Mutha Thumb-Sucka!

Henry has learned to suck on his thumb, but I think is a little perplexed as to why it doesn't produce food for him. Pretty cool to see him make the little transitions from day to day.

His first doctors visit is also under his belt, and he managed to get in and out of the office without that scary rectal thermometer. His health is looking good, and he's even put on about a half pound of weight (which gets him back to 8.5lbs). Shelly's "mams" are in full-production mode, too, which means we'll start nursing him without the supplement. I'm guessing that his daily payloads are going to start turning colors yet again.

His skin is still a little flaky because he was late, but I guess it's normal. He does kinda look a bit scaley, though, which is funny. When he cries and his face gets red he kinda looks like godzilla.

Soap Baby

Today was my first day at work, and my first day away from Hank. It was kind of a bummer, but made it all the more special to see him when I got home.

His head smells awesome...for anyone who hasn't smelled a baby's head (yeah, I know - that sounds weird), it's the most refreshing, "innocent" scent on earth. I'm thinking about taking him into the shower with me tomorrow and using him like a bar of soap.

Blood Sausage, Stone-ground Mustard and Burritos

Henry got his little pee-pee snipped the other day, and I've gotta tell you, the thing was lookin' pretty gnarly up until about an hour ago. We removed the gauze from his "member" only to find that there was a minor skin infection and some bleeding. Not knowing what to do, we took him to Children's ER and, as it turns out, everything is normal. Just part of the process, I guess. Henry was also fortunate enough to have his first encounter with the anal thermometer. Prior to tonight, his temp was checked via armpit. I wish everyone could have seen the look on his little face when that thing got inserted...his arms and legs instantly stretched out in shock and his little sleepy eyes shot open to the size of dinner plates. What a rough day for our little Rigatoni.

Just in case you've been wondering, things on the diaper front have also been interesting lately...we've transitioned from "tar poo" to "brownie-batter poo" to "stone-ground mustard poo." Who knew the human body was capable of such things?

All of the adventure aside, he's sleeping really, really well (3 - 4 hours usually at a time), and he love's Shelly's "chesticles" (as she calls them). Posting some more pictures for everyone...hopefully they offer up a little more detail on what he looks like. By the way...please note the masterful burrito-wrap (fabric complements of my sister-in-law, Heather).

Cheers - Dave, Shelly and Henry

Hank has been pretty quiet so far today - likely a result of all the hoo-ha from the last 36 hours.  He's been feeding, though, and has proven his latching technique to be pretty solid...a good sign of things to come.  

Shelly continues to progress well - she's been making semi-frequent trips to the bathroom, and apart from a little wooziness from time to time, is healing great.

This is a pretty wild ride...I'd like to believe that I had prepared myself for the chaos and randomness of everything, but there's no way I was.  Everything you guys (my friends) have said is spot-on...there is no planning for this, and there is no way to describe the sensory experience of transitioning into fatherhood.  As new parents, we're lovin' every second of this.

Cheers!

Dave

Birthday

William Henry Griffiths (aka "Hank", aka "Rigatoni") was born at 3:57pm via c-section at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA.  Sadly, the hospital didn't offer an all-you-can-eat meatball buffet for the father.  

Weighing in at 8lbs. 8.4oz, and 21.5" in length, Henry looked a lot like a grease-missile (minus the "launch" due to the c-section).

Shelly is doing really well...especially considering that she was in labor for about 24 hours and had abdominal surgery.  She was able to get up and walk a little bit already, but is still required to hold to a clear liquid diet.  Throughout the process, she looked absolutely resilient, radiant and as beautiful as ever.

Henry's already gotten in a couple of feedings and is asleep at the moment.  I got my first exposure to his first poo not long ago...it looked like someone had poured tar down his diaper.  The last time I saw something like that was after my 4 day Guinness bender in Ireland.  The boy and I already have something in common...

On a closing note, I popped a bottle of Paul Barra 2000 vintage Brut Champagne "Special Club" and it was insanely delicious.  If you're into Champagne and don't want to pay the insane prices for a well-known Grand Cru, write that name down.  

Pictures of Rigatoni to come soon!

Cheers -

Dave

Trial Run

Shelly's mom and sister (complete with 1.5 yr. old nephew & 3 month old niece) came into town for a baby shower, and we've received our first glimpse at how much baby proofing we need to do. Our little nephew, Ben-jammin "the bean" hasn't stopped reaching for CDs, DVDs, Q-Tips, door handles, etc. since he first set foot in our home. Wow. We've clearly got A LOT of work to do in order to get the house ready for our little one.

Got Shelly and her family a pedicure today - so her toes look pretty in the stirrups. She's lookin' DYNO-MITE!

Baby is still groovin' and movin' like a rock star. Pictures coming soon.

Twins?

Yes, I have a belly. Why else do you think I'd call the site "House of Bellies?" But did you know that I could push it out as far as this? Looks like we're expecting two, eh? I couldn't go around having my wife feel like she's the only round one now, could I?

Our kid is going to be a tank.