Give a big warm welcome to Felix L'Heureux Gillet

Though many of you have already "met" him through email and Facebook, we wanted to formalize an announcement that includes two very important items: A photo that is worthy of printing out for Great-Grandma's fridges and, much more importantly a middle name. Our birth story, as some of you know was long and included many moments of interstate hand-ringing and will be recounted in its entirety at a later date; for now we will just say it started at home and ended nearly 3 days later with our beautiful creation taking the man-made northern route.

From Felix

Felix L'Heureux Gillet
Born 2/25/10 @ 12:34 am
7 lbs 9 oz, 19.75 inches

Just a quick note...

Hi everyone,

Just a quick note to let you all know that I am doing fine. My midwife stopped by around noon, and I am dilated 3cm, 80% effaced, with contractions 7-10 mins apart. Alex has been such a help with the contractions and keeping me well nourished, just to list a few things. I don't know what I would do without him or without our friend Kristin who made a quick trip to the store for us (since our supplies that we stock up on keep dwindling the more the baby delays)! I keep looking at the baby's ultrasound photos, and getting more and more excited to meet the little one. I know that a lot of you are thinking about us today - thank you so much for your support! Can't wait to spread the word about our new arrival.

Love,
Dani

Cookies and pools!

Test results (ultrasound, blood work) were very positive, in the words of our midwife we are, "Sitting pretty". Contractions are much more regular- coming in every seven minutes- and a lot more painful. We are both amazed how much pain is relieved just by my firm squeezing on her hip bones.

Yesterday in the midst of contractions and running around Dani made a batch of cookies that she dubbed her, "Labor of love."

We also picked up and set up the tub; just add water and we will have a pool party in the bedroom! Hopefully the baby will join in the fun.

Some more facts

Dani has been having regular hard contractions since last night, and we went to Alma again today to get a the readings of the previously mentioned tests: all's well in blood and urine town. They took another blood sample and sent us for some sonograms to be certain that baby's heart is strong, is taking practice breaths, learning the backstroke and that its pool is still full. Reading of the results tomorrow. Dani is being a trooper though all of the contractions, and is now taking a nap. She thinks it may be tomorrow before we are introduced to the baby.

Progress

We just got back from the birthing center, we have had visits everyday for the past three, they are closely monitoring Dani's slightly elevated blood pressure. At this point it is borderline so they/we are comfortable waiting, primarily because her previously taken blood test came back normal (her kidneys and liver are not pissed off at the baby staying past 40 weeks). Laura, our primary midwife, informed us that if Dani's blood pressure goes up, or the blood tests were anything less than perfect, or if the Protienura urine analysis (results tomorrow) were abnormal, we would be going to the hospital, probably to be induced. She is very aware that this is not what either of us want but, just like everyone else, wants the safest possible birth. The prospect of going to the hospital is making Dani & I very nervous; but we are ready to pivot and take that course if necessary.

She is dilated 2cm and 50% effaced; exciting to have some hard numbers to show progress. Just hope that the blood pressure, etc stays below the border until we are in the home stretch; no one wants to end up in the hospital, especially for something as positive as giving birth.

Still waiting...

The baby's room is ready. Diaper bag ready to go, bouncy chair ready to be bounced in, rocker and blanket (made by Grandma Alice for Alex when he was little) ready to cuddle Mom, Dad, and Baby (maybe not all at once), crib ready to be slept in by baby down the line...

We've both got some practice now folding the cloth diapers...







We've been biding our time in the forest, and can't wait to share the trail with our little one. Whenever you are ready Baby. We can't wait to have you in our arms!

tick. tock.

Now that I am officially on leave from work, I have plenty of time to wait around for the baby to show itself; lets hope it wants to come out soon. We have been blessed with some awesome weather and have been enjoying it by squeezing in hikes and lounging in the sun. Maybe tonight will be go time!