More Pictures

The weeks are flying by! Ellen is already 6 weeks old and changing before our eyes. In the last few days we have started to notice her becoming more aware of the world around her. One of her favorite things to do is to sit in her swing and watch Daddy "dance" like a monkey in front of her. I use the term "dance" loosely because it mostly consists of waving my arms and rocking from side to side.

For now here are more pictures of Ellen for you to enjoy.

Happy Birthday Noah

Ellen had the pleasure to attend Noah's 1st birthday on Saturday! After what amounted to be her furthest venture from home to Whittier we arrived just in time for the traditional singing of happy birthday and cake cutting. Due to Ellen's inability to eat solid foods daddy ate Ellen's share of cake. Yum! Thanks Tom, Laura and Noah for having us!

The next day was Aki's baby shower where Ellen again made another public appearance. Unfortunately Mommy didn't take any pictures so instead here is picture of Ellen's newest outfit from Jillian. Thanks Jillian! The PJs are super cozy!

Appetite for Destruction

Ellen enjoys her first bottle feeding while wearing her G&R onesie from Auntie Heather.

Baby Snores

Week 4

A few updates to report from week 4. Despite the lack of pictures in this post and it's briefness this week was momentous. First of all it was my return to work which left Kathleen and Ellen to fend for themselves. I was a bit concerned for Kathleen since she would not have an extra set of hands but after a couple smooth days my worries were gone.

As for sleeping at night I'm happy to report continued success this week as Ellen woke no more than once each night and last night she slept completely through till morning! When I rose this morning to find it light outside I was overcome with elation initially followed by fear when I realized Ellen never stirred. Once I could hear her quiet snores I was ecstatic! She is just the perfect baby and is really making life easy for us!

Ellen's Photo Albumn

The last three weeks are behind us and we have all survived! While I can't speak for Mom, it wasn't until week 3 until I felt I had finally mastered the techniques needed so soothe and care for Ellen. While I am sure there is still much to learn I at least feel I can handle the basics. Now for your enjoyment I have uploaded all the pictures I've taken to date to view and even order prints; Ellen's First Weeks photo album.

Ellen's Cousin Bryan Arrives

Nearly 3 weeks to the date since Ellen's birth, my sister Carin and her husband Mike had their first child Bryan. He was born Thurs, Feb 1st at 10:32PM and weighed the same as Ellen, 6lbs 15ozs and was 19 3/4" in length. Congratulations to Carin and Mike! The family to starting to grow very quickly this year and it is only February 1st! Theoretically there is still plenty of time to sneak another child in before year's end........

Forgive the low quality image, it is all that I currently have.

Playtime

I was trying to embed this rollover image into today's blog entry but just couldn't make it happen. Maybe I'll revisit the attempt later. In the meantime you can still appreciate it. Hope you enjoy! Mouse over image for full effect.

Phalanges

Some of you may have heard that Ellen has inherited Daddy's phalanges. Well it is true and to prove it here is a close up of the the piggies. Please note the elongated second phalange which is of equal length or greater than the big piggy. A sure sign of intelligence.

Pediatrician Week 2

Today was Ellen's week 2 appointment with the pediatrician. At which time we learned Ellen has gained a full pound since last week to bring her total body weight to 7lbs 8ozs. That's a full 9ozs above her original birth weight. So what does this mean? Ellen and Mom make a great team! There is still room for improvement as far as sleeping goes. In fact we were told Ellen might be on a opposite schedule and we should therefore make an effort to make her more active during the day. Either that or we may have to send her to Italy to live with Amanda in Trever in a more appropriate time zone.

Bath Time

Ellen had her first bath several days ago but I am just now posting a clip from it. She is doing quite well and sleeping in 3 hour increments throughout the day and night. Which is how frequently she has to eat so it works out well. It was a big shock to our sleeping patterns but I think we are starting to become acclimated. Hopefully the return to work for me won't be difficult with the somewhat erratic periods of sleep. All in all the experience has been amazing, trying and a blessing all at the same time.

Enjoy the clip of Ellen's first bath.

Ellen Is Here Beer Label Complete

Following Ellen's arrival and in time for submission to AFCHBC I have completed the label to accompany the belgium tripel brewed in honor of Ellen Elizabeth Crain. A copy of this label in PDF format can be downloaded at the following link: Ellen Is Here Beer Label.

Out on the town.

Ellen had her first evening out on the town and it was a memorable one. She met so many of her friends for the first time including Claire King pictured below. Claire is now just 2 months old and has already grown so much. Also in attendance was Victor Garber (not pictured), Ellen's first celebrity siting on just her first venture on the town.

Ellen to make first public appearance!

Ellen is ready to hit the town... well, at least her two grandmas think she's ready. There's an opening at the gallery this Friday (Jan 19th) from 6-8. It's a group show (2 painters, 1 sculptor) that should be pretty cool. If you are up for it, Ellen would love to meet you. Since parking can get to be a pain later in the evening, I'm planning on showing up as close to 6 as possible. If Ellen doesn't mind, we'll be there till closing, or at least for the majority of the evening.

Love,

Kathleen

See gallery website for show info and directions.

Naptime

Ellen tends to sleep the best during the day but is getting better at night. Here is a snap shot of her this morning taking a little siesta on the couch!

Thats pretty darn cute!

What Ellen enjoys most.

In the short amount of time Ellen has been home we have come to realize she loves to swing! In fact this is the way she currently prefers to sleep. As long as she sleeps she can do whatever she wants doing it.

Introducing Ellen Elizabeth Crain

Drum roll please................ here are the long awaited pictures of Ellen just shortly after her arrival Friday January 12th at 9:03 AM (6lbs 15oz; 20").

Just minutes after birth

Family Portrait (excluding Gypsy)

ELLEN IS HERE !!!

Hello All!!! Ellen Elizabeth Crain was born Friday January 12th at 9:03AM weighing 6lbs 15oz. She was an long 20" in length and has her Daddy's fingers and toes!!! Mom and Ellen are home as we just arrived yesterday and everybody is doing well. I have lots of pictures to post of her just minutes after birth and will have them up shortly. We are still settling in here at home and I should have some time to get to it shortly. Check back soon! Ellen can't wait to meet all her adoring fans!

Congratulations to my sister Carin who finished first in Ellen's Baby Pool! Your bottle of "Ellen is Here Beer" will be on its way to you shortly.

Love
Brian, Kathleen and Ellen

Ellen Pending

Here is this week's medical update! At Kathleen's appointment it was determined that she is 75% effaced and still at a -2 station. Which isn't much of a change from last week but she is now just over 1 cm dilated and her cervical consistency is soft which is progress!! Kathleen is not very enthused but I believe this is a step in the right direction. We have another appointment this Thursday at which time they will strip the membranes in effort move things along. Induction was also discussed and we will mostly likely be arranging an appointment for induction on Monday of next week. Hopefully Ellen makes her grand entrance, or exit depending on your perspective before then but preferably not during the big Charger/Patriots game this Sunday.

Expect another update Thursday unless something happens between now and then!

Still waiting....

We are still currently waiting and are now 1 day past the expected date of delivery. Still no major events that may elude to Ellen's arrival in the near future. Another appointment is scheduled tomorrow morning so we will have a medical update then.

Happy Birthday to Jonathan yesterday and Elvis today! Oh! I almost forgot! Happy 4th Birthday to Gypsy, that's one hound dog "The King" would dig.