Alice's First Day home

More of Sweet Alice

The New Chapter has begun

I thought it would be appropriate to update the background of our blog today because yesterday was the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. Alice Katherine Holmes came into the world at 3:16 am June 27, 2010. The Saturday began with a simple walk around the Fresh Pond (almost a 2 mile walk). Then we drove down to Bristol, Rhode Island (about an hour's drive away) for an afternoon visit with first cousins and an earlier dinner on the water. Emalee had the Mahi Mahi. After an increase in contraction frequency and strength, we decided to drive like Mario Andretti back to Boston and arrived at the hospital around 9 pm to be checked in. Emalee went to pushing around 2pm and Alice arrived at 3:16 am. As the father, I can say that birthing a baby is the most amazing event I have ever witnessed. To see the transformation of a funnel shaped, purply prune headed baby exit her mommy and within 10 minutes is breathing with full white color with puffy cheeks and her head shape reverting to a regular human shape. It is truly an amazing event that I can't help to thank God for. And to thank God that mom and baby are so healthy after the event. We are truly blessed.

Alice Katherine Holmes

8 lb 6 oz.

20 1/2" long

blonde peach fuzz hair

blue eyes

rosie cheeks

well-fed

Picture in front of blue hydrangae at 4pm in afternoon

After dinner and shortly before our Andretti drive back to Boston.

Shortly after mom delivered.
Five minutes after delivery

The welcome committee is here, Alice is not.

Alice hasn't shown up yet. I'm two days overdue. This picture was five days ago. I think i'm getting bigger everyday.

The welcome committee is ready to meet Alice. Mama flew in last night and so many friends and family are calling, texting, even Faceb00k-ing to see if she's arrived. On Sunday I had contractions every 7 minutes and thought we'd get to meet our girl on Father's Day. That would've been so special. My midwife said the contractions needed to be a little closer together and more grimacing in strength before I check in to Labor & Delivery. That hasn't happened yet.

We're waiting. I'm antsy. I've started new craft projects. Alice's bed is made. I vacuumed yesterday. I walked for 2.5 hours on Monday. I walked more yesterday. I'm having contractions throughout the day (for 3-4 days now) and they're more intense at night. I would like for this child to get a move on and COME already. They won't even induce me until next Monday or Tuesday. Please pray it doesn't take that long. . .

38 weeks

More from Cliff Island

Our gracious hosts, Mary & David:

Wildflowers on Sandy Beach and other views on the island:

Mark set the trend at the public dock. He caught over a dozen pretty little green and black backed, white-bellied mackerel. Soon the dock was full of kids wanting to be like him.

I wish we could buy any one of these houses on the island. They are so charming! Let us know if you'd like to contribute towards the down payment and we'll co-own together :)

Sunset view from the porch:

Death of a Lobster = Delicious dinner