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I just realized that yesterday was the first day we did not take any photos or video of Brendan. In his first 10 days, I think he has been photographed more times then I was my entire childhood. It's so easy today with digital cameras and video cameras to document almost every moment of his life. Just think. He could watch himself grow up from infant to preschool in timelapse. I'll be sure to take some pictures today so he doesn't feel like he's a second or third child.

Posted by Greg at 10:35 AM | Permalink

We went to the doctor's office today for a checkup and it turns out Brendan is shrinking. Brendan measured 19.5" long after he was born. Three days later we went back to the hospital for a checkup (had to go back so soon because we didn't stay in the hospital the recommended 48 hours after birth) and he measured 21" long. Today, he measured 20" long. Our doctor just giggled when he saw the chart. "This is a very exact science of measuring the length of a baby." he told us with a grin. It turns out that Brendan is doing well. He has gained a pound since his last visit a week ago which made Claire very happy. She dreaded that he would weigh the same after she has been feeding him about every 2-3 hours. The only thing that our doctor showed a little concern about was his jaundice. We talked him out of sending Brendan for blood work. Hearing him cry while giving blood probably hurts Claire and I more than it hurts him. We just have to let him know if the jaundice gets any worse. That's all on the baby front. Bye for now.

Posted by Greg at 09:30 PM | Permalink

Brendan turned one week old today. Claire and I can't believe it's only been one week. It feels more like 1 month. Last night all we could think about was what we were doing a week ago. How much pain Claire was in or how we couldn't wait for him to be born. What a week it has been. We went from young married couple to parents in an instant. I'm a parent! Wow, that sounds wierd. We are very lucky to have Claire's Mom here to help us out for the first week and next. It's nice to have an extra set of hands. When we go to change him sometime, it reminds me of a surgery with some many hands around one person. My Mom comes out the for 2 weeks after she leaves. After that, we're on our own. I'm not too worried at this point. I think we'll be able to manage. This past week has been filled with lots of firsts. It's been both exhilarating and exhausting but I wouldn't trade it for the World.

Posted by Greg at 05:52 PM | Permalink

I have determined that staring at your newborn child (doesn't matter if his eyes are open or closed) is one of the best things in the World. It's better than any movie you could watch. It's amazing at all the things you think about when you're looking at him. Here are some of the things I think about...
- How did I have a part in making something so beautiful?
- Is that normal? Is he supposed to move like that or make that sound? Should I call the doctor? Na.. he's fine.
- What sport is he going to like to play?
- Doctor, Lawyer, or Both!
- Does he know how much we love him?
- He's making a wierd face. Is he pooping? Does he need to be changed now?
- Claire and I are the luckiest people in the World.
And I could go on and on. Right now though, I am going to go hold my little boy and stare at him some more. Bye for now. New pictures are posted. Click here

Posted by Greg at 09:31 PM | Permalink

Today, Brendan had one of his many to come firsts. He had his first play date (with an older women) and first walk today. Nic brought over Ava Grace (who just turned 1 last week) to visit Brendan and Mommy. The day was so nice here in Chicago so he had another first. We took him on his first walk. Not nearly as stressful as I thought it might be. We did take a few precautions like crossing the main street in the cross walk and at the light. Normally, we just sprint accross the 4 lane road. I think those days are over. More pics have been posted to the 1 month photo album. Click here to see them.

Posted by Greg at 10:32 PM | Permalink

SOME PICTURES HAVE BEEN POSTED. Click on "Photos" link in the menu bar at the top or click here.
Many of the people we have heard from are amazed about how fast Claire gave birth. So, I have put down a brief timeline of events of Claire's labor.

9:44 pm - No contractions up until now.
9:45 pm - Claire's water breaks while brushing her teeth... fyi: A very good place to have that happen vs on the couch or in bed.
10:00 pm - Contractions start happening now about every 3 - 5 min.
12:15 am - Decided it's time to go to the hospital
1:00 am - Get to the hospital. Takes a women in labor awhile to get ready, down the stairs, and into the car.
3:45 am - Start pushing
4:20 am - Welcome Brendan into the World

Brendan is home now and Claire and I are trying to just soak it all in. His first night home on Saturday was rough. Claire and I were the stereotypical new parents... up all night, exhausted, and clueless. I had to make sure everything was alright with any noise or movement I heard from him. When he would cry, we would do the normal checks.. is he hungry, does he need a diaper change, and then plead with him to stop crying :-). Last night was a lot better. He slept from about 1:00 am to 5:00 am without waking up. Claire and I think he is getting cuter by the day but we might be a little biased.

Posted by Greg at 08:30 PM | Permalink