Ada Mar loves to hit the town

Ok, so I exaggerate. We've barely managed to get out of the house. Just a few doctor's visits, Ada weighing trips, and a few trips out to visit humanity- otherwise we have been complete shut-ins. But I can say that while enjoying her 3rd week she tends to sleep through every outing. This girl likes to sleep on the road I tell you. Sometimes she seems to wake up, look around, see that she's not at home, and then pass back out again. So far she's a quiet little traveler.

15 Day Old

On a side note: For any future baby wranglers out there... we can't recommend the Hushamok highly enough. Little Ada loves it. Having one piece of beautiful furniture that serves as a: bassinet, swing, bouncy-thing(?), holding pen, and as you can see... wise Swami throne (props to Adi Shankara)... is priceless. It seems to give her a restful place to hang out, sleep, and it does seem to help with that ultimate baby nemesis... gas. Oh how babies hate the gas monsters.

How baby Ada is spending a large part of her first week.

We count our good fortunes every five minutes these past few days. Our little Ada is such a joy, such a warm soul to have around us. It already seems like we have known her forever, as long as we have waited for her, I guess it makes some sense. Our little old soul is outside with us now, it takes some getting used to every time I look at her face. Seeing as she was with us every minute of every day for the past nine months, getting to know us, now it's our turn to get to know her a little better. She is eating, smiling around, and sleeping quite a bit these days. 

I think it is adorable that the little girl naps like one of the grown ups. She seems very adept at turning herself onto her side and getting comfortable in bed with us (I can see my future here)-- a long as we stare at her, watching every breath, we don't mind sharing.

Ada's First Week Portraits

She's a camera lover, that's for sure.

These are my favorite pictures of her first days at home.

She is here!

Baby Ada Mar Elizabeth was born yesterday. We are beside ourselves.

Yesterday at 5:45AM Ada was born.

She was born at 8lb 6oz, and 21 inches! (I still am not sure why the measurements are the traditional baby data to share... but it feels good to share it).

As little Ada was taking her time, 2 weeks late is a nice way of saying taking her time (I know it was not her, but it's more charming that way)... we went in, or I should say C went in to be induced at 12 noon on Sunday. We took a walk around the neighborhood, said bye to the dogs, and then left for Washington Hospital Center. We were nervous about the hospital birth, our plan was to have a natural birth at the Family Birth Center in NE DC (a whole other topic- they are amazing). The need to head to the hospital was a plan B we were ready for, but dreading. By the time Sunday rolled around, and after all the work to speed things up, we were completely excited to head to WHC. 

The birth was amazing, it really was. Our midwife was... ok... well I can't really describe how great she was. I could say she was the most impressive professional I have ever dealt with, that she had other-worldly skills, that she comforted us, and put up with us through things that seemed impossible for me to imagine someone doing. She was just amazing, but it still doesn't seem like enough praise. The nurses who helped us at WHC were all great, the best we could ask for really. The birth room, which we thought would be a compromise from what C wanted, turned out to be wonderful. And the birth happened naturally, without a stitch being needed. We are counting our good fortunes. We could not have asked for a better birth experience. We have the deepest admiration for Karen, Kandice, Jaime, and everyone else who helped.

And I have to say, I know it is cliche, but really-- what C did to bring Ada into the world, will forever humble me, and put me into awe. I can never imagine being that strong, or able, or peaceful, or really anything resembling what she did yesterday.

You always hear the old tropes, "it's a miracle," "it's the most wondrous thing you'll ever be a part of," etc. Well for the first time in I don't know how long, all the old cliches weren't enough. Everything I have ever heard about how important, and powerful, and beautiful it is, is understatement. Words themselves, are understatement.

And our beloved baby Ada is here, and C is doing well.

We can't wait for you to meet her, and for her to meet the world!

These women amaze me.

Welcome Little Ada

A word for the DC Family Health and Birth Center. Perhaps one of the greatest services I have dealt with in the city. The women who make this place happen, are without hyperbole, heroes.
Heroes.
The midwives of FHBC are tremendous.

I would ask anyone interested in supporting a worthy cause, to support FHBC. (I know that we will be donating and trying to support them as long as they are around any way we can). The FHBC does a lot of community outreach and provides immeasurable services to people of all economic backgrounds. They can always use donations both financial and  material things that would be useful to newborns, children, and new mothers.

Henna is on- and the baby is past due

The lucky Henna is on. We feel like we are ready, so now it's up to you sweet girl!  We can't wait to meet you on the outside, but there's no rush, you're good in there as long as you need.