just the place for that - scooped it up and walked home with it. When Joe got home from school he first played with his precious gardening hose and watering can before relenting to a ride in the swing, which he enjoyed in the end. We could open a daycare center soon...

Clara's Feet

How cute is that?

Homecoming for Clara Jane

Clara came home from the hospital today! We asked early in the morning to get discharged as soon as possible, and about four hours later they managed to get the three things they needed to get done. So we spent a lot of time just waiting and watching Clara sleep and eat. After getting discharged, we made a quick stop at the supermarket to gather some lunch food, and then to the house. Ted helped Joe plant the pink flowers in the pot for his sister, and the hanging pink flowers were from Ted to Clara. On the porch, Clara got to meet Berenice and Raleigh - always eager to greet new people to the house! They got a sniff and went on their way. After lunch, Julie and Clara nestled onto the porch to nurse - it was a beautiful day and perfect for sitting on the porch. So, Clara is ready to take residence permanently and eagerly awaits her big brother's return from school!

The meet up

This afternoon, Joe met his baby sister! Joe's teachers have been using a doll to teach him how to gently touch and to avoid touching the face. And when we held him up to see Clara in her crib, he gently touched her hand and otherwise just looked at her with interest. After his introduction he was happy to play in the room, drink from a cup of water and play with his new Magnadoodle toy. When Clara gave a small cry he would look over to her, and when prompted Joe would say "baby sister" or "Clara" (which sounds more like "bear-ah"). So it was a good first meeting for the new siblings!

Day 2 for Clara

Today went well for everyone. Both Julie and Clara had a steady stream of nurses and doctors to contend with, but otherwise it was a quiet day. Here are some photos.

Welcome to the world Clara Jane!

On Monday April 26th at 7:46 pm, we welcomed Clara Jane Ekkers to the world. She weighed a healthy 8 pounds 8 ounces. Julie did great through the whole thing! Joe will meet his sister on Tuesday after school. We will post more this week!