Cuteness Personified

You’d better sit down. No really, I mean it. You’re about to see cuteness at its most extreme. Viewer discretion is advised.

We cannot be held liable for anyone unable to handle seeing cuteness of this magnitude. For those of you who feel like they’re up for it, click on the image below for a brief video. Faint-hearted visitors are hereby warned.

Rated "C" for cute.

The Birth Saga

If you weren’t one of the 8 midwives, 9 nurses, 2 anesthesiologists or numerous facility people with whom we interacted during our five-day stay at Club Ella (aka UCSD Medical Center), then this post is for you.

In order to give you an idea of the incredible saga that resulted in Ella Margaret’s grand outing, I have put together the following photo montage. From our initial check-in on Monday afternoon, to our arrival back home on Friday, it’s all here – minus any gory birth photos. So sit back, relax, and be thankful or hopeful that your experience was or will be much shorter.

Monday, 3:54 p.m.
Megan goes in for a check up after having 7 hours of contractions.

Monday, 5:05 p.m.
After being admitted to the Birth Center, Jason tries out the birthing ball.

Monday, 5:09 p.m.
After Jason stops fooling around, Megan demonstrates the ball's proper use.

Monday, 8:31 p.m.
Grandparents show up bearing dinner; grandfathers examine belly.

Wednesday, 11:08 a.m.
Fast forward 40 hours of contractions, labor and birth, and here's Ellie at 18 minutes old about to shock her nurses with her exceptional heft.

Wednesday, 11:10 a.m.
Sporting the first of many diapers, Ellie passes some time in the heater crib.

Wednesday, 11:38 a.m.
The proud, tired father gets his first chance to hold little Ella.

Wednesday, 11:52 a.m.
An hour old, Ella relaxes in mom's arms.

Thursday, 3:25 p.m.
A day old, mom and Ella spend some more quality time.

Friday, 1:59 p.m.
After the requisite 48 hours postpartum stay, it's time to head home.

Friday, 2:29 p.m.
After five days in the hospital, we're finally home.

Friday, 2:30 p.m.
Katy takes a closer look at her new sister.


(Click the image to watch a short video)

Spoiled, moi?

Spoiled with love, that is... Ellie has the honor of being the first grandchild on both sides of the family. Needless to say, the cameras and video cameras are never far away. Case in point: check out Grampa Don's right hand (below).

A special thanks to "Gramma" Linda and "Oma" Peggy for helping take care of Ellie, me, the dishes, the dinners, the laundry ... Maybe I'm the spoiled one. :)

The proud grandparents:

A Week in the Life

This week has been full of firsts – and not all ones that you would find in a baby “memory” book. Although, I guess when you’re less than a week old, everything you do is a first. Hmmm ... this list could get long. ;)

• First smile (It still counts even though she was sleeping -- she must have very sweet dreams)
  
• First book = One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish
  
• First manicure (courtesy of dad)
  
• First diaper “blow-out” (up the front and the back)
  
• First letter = from Auntie Amy
  
• First pediatrician visit = She’s in the 95th percentile for both weight and height!
  
• First package at the post office = from Auntie Mo
  
• First block of 5-hour sleep at night (Woo-hoo! But does that mean she won’t sleep at all tonight? I hope I'm not jinxing it!)
  
• First TV Show = Scrubs (We thought she would find the hospital setting familiar.)
  

Ellie comes home.

Ellie and Mom were released from the hospital today, so they're both enjoying being home - and catching up on some sleep. Katy was very interested in her new sister, although Ellie slept through that first encounter. More news as it breaks, but for now, here's a couple more photos - because she's just so darn cute.

Ellie's Birthday

After a lot of waiting and a lot of labor, Ella Margaret Klein entered into the world today at 10:50 a.m. Mom and baby are doing well, which is saying something, as our little bundle of joy tipped the scales at 9 lbs. 9 oz. She also faired well in the length department, measuring in at 22.5 inches. We are very excited and exhausted, and we hope that you have a chance to meet our angel sometime soon. Below are some photos to help tide you over.

Our Benevolent Breakfast Baby

San Diego owes a debt of gratitude to our unborn child. Okay, that’s probably overstating it a bit, but San Diego’s top breakfast places have certainly benefited from her generosity.

You see, I finally figured out why she’s hasn’t decided to come out yet. We’ve been watching the presidential debates pretty faithfully, and, based on what she’s heard, I think she’s concerned about the economy. Determined to do her part, she is holding out as long as she can because she knows each weekend her parents will have “one last, good breakfast before the baby comes.”

This all occurred to me while Meg and I were having breakfast at Café 222 this morning. I was commenting that this was the third weekend in a row that we went out to have a nice, peaceful breakfast while still unencumbered by the responsibilities and potential screaming fits of a newborn child.

The weekend before, we petit dejeuner-ed at Café On Park. A cute neighborhood restaurant on the border of North Park and Hillcrest, we first ate there about four years ago when visiting from San Francisco. We were looking to see our friends Dave and Laurie, and they suggested meeting there for brunch. Now it’s one of our favorite breakfast places. So, thanks Dave and Laurie, because that place is tasty and cheap!

The saga officially began a week earlier. We were told our little one would be early, so we figured this would be our last shot at going out before she was born. Plus, thanks to being nine-months pregnant, Megan was up early, so we could beat the crowds. This is important, because there is always a long line at our favorite neighborhood eatery, The Mission. Not a big surprise, as its tattooed waiters and waitresses serve up some of the finest pancakes and Mexican breakfasts around.


As much as we have enjoyed our baby’s little scheme, all good things must come to an end. Café 222 really was the last pre-child breakfast we’ll ever have, because we’re not letting our amniotic fluid surfer remain in utero for the next weekend. However, I think she can feel good about doing her part to help the economy.

Now with comments

We just realized that the "comments" area of this site was set for members only and therefore people were unable to post. But now we've opened it up to all you commoners as well. :)

Just click on what currently says "0 comments" and then "Post a comment" to share your own insights, advice or just to say Hi. Also, Blogger makes it look like you have to sign in, but you can "Post Anonymously" by clicking on said link below the big 'Sign In" button.

No, no baby yet. (At what point does fashionably late become just downright inconsiderate?!?)

Eviction Date = 10/12

Ok, Baby K, you've got exactly one week to come out on your own or we're going in after you. The appointment is set for 9am on Tuesday, Oct. 12th (depending on the number of non-stubborn babies who have decided to arrive of their own will on that AM).

Here's hoping you arrive before then!

love,
Mama

P.S. Trust me, there's more room out here.

Still waiting ...

So much for being early! We're now at 5 days past-due and are oh so ready for this baby to make her appearance.

Last week it was estimated that she will weigh in at approximately seven and a half pounds -- but I've learned better than to buy into any baby predictions at this point, even from members of the esteemed medical profession. Plus, the longer she's in there, the bigger she gets, right?!

Estimated due date ... estimated birth weight ... estimated patience level? Dropping fast.