Maya comes home!

Even though the hospital just added her to its View the Newborns web page, Maya spent most of the day at home. We got her home just after lunch.

She was visited this morning by our terrific pediatrician, Dr. Rosa, who gave her a clean bill of health. Dr. Rosa also gave her biggest fan, Owen, a nice lesson about his new family, drawing faces on his fingers, tallest to shortest, to show him his daddy (middle), mommy (ring), Owen (pointer) and Maya (pinkie). He was delighted! But she wasn't done. Before she left, there were faces on all of his fingers, on all of the fingers of one of her hands, and on dad's fingers as well.

We love Dr. Rosa!

Bringing Maya home has been an easy transition. She's been napping and checking out her new digs. Mom and Dad both enjoyed a little nap with her this afternoon, and Owen gave her a big hug when he got home from day care.

She got into full luxurious napping mode after dinner, while Owen and I played our guitars in the next room.

More tomorrow!

Maya Elizabeth Aalberts, Day 2

MAYA ELIZABETH AALBERTS, 3/25/08 (click for more information)

Day two with Maya was awesome. I promise to tell the whole birth story (which is not only Cliff's Notes fast, but very fun) when I have a little more time. For the time being, here are a few more pictures from today.

Maya Elizabeth Aalberts

Welcome Maya!

Maya Elizabeth Aalberts was born today at 11:56 AM.

8 lbs. 12 oz. 20 in.

She's very healthy and very cute! Mom and baby are resting comfortably ... Owen will meet her soon. (Pictures to follow.)

A few from today ...

Please note the new blog address http://www.owenandmaya.blogspot.com/.

Happy Easter

We dyed the Easter egg blue ... then made it kind of boxy.
The new car is here. An epic trip to Chicago for Joel yesterday to trade in the Echo ... in the Echo ... for the new Scion xB. Hours were spent in the dealership while a winter storm raged outside, but it got done and Joel drove the car the 140 miles home (where it was in the mid-40s) to everyone's great delight. Owen agrees the car is "derry derry nice." We had fun tooting around town in it today.


Easter has come. We have a big day planned tomorrow, with an Easter basket ready to go downstairs and an egg hunt planned at Aunt Pam's after breakfast.


Owen got ready for the Easter fun today talking to the bunny card Nana and Grandpa sent. What fun!

Any day now ...

Yes, she's ready to pop! Just don't ask her about it.

The charm of "still no baby?" is lost when the answer is so obvious ...

We just know our time is getting closer, though. There's honestly not any more room for the baby to grow any bigger in there. The only potential downer for Amy is that Aalberts children love to be born on Sundays (and within our family on holidays). I'm already thinking she'll come on Easter Sunday. Amy just wants to make it until tomorrow when her OB returns to being on call.

We had a good weekend, despite having to rely on car trips both Saturday and Sunday to settle Owen into his nap. We had a great time at the Discovery Museum on Saturday morning and went to the pool as a family on Saturday afternoon. Owen woke up with a croupy cough on Sunday, but rebounded spectacularly, as the following video shows.





We'll keep you posted as things develop. Owen is ready to be a big brother and we're all looking forward to meeting our little girl.

Baby shower

The nice folks at the Bloomington Cultural District threw a very fun baby shower for Amy and me today. The potluck lunch included everything "mini," including quiches, carrots, and sandwiches (shaped like bibs).

The gifts were equally creative. A birthday cake constructed out of baby diapers ...... and other great handmade items, including some very cute baby outfits and a quilt (which was perfect for the Wednesday afternoon staff meeting).

A Church and a puddle

Hey. Working with his blocks last night, Owen decided to build a "very big church." Look closely and you'll notice the pews, the spires in front. There's even a pulpit for his grandpa to use.

Owen's other grandpa and grandma were here this weekend. We tackled a number of projects in the house, and enjoyed the nice weather with some time outdoors. Owen was particularly fascinated by a puddle in the sidewalk across the street. He first discovered it when he was out with Amy and me for a walk, jumping in with his tennis shoes (still drying in the garage). I took some pictures of that on my cell phone, which I'll share as soon as I can get them off.

This shot was taken a little later when Amy brought him back outside in his rain boots. I think he might have missed the squish of the water between his toes, but he still had a great time.

Good thing he knows how to clean himself at bath time ...