just being a baby

Not a lot happens in this video. It's just Desmond hanging out on the bassinet, acting the way a baby should. I apologize for the amateurish camera work.



-G

first doctor visit

For the record, he's not crying and that isn't his "poop face". Dr. Scanlan had just put the cold stethoscope on his chest. He quickly, and soundlessly, reverted to sleeping away.

day 3. desmond's first social outing

On Sunday, the day after we got home, we decided to take Des out for a little walk. Robin wanted to stretch her legs and we wanted to break in the new stroller. The little walk turned into a long walk as we made it all the way to our friends Lys and Carl's house about 11 blocks away. Carl has been freakishly excited for the Cracker's arrival. There we got to see Lys and Carl, their two-year-old, Theo, and next door neighbors Sara and Mark (who also works with me at MapQuest). Even though Desmond didn't bother opening his eyes once for his new friends, everyone got a kick out of meeting the little guy.

When the time came to head back, Theo grabbed his own toy stroller so he and his parents could accompany us back. Robin soon realized she was probably pushing things a little too much so soon after delivery, so Carl came to her rescue and drove her back home VERY slowly alongside the rest of us walkers.

we're home!

We loaded Big D into his new car seat and brought him home around 2:45pm today. Thats almost exactly 48 hours after we drove away from the house with Robin doing some primal screaming in our Doula's back seat.

Now we are just trying to get settled, rest, and establish something resembling a routine.

Thanks to everyone for all your thoughts and good wishes. More info and pics soon.

-G

desmond, day one

While resting on my shoulder for some burping, Des starts trying to hold up his head on his own with Mommy and the Ridley Grands watching ("Bo-Bo" and "Grams"). We are still in the hospital and he is only 21 hours old at this point.

G

desmond on arrival

The first family picture.

Graham Crackers for everyone!! These were provided by the hospital, not us. This is Mary Wilkerson, the doctor that delivered Desmond.
The Team. Gavin, Penny (our doula) Robin, Dr. Wilkerson, and Desmond in the middle.

Des with Daddy.

Robin's parent meet their grandson.

Desmond Archer Graham

Born Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 5:34 pm
8 pounds, 10.5 ounces, and 22 inches long

Labor started at 4am on Thursday and we went to the hospital around 2:45pm. Robin had a completely natural delivery and has become my hero in more ways than I can ever say.

-G

due date in the park

Well, our due date (yesterday) has come and gone without *too* much excitement. We actually had a doctor's appointment to check things out and do a "Non-Stress Test" to make sure the Graham Cracker is still moving around as much as he should be (he is) and that things are progressing in terms of dilation, engagement of the baby's head, etc. (they are -- though maybe not as rapidly as we'd like)!

We have an ultrasound scheduled for Thursday to check the level of amniotic fluid, and then a doctor's appointment the following day to see where everything stands at that point. Obviously, we *really* want things to take their natural course (as opposed to going the induction route), so please send us good vibes, thoughts, prayers...whatever you like...that this little guy will decide to make his big debut very soon! We're definitely taking measures to encourage him...among other things, we took a long walk in gorgeous weather yesterday afternoon, and Robin has NOT been avoiding spicy foods in any way.

-G

my very first friend

**While we are patiently waiting for the Cracker to make his arrival, I thought I would try to get caught up on some of the posts we meant to get online over the past 9 months.**

This happy, little guy is Dr. John Hobbins. Today, he operates a perinatal clinic here in Denver that specializes in early fetal testing and high-end ultrasounds. After our first ultrasound at Platte Perinatal, we got the insurance statement and Robin noticed Dr. Hobbins' name. She thought something sounded familiar and asked me. It took a minute, but I realized why the name stood out.

My mom has a great knack of keeping up with where old friends and acquaintances wind up. Forty years ago, Dr. Hobbins was an Air Force doctor at Otis Air Force Base in Massachusetts, the same base where my father was stationed at the time. You guessed it...John Hobbins was the doctor who delivered me.

On our second ultrasound visit, I got to re-meet him, shake his hand, and thank him for helping me out so long ago. I also let him know I had a little bone to pick with him. It seems he is also responsible for me very first (and longest standing) nickname. As he presented me to my mother in the delivery room, he let her know that he thought I looked a bit like Mr. Magoo. Uhhh...thanks Doc.

-G

place your bets!

Several co-workers were willing to place money on the date the Cracker would arrive, so we set up a calendar on my white board to keep track. A few more wanted to get in on the action, and before we knew it, about 3 weeks of dates were picked and paid for ($1 per date picked). While the official "due date" is Feb. 16th, the earliest date in the pool was the 6th. The latest so far is the 21st. My money is on the 11th, while Robin snagged the 17th.

-G

gettin’ some practice

There are way too many photos of my ballooning belly throughout this blog, so thought I'd mix it up by adding an adorable one of G with Theo (Lys and Carl's 2-year-old). Did I mention that all kids seem to love Gavin ('cause what's not to like)? Hopefully I won't have to fight too much for my share of attention from our little guy...yeah, okay, probably not.

-rhr %:-)

38 weeks and treats

On the eve of hitting 38 weeks, we ventured out for a "Marco Polo" night with friends Shawn and Jill. This consists of good Chinese food (Little Ollie's in Cherry Creek) followed by Italian gelato.

As far as the pregnancy goes, things (meaning the Cracker) seem to have shifted a little downward. Robin feels more pressure down low, and walking any real distance has become a much slower and more challenging task. She also detects a fair amount of "Braxton-Hicks" contractions and "twinges" as well, but so far, that's it...nothing with a true pattern yet.

Our bags are packed and the new car seat is installed in the car. We even have some goodie bags with snacks ready to go. Robin officially began her maternity leave this week, so I think we are pretty prepared for liftoff.

-G