Overdue Update

I've been trying to blog for the past two weeks, but unsurprisingly I've discovered there are not enough hours in the day to take care of a newborn and, well - just about anything else.

I was even blessed with my mum being here for two whole weeks helping us tremendously. But yet, as you parents will be well aware, the time consuming demands of breastfeeding, changing, holding, soothing, doctor's appointments... seem to consume every minute of every day and most of every night too.

I was looking forward to posting about my labor experience, which was, let's just say - eventful. But I really don't have the time or the energy! Remind me one day to tell you what a joke my labor/marathon running analogy turned out to be - LOL.

Suffice to say that everything turned out well in the end and we're all settling into some semblance of a routine. Yesterday, I began a regime of base-building for the running I hope to resume in three weeks, with a one-hour power walk (pushing stroller) around the 'hood. Today, my calves, shins and hips feel like I ran 15 miles! Let's hope it doesn't take too long to get back in shape.

Time to get back to her. Fingers crossed it's not another three weeks before I blog again.

I'll leave you with three images: the three generations, the new dads, and the perfect first passport photograph.

What, are you kiddin’, we got us a family here!

Kyla Catherine, born 7th September 2006 6:34pm. 7lbs 4oz, 20.5 inches. Mum, Dad and Baby all doing well. Exhausted, but needless to say, ecstatic.

One day when I have more time* I'll post the race report...oops, I mean birth story...

Thanks so much guys for all your wonderful supportive comments.

*Perhaps 16 to 18 years from now?

Isn't this meant to be Labor Day?

Looks like another day will pass with no sign whatsoever of baby. We were rooting for a Labor Day birth, for more reason than just the name’s droll aptness. But now – unless I’m to have the shortest labor and delivery in history – we are clearly headed for disappointment.

It’s a little known fact that some women remain pregnant indefinitely. I am surely destined to become one of these unfortunates. Although this is only her fourth day in arrears, I can sense our wee girl has no intention of joining us in the outside world. She’s smart you see - well aware that she has a sweet deal in there: supplied with a warm, cozy, safe, rent free environment, effortless nutrition and transportation…Why should she put herself through the worst physical trauma a human ever endures just to be ejected into the cold, harsh reality of life? The alternative of staying in there forever is much more appealing, wouldn’t you agree?

Contrary to my plans of appreciating this unproductive, relaxing time in limbo, I just can’t. I’m agitated and bored to tears. Seemingly there’s nothing I can do about this aspect of my personality. If I’m not constantly on the move, frequently scoring through items on my (literal) daily to-do lists, I fall quickly into an ennui stupor. I find myself staring blankly into space, drooling on myself, unable to do the simplest of tasks. Give me 25 things to accomplish before noon and I will, give me just two things to do before next Friday, and I won’t touch them. I become Queen of Languor and Procrastination. Today, I actually look forward to the time (which, in spite of how it seems right now, isn’t that far off) when I’m juggling new baby, full time employment and marathon training. Feel free to remind me I wrote this when I’m having my first nervous breakdown...

She would rather have a September than an August birthday

I celebrated the beginning of my 41st week of pregnancy this morning with a half mile of laps in the pool. Pretty much just so I can forever say "I continued to swim half miles after my due date." I'm fairly impressed that it takes me only about 4 minutes longer to complete the 35 lengths than it did pre-pregnancy (hold on - I've just realized all that means is that I'm a really slow swimmer...)

This morning's ultra sound (to check on the amniotic fluid) and a non-stress test went swimmingly (pardon the pun,) although I wonder if they know how damn uncomfortable it is for me to lie on my back for an extended period of time at this stage? Baby insisted on sleeping through the whole thing, which prolonged the experience. She had to be prodded to get her to move about. She must be way, way too chilled out in there!

I'm completely convinced she's going to be the full two-weeks late. Except for the severe lack of nightly sleep, that aint so bad for me. It's the first time in years (since just before I moved to the US in fact) that I've gotten to 'relax' guilt free. And presumably it'll be my last ever chance, so I might as well enjoy.