"Like a starving army... of babies"

was how Cheri characterized Gryphon's eating today; he just made it over the 5.5-lb. mark this evening (5lb 8oz).

Cheri is relieved to have her midterm exam over with, and thinks she did well on it - due in part to the help of her study buddy, G-dogg.

Busy day

Gryphon tested out the new stroller today after visiting the pediatrician and midwife - he mostly slept, but managed to grimace at the bumps.

The car seat didn't list a minimum size requirement, but we think he'd be pretty close.

Gryphon meets Cheri's grandparents

He approved.

Cheri feels like a cow

Gryphon was entertained by Cheri's dad's antics this evening.

5 lbs. 2 oz.

We're trying to get Gryphon to start packing on the weight. He doesn't like the Crunchwrap Supremes I keep offering. Cheri and I have been eating well, however; the math department brought us a box of food that we're enjoying for dinner tonight.

Here's the mural that spans a couple of walls in the baby room. It was difficult finding the U and X animals. I went with Uakari (that red-faced monkey) and Xerus (genus name for African ground squirrel).

Almost time to move in

Gryphon's doctor appointment yesterday was good, though he's in the 1st percentile for weight (still around 5 lbs). Nathan finished painting the baby room, so Gryphon should be able to move in tomorrow (we've all been in the living room since returning home).
We've been waiting for an update from our friends who have gone into labor (our baby was supposed to come after theirs).

A week old

Gryphon is enjoying large doses of sleeping and eating. Nathan and Cheri have been working hard to get his room ready; painting has begun (we had bought the pain the day before our hospital trip), and the generous boxes of baby clothes from Nathan's cousin Erin have at last been sorted through. Cheri's parents have been bringing us much appreciated food and assistance. Gryphon said his first sentence as well: "All Awa an' Eweaugh." I'm not sure what a couple of those words mean, but we suspect he'll explain soon.

Cerberus and Gryphon

Home again, home again

After a long day of watching Gryphon and hoping his weight and blood tests would allow him to come home with us, we were given the OK by the neonatologist. We're all back at home and happy to be here!

New roommate

At last, Gryphon is out of the NICU and is staying in our room. His weight dipped below 5 lbs, but there has been significant improvement with his feeding since the move, and we hope he can leave the hospital soon.

He has been popular in the nursery, where Cheri's midwives came to visit him.

Making progress

Cheri is getting better, and can now walk to the NICU. Gryphon is now off his IV and is improving his feeding techniques. We've appreciated all the support from family and friends.

The other babies' crying helped Gryphon find his ear hole.

Healthy baby

Gryphon enjoyed some delicious milk this afternoon.

I asked if he wanted some chocolate milk.

Gryphon Oliver Shields

Born 6:35pm, April 14, 2008
5 lbs. 11 oz.
We had a scare when his pulse slowed after a lot of pushing, and opted for a C-section. All went well, and Gryphon is now in the NICU where he'll stay for awhile. He is breathing well on his own, and shows signs of gorilla-like strength. Cheri is recovering well.

Labor Union

Everyone's having a good time. Almost.

After struggling for a few hours, we went with the epidural.
Now Cheri's taking a peaceful nap.

Day 2 at the hospital

Contractions are starting with the aid of some drugs.

No baby yet

But some good Scrabble and TV.

Weekend Surprise

The baby doesn't seem to be following the countdown timer...

He popped his bubble five weeks early, so here we are at the hospital.

Everybody is fine; we'll keep you posted.

Mammoth

We've been enjoying the Lebanese food in Portland lately. Here Cheri is testing the baba ghanoush at Abu Rasheed (not quite as good as at Ya Hala), behind a large teapot full of very strong coffee.

We went to Goodwill bins yesterday, and somehow came home with a huge wooly mammoth - we don't know how this happened exactly, but now we have to find a way to get rid of it. It'll be in my classroom for awhile.

Bowling Night

Dar on Stilts

Dad tried out the jumping stilts during our trip to Bellingham this weekend. Cheri was given a baby shower, and we're now fully supplied. All we need is a baby.