Baby's First Burp

While we were still at the hospital, Grandma Kay taught us a thing or two about burping the baby. (If you can't see it on your browser, there's a video clip in the box below)

Homecoming Day!!!

Madeleine came home for the first time on New Year's Eve just a few minutes before noon. The pediatrician checked her out first thing in the morning and our girl is doing just fine. He wants to give her little immune system a few days to catch up, so unfortunately we can't have visitors for the time being. But we'll let all of the "aunts" and "uncles" know just as soon as she's able to receive visitors.

Mom had some special time with Madeleine this morning before the last round of poking and prodding began.



Before leaving the hospital, Brian once again exceeded expectations by changing a wet and impressively soiled diaper without vomiting. But then he promptly botched the swaddling job. Thankfully, Madeleine forgave him because Brian serenaded with a new song he composed - "Who's Got the Cleanest Diaper in the Hospital?" Thank God the video camera wasn't around.....


Madeleine did her Godzilla impersonation to tell Mom that she needed to eat.

We tested out our 100% effective baby sleep inducer - Bob's tummy.....

And then it was time to leave the hospital and go home!

Day 2

Madeleine's first full day went fine. Mom and Dad spent the night in the hospital while baby was kept in the nursery so more experienced hands could keep an eye on her.

In the morning she was reunited with Mom and Dad. She latched onto Mommy right away!

Then, Mommy and Madeleine spent the day being poked and prodded by the nurses. One of us (name witheld to prevent embarrassment) got fussy during our hearing test. Dad changed his first diaper (badly). Everyone passed their tests and looked forward to a morning departure on New Year's Eve.

Baby B's Birthday!

The big day finally arrived! Introducing Madeleine Ann B. Madeleine arrived at 6:03 PM. She checked in at 7 pounds 13.4 ounces and measured 19.5 inches.

Mom and baby are doing well. Dad exceeded expectations by not fainting, but he is taking a vow of celibacy and needs a stiff drink or the drugs they gave mom in the delivery room.

We'll post more in the next few days but in the meantime, enjoy these first clips -

The Waiting Game

Baby Watch is in full swing. Mom and Dad and the Howes are here in Alexandria feverishly waiting for the faintest hints of the first contractions, and no one in the house (except Bob) seems to be sleeping well right now.

We cut back our annual Christmas day phone calls to friends and family because everyone is waiting for "The Call" and seems disappointed when it's just us wanting to chat.

Meanwhile, Hannah is eating spicy food and exercising and scientifically testing every old wives tale approach to try to get the baby moving. She's drawn the line at castor oil, though.

If nature doesn't take its course, her doctor will induce her on January 3.

Stay tuned!

Charlie Brown's Christmas

After going without a Christmas tree for 3 of the first 4 years of our marriage, Hannah finally won out this year. It's a little bit bigger than the Charlie Brown's tree but it fits just perfectly in our little place.

Getting Ready for B-Day!

We've been spending the last few weeks getting everything ready for the big arrival. We've rearranged furniture, conducted a massive closet purge, washed baby clothes, bought a second car, installed the car seat, and generally helped to stave off an economic downturn.

But that hasn't stopped us from taking in the holiday spirit. We checked out the White House holiday decorations this week and Hannah made her first trip to the Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the State Department for a holiday party.














And tummy watch is on high alert!