The definition of beauty...

Patrick arrives home

Patrick is now happily hanging out at home, feeding like a trooper and getting some serious napping in. He does like to test his lungs frequently too. They work... rather well. He also likes to be carried up and down... and up... and down... the stairs. You don't need to do squats or get a thighmaster... just get a baby.

On arrival home we found balloons at the front door that Adrianne had put there to celebrate and welcome him home.

He met the pediatrician yesterday and we reweigh him again tomorrow.

Photos of Patrick

Here are some photos from the little guy's first 24 hours of life. Mother and baby are doing great- he's got a great appetite, likes to just watch the world go by and has already made lots of new friends.



He is already good friends with his Auntie Adrianne who is a most special person in his life because she was there when he was born.


We will be heading home tomorrow where he will meet all his grandparents thanks to Skype.

... and then there were three

Patrick Rockwell Eaton Taplin was born at 12.15pm on June 22nd 2008. He weighs 6 pounds 3 ounces, or 2.8kg. He had his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck twice and came out a little stunned but is now having his first feed with mommy with his eyes wide open and a nice strong suck.

Heather endured a 26 hour labor incredibly well and is very tired, but otherwise well.

Alison Krauss, Robert Plant and Red Rocks

I placed this add on the web site Craig's List this afternoon...

http://denver.craigslist.org/tix/727916853.html

Due date comes... and...

Hi all,

Today is the summer solstice here in the northern hemisphere, and Patrick's due date. He threatened to be the very definition of punctual last night (as I was 35 years ago according to mum) but then he chickened out and said "nah... I like it just fine right where I am thanks".

I love the idea that he is a solstice baby. Today this half of the Earth is maximally oriented toward the life-giving light and warmth of the sun.

To the right I have added a link to how this all began 7 years ago for us. If you have some time, feel free to sit down and watch...

C.

Adrianne arrives

Hi folks,

No news yet- Patrick is still happily ensconced where he is. He moves a lot (weird, but cool, to see waves roll across Heather's abdomen) and keeps her up at night (sign of things to come no doubt).

Heather's dear friend Adrianne flew in to Colorado from Asheville, NC yesterday to be with us through the birth as Heather's doula, or birth coach. She is a great help, and Heather particularly draws great confidence from her presence. They laugh a lot as they plan together.

Heather has been walking and swimming most days- the walking helps him "settle in low" and the swimming is relaxing and great exercise, which as you all know H goes crazy without. I have to try and temper her expectation that she will be climbing from Boulder up the 4000 feet to Peak to Peak Highway on her road bike within 4 weeks of giving birth! Easy girl...

Patrick has stayed head down ever since the successful external cephalic version 2 weeks ago. He is a kicky little thing and so I will be pushing him to play for the Sydney Swans one day. However, I'm nothing if not flexible so I will accept opening the batting for Australia or playing golf on the PGA tour- I will be an easy father to please.

Later folks... will keep any significant news coming right here.

Testing future Baby update blogs

Hello everyone, this is where we'll be posting our baby updates!

http://patrick.thetaplins.com