Clowning around

Gryphon was excited to see the clown costume that I wore at his age. He got a lot of compliments when we took him to the festivities at nearby Warner Pacific University, though a lot of people mistook him for a lady-clown.


We decorated [and ate] several cookies, did a cupcake walk, and even roamed the streets with Gryphon asking, "Trick treat?" Alice had a good time too, though she slept through it all.

Highlights

The usual

Growing

Alice had a check-up yesterday. She's gained a 1.25 pounds and 1.5 inches in less than 3 weeks, but still only 9th percentile for weight (29th for height, 49th for head size). It's not for lack of milk, though - there's so much that Cheri is giving it away.

Ipsy bitsy

Jared & Alyson's wedding

Gryphon had the honor of being the ring bearer. He did as well as we had hoped, without having practiced:


The charming ceremony was officiated by cousin David. Alice slept through it all.

Everyone had fun, particularly when it came time for cake.

Menagerie

When Gryphon named Geddit and Hazadeet (the Indian polar bear) this morning, we decided we'd better document his collection. Here they are, in order of popularity:

Meeting people

Alice has seen a lot of people in her short time with us. Of course the grandparents were first in line, but she's also met: Jonah and parents,

farmers Greg and Amy,

Nikki the midwife who filled up our refrigerator,

tio Santos,

cousin David, uncle Jared and [soon] aunt Alyson...

Sleeping people

Alice and I went for a walk to Mt. Scott park while Cheri and Gryphon took a nap.

We were out for a couple of hours, and she slept the whole time except for a milk break in the middle.

We woke up Geoff Schofield to say hello on the way home. Cheri and Gryphon were still asleep when we got back.

Making faces

Alice spends her time eating and sleeping, but in the brief intervals between she looks like this.

Pumpkin patch

We went with the Cunninghams and half of Portland to the pumpkin patch yesterday. We later vowed to go mid-week next time. Or maybe in July.


We chose some good pumpkins, but I had to swap them for smaller ones when Gryphon required carrying.

Spider Ball

What we did during Alice's nap today:

Helping hands

After a few days, Dar Dar came down on the train.


Alice was looking a bit jaundiced, so she got to wear a magical light belt for two days.

2 days old

"She's tiny." -Gryphon

We finally headed home today. Nanna Jo found us napping.

Alice

Alice Harriett Shields, born 8:32pm October 7, 2010. 5lbs. 9.8oz.


Here's how she came into the world - edited for your sensibilities but not those of small children.

Alphabet

Here's Gryphon's current rendering of the alphabet:


And here's what it sounded like when Cheri and I dropped off some stuff at Goodwill in August.


Here's Gryphon after dinner last night:

Proof by induction

Cheri's last ultrasound yesterday showed a lower amount of amniotic fluid than is preferable, so the suggestion was that she be induced. We went in last night at 7, and she started Pitocin shortly after. Nothing much has happened yet: lots of contractions but no signs that 10-01-10 will be the birthday. I had to sneak Cheri some solid food for lunch - don't tell.

We've been passing the time by listening to music and doing puzzles:
What is most like a bee in May?
“Well, let me think: perhaps-” you say
Bravo! You're guessing well to-day!

Update: After no notable progress on the uterine front, we asked for a second fluid measurement, which came up normal. We decided to come home and relax until something exciting happens... whenever that may be.