By host on 12/28/2008 2:53 PM

Holland to Houston: The 2nd day of Christmas (12/26) Beatriz and Birgit were surprised by the visit of her sister Sylvia and daughters Nicole (9yrs) and Monique (7yrs) from Holland ! Nicolaas (Birgit's brother in law) was very generous as he gave them 3 tickets to Houston for Christmas to meet Beatriz and help Birgit 'get better prepared' for her transition to Mommy-hood life ;-)

Health Update: Birgit & Jamison were pleasantly surprised by the feedback from Beatriz' pediatritian Dr. Alex Injac (12/27) regarding her health progress. Beatriz is no longer at risk of jaundice from the A+/A- blood type issues. Also, she has gained weight at a good pace (now 8.6 lbs, up from 6.14 at birth, putting her at the 50% range which is average), and she grew in body length (now 20.75, up from 19.5 at birth, putting her height at the 75% range so she may be taller than Mommy ;-). The only potential issue is that she does have an umbilical hern ... Read More »

By host on 12/27/2008 1:58 PM

Jamison invited Opa, Oma, mom, and Beatriz over to taste his first attempt at cooking Christmas dinner. He had already succeeded in baking his family's traditional sugar cookies, frosting and all (see new pictures in photo gallery). The dinner turned out to be edible. In fact, not only did everyone have seconds, but Oma and Opa actually brought home the left-overs and we've continued to eat them!

Beatriz also met Chewbacca for the first time. After an initial scare, they got along nicely! This moment was also captured in Beatriz' Christmas memories album, a new family tradition I started.
 

By host on 12/14/2008 9:19 AM

DEPENDENCY; that is the word that most closely describes my experience during this 1st week of being Beatriz’ Mommy ;-) And those of you who know me, need no further explanation as to what an ‘adventure’ that is for me ;-)

Jamison for creating this website with Birgit user-friendly instructions so that we may share Beatriz’ updates, photo’s, etc on a timely manner going forward with all our family and friends (see a photo I took of Jamison during the 'birthing process' of this website…he was able to hold Beatriz while working on the computer in our St. Luke's hospital room :-) it's in the 'birth' album )

My Mom for spending the nights with me back at home, helping me change diapers, clothes, and caring for Beatriz so I could take at least 1 hour of sleep a night…

My Dad for being ‘jack of all trades’…he assembled the gliding chair, rolling crib, mounted shelves, cooked dinner, and accompanied Mom while they both ran hou ... Read More »

By host on 12/13/2008 11:12 AM

Tuesday morning around 2:15am, Birgit's water breaks in bed (and thanks to advice from her sister Sylvia, a waterproof bedcover saves the matress!). She attempts to contact Jamison, who sleeps like a brick through both her phone calls and text messages. Next she calls Nadia, the doula, who lets Birgit know that since she's not feeling regular contractions, active labor is probably 12 hours away.

Jamison finally wakes up to his alarm at 6am, which, oddly enough, is also his cell phone... After checking his messages, he calls Birgit who informs him that we're still several hours away from active labor, but that early labor contractions are 6-8 minutes apart. Jamison packs necessities for a 3-day hospital stay, arranges care for his dog Chewbacca, and picks up Birgit’s favorite breakfast taquitos on his way over.

Nadia arrives around noon and checks Birgit’s labor conditions to find she is only 2cm dilated. Despite still being in early labor, Theodora, the midwife ... Read More »

By host on 12/12/2008 3:49 PM

The Birth Adventure!

Tuesday morning around 2:15am, Birgit's water breaks in bed (and thanks to advice from her sister Sylvia, a waterproof bedcover saves the matress!). She attempts to contact Jamison, who sleeps like a brick through both her phone calls and text messages. Next she calls Nadia, the doula, who lets Birgit know that since she's not feeling regular contractions, active labor is probably 12 hours away.

Jamison finally wakes up to his alarm at 6am, which, oddly enough, is also his cell phone... After checking his messages, he calls Birgit who informs him that we're still several hours away from active labor, but that early labor contractions are 6-8 minutes apart. Jamison packs necessities for a 3-day hospital stay, arranges care for his dog Chewbacca, and picks up Birgit’s favorite breakfast taquitos on his way over.

Nadia arrives around noon and checks Birgit’s labor conditions to find she is only 2cm dilated. Despite still being in ... Read More »