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Statistics |
| Unique Visitors: 52 |
| Total Unique Visitors: 24724 |
| Visitors Out: 389 |
| Total Visitors Out: 389 |
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| Appropriate Reaction to "She's So Small!" |
| 2008-07-21 19:43:00 |
This is how any parent of a very small newborn must react to the umpteenth “She’s so small!” elevator comment … 1. Gasp. Look at baby. If possible, tear up. Stalk the clever observer with fright.2. Ask “Why?” in a raspy voice. Lean in to this person. Grab him or her by the collar. Panic. Sob.3. Fall forward. Beg this person to, “Bring the rest of her back, David Copperfield!” As the doors open, regain composure. If this is your floor, nab the stroller and waltz away. If not, repeat if necessary....
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| Ninth Day Photo |
| 2008-07-20 22:12:03 |
Mum holds you after having a bowl of Raisin Bran …
You both enjoy this moment of post-breakie bliss. ...
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| A Day of Firsts |
| 2008-07-20 21:50:37 |
This could be an appropriate post title every day, but today was extra firsty. You went for a spin in the stroller. You had your first infant massage. You studied Auntie Tara’s groovy red hair …
You slept through a car wash, and you didn’t even stir. Later, you watched Mum, Dad and Mataji eat burgers at Burger King. Now, after a good feeding, you rest up for your next day of firsts....
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| Eighth Day Photo |
| 2008-07-19 21:51:30 |
Today was your very first all-out scream-a-thon …
For many hours, we all tried to sooth your woes. ...
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| Tummy Time |
| 2008-07-19 09:43:05 |
For the past couple of mornings, we’ve placed you on the mat …
This morning, you studied your reflection for the longest time....
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| Metta's First Bath |
| 2008-07-18 21:32:21 |
To celebrate your arrival just one week ago, we decide to plunge you into a pool of warm water. It’s your first bath …
Here, Mum swaddles you. Your slippery skin dries squeaky clean. Tiring sobs eventually vanish. And all is well again....
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| Seventh Day Photo |
| 2008-07-18 17:32:09 |
It’s feeding time. And when you’re squawking for food, anything within range is a meal possibility …
Here, you quickly latch on to your mum’s nose as she swaddles you. You’re hungry. And you mean business. ...
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| Sixth Day Photo |
| 2008-07-17 22:22:07 |
You love music, especially the classical tunes that come from the blue octopus from Baby Einstein …
Mataji plays a cheery tune for you by pressing the toy’s sensor. You look, reach out and smile....
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| Fifth Day Photo |
| 2008-07-16 19:36:33 |
Mum holds your head up after a very long feeding …
Your gassy milk coma asks: “Who you callin’ small?” ...
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| Special Delivery for a Special Delivery |
| 2008-07-16 13:23:22 |
A special box full of gifts arrive from your grandparents and Cravings Maternity & Baby Boutique …
A beautiful gown. An organic cotton rattle, colourful socks and much more. Thanks, Grammy and Grampy....
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| Sleepy Wakefulness |
| 2008-07-16 13:18:19 |
Between feedings, you rock in the bassinet …
Your mum rests in a warm lavender bubble bath. ...
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| Hey! Hey! Hey! It's Your Birthday! |
| 2008-07-16 12:18:42 |
You share a birthday with notable folks. Kristi Yamaguchi. Bill Cosby. Cherl Ladd. Henry David Thoreau. Van Cliburn, Plus, you have the long fingers of a pianist. You wear organic cotton, thanks to fellow candle-blower George Washington Carver. The funniest? Richard Simmons. You and he could battle the NICU over appropriate BMI. Make a wish, Metta. And let’s have some cake....
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| Fourth Day Photo |
| 2008-07-15 23:57:58 |
You arrive home. You’re gaining weight. And you’re alert …
Here, you hear a child’s laughter from the Kushies Zolo toy. ...
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| Flowers from the Office |
| 2008-07-15 17:54:17 |
Dad’s office sends a lovely bouquet of lilies, daisies and a rose …
You sneeze. We snicker and transfer the lilies to a balcony vase....
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| Metta and Mum in the Nursery |
| 2008-07-15 13:31:37 |
After coming home, Mum holds you close and is tearfully happy …
We affectionately name these tender moments “the sweepies”. ...
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| Mum Soothes Your Owies |
| 2008-07-12 21:38:50 |
Mum holds you after one too many needles. Because of your small size, the hospital cautiously tests and re-tests your blood.
You’re a trooper, passing every test with flying colours. By Monday, you’ll be able to come home with us. We can hardly wait....
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| And Here's Metta . . . |
| 2008-07-12 21:32:38 |
Here is the beautiful little girl we’ve all been waiting for. She was born 5 lbs. 8 oz. at 3:34 a.m. today. She’s healthy …
And Lise did it without any painkillers. She’s an amazing mum. I’m a weepy dad. And we’re happy to have Metta Li join us....
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| It's Labour Alright |
| 2008-07-11 03:47:37 |
At 6 p.m. on Thursday, labour began. And now, 2:48 a.m., it’s full throttle. Our doula is at another birth. So, we’re going to wing the beginning of active labour ourselves. A glass of water. A blood pressure cuff. A stethescope. Fear. Biscuits. A couch. Easy-peasy. ...
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| 0?!?! |
| 2008-07-10 07:31:35 |
Today’s the day, according to that baby-spinning widget on the sidebar. Contractions have happened on and off all week, sending your mum and I into spurts of “Is this it?” dances and various other hospital bag-packing tizzies.
NOTE We’ll see Dr. Sarah McLaghlin today, and she’ll sing you out.
Like the Tibetan Buddhists say: “If you want a miracle, lower your expectations.” Contractions conshmactions. Due shmue. After a week of jitteriness, we sleep through the night. You’ll be here. Maybe today?!?! There I-go again … ...
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| How Two Type-A Personalities Approach Active Labour . . . |
| 2008-07-07 20:09:04 |
What happens when type-A personalities near active labour?
The home and nursery have been readied two months in advance. The cupboards are well stocked. Vitamin bottles line the counter with a corresponding schedule attached to the fridge door.
It’s all easily mastered by two busy minds, a pen and a legal pad.
There’s absolutely nothing your mum and dad haven’t anticipated and prepared for. Except, of course, your delivery. When will our in control dispositions be allowed to manipulate your arrival?
When you’re damn well ready. You’re one of us, aren’t you?...
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| The River Flows |
| 2008-07-07 17:40:06 |
Your Mataji and I enjoy a walk today, and I bring my camera …
By the weir, water spins like you do after a cup of coffee. ...
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| Waiting |
| 2008-07-06 11:49:01 |
Sunday morning.
It’s been over a week since I first felt the beginnings of contractions (nothing regular, just sporadic). I thought my water broke Thursday night, but when I went to the doctor the next day, she said, “Nope, but you’ve dilated.”
It’s a start.
I woke up the last couple of nights around 1ish with contractions. Last night, the intensity was, well, intense, and I wondered if this was it. But, once again, they stopped. I guess this is my body revving up for our big day together.
Come soon, baby....
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| I'm Here! |
| 2008-07-05 22:08:10 |
My flight arrived before the stork. Nothing has happened, but it will soon. Your mum and dad are out for late walk by the river....
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| Belly on the Balcony |
| 2008-07-05 10:00:20 |
The cervical plug is completely passed. Now, we try to wait patiently for these mild contractions to ramp-up.
Here, your mum enjoys an outdoor breeze, drinks another tall glass of water and watches the river flow by....
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| Recapping the First Day of Early Labour |
| 2008-07-04 22:25:52 |
At 9:15 p.m. last night, it began. By 9 a.m., your mum was 75% effaced and 1 centimetre dilated. There were light contractions with belly tightening and lower-abdominal cramping. Later in the day, all progress stopped. Tonight, it has seemed to start up again. This is how it can happen, pitocin-free. We’ll see what tonight brings. After this cup of raspberry tea, your mum will rest....
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| Rub. March. Spoon. Repeat. |
| 2008-07-04 18:38:54 |
The process has slowed down. There is a flow, but not much power. So now, we …
1. Massage the ankles to stimulate critical acu-points
2. Go up and down stairs to drop your head even further
3. Find new ways to produce prostaglandin and oxytocin
We avoid castor oil and cohashes for now. We’ll soon see how well this regimen works....
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| Laugh. It's Just Early Labour. |
| 2008-07-04 13:51:40 |
During early labour on this hot afternoon, before the onslaught of heavier contractions, we go to the movies to laugh …
Laughter cleanses the soul after a long nine months and a tough three years. Soon, we three will play and laugh together....
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| Funniest Labour Moment So Far . . . |
| 2008-07-04 12:48:22 |
“Don’t have sex until I get there!” says an anxious Mataji. Her flight lands tomorrow. And she hopes your birth will wait ‘til then....
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| Hospital-Shmospital |
| 2008-07-04 11:20:39 |
A splendid thing takes over in the wee hours of labour - intuition.
Since the segue to labour last night, your mum has been resting well. This morning, we enjoyed a walk together. And now, your mum eats and drinks every thirty minutes.
She’s quite content, and her confidence is amazing. We’ve connected with family, Sunava the Doula and our family doctor. The question on many well-meaning minds is this:
“Why aren’t you at the hospital yet?”
This is why: you’re moving about in the belly. Your heart rate is a stable 150. Your mum is incredibly happy. She’s relaxed, focussed and in-tune with her body. It’s beautiful to watch.
No speculum, doppler or medical advice will serve her well. At least, not until things progress a bit further. Medicine is great, but a calm mum is more powerful now.
We walk, eat, rest and go to the movies. We’ll go to RUH later....
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| Where the Smoke Clears . . . |
| 2008-07-02 20:01:14 |
Outside, northern forest fires create a hazy day. Inside our apartment, one thing is very clear: We’ll soon hold you close.
Tonight, we hover over the plaster cast and canvases, brushing final colours onto art for your room. This passes the time nicely.
Your mum’s belly fiercely tightens for just a moment. Is this the real deal, or is it another preparatory contraction? Time will tell. ...
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| Happy Birthday, Mataji! |
| 2008-06-30 08:11:40 |
Today is your Mataji’s 58th birthday, and this year she requests a very special present from us.
To become a grandmother. Whether it’s today, tomorrow or next week. Happy Birthday, Mataji....
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| Music for Metta |
| 2008-06-29 15:40:07 |
I purchased my plane ticket to arrive in time for your arrival. It’s dated for the 5th of July. I hope I’ll have plenty of time to be close by before you’re here. Maybe so. And maybe not.
Right now, as I daydream on becoming a grandmother, I listen to lullabyes on iTunes. The lyrics have changed in the last thirty years, and these simple tunes are now sung by bands such as U2 and BNL. I download the ones I remember, tunes such as “Lullaby and Goodnight” and “Rock-a-bye Baby” bring back a flood of child-rearing memories in a creaky rocking chair.
Becoming a grandmother is an experience I doubted I’d have. And now, you’re almost here. You bring a profound sense of hope with you, along with that lovely name of loving kindness. My voice is not as smooth or in tune as the trained vocal chords of the iTunes Store. I’ll practice in the shower, and maybe then you won’t bat my face as I sing to you over the internet via iChat....
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| Extreme Nesting |
| 2008-06-28 11:48:02 |
Your mum is in extreme nesting mode. Right now, she irons Tibetan prayer flags …
Yes, prayer flag ironing. It’s the latest pre-labour thing to do. Trend? Pass it on....
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| Plaster Casting |
| 2008-06-28 01:12:50 |
Late Friday evening, while we find a balance between pre-labour contractions and artistic determination, we complete a plaster cast of your mum’s very pregnant belly …
Wet plaster drips all over the dining room area. My hands race to finish the cast. A few minutes in, you kick and your mum has to pee. Will it dry well enough for décor?...
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| What's Happening? |
| 2008-06-27 22:39:34 |
I started today with a bad migraine. Since my headaches are usually hormone related, I thought this could be a rush of some kind. As the day progressed, I felt my belly harden for a short while, and then it softened. This occurred erratically throughout the day. And now, more frequently. Is this pre-labour? Could it just be false-labour? Or is it the beginning of the real deal? Hmm …...
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