May 2008 Archives

For our friends who are not yet parents, or perhaps for those who are but have lost touch with some early memories, we have provided a simple  breakdown of a typical 24 hour period in Cole's life. (age appx. 2 weeks)





Now, that big block of restful sleep time might have you thinking that mom and dad can slide in some z's there as well. Ah, but that block is really 8-12 separate little blocks.

Who knew?

Have you ever attended a party where it seems everyone is having fun, except you? That's probably how Cole felt on Sunday at his bris. Both sets of grandparents, as well as my brother and sister, and a few of our friends were in attendance to see our boy circumcised. For mom and dad, it was difficult thing to watch. In the end, as promised, the actual circumcision was quick and Cole calmed immediately when he was given to his mother to nurse. What was not promised, however, was that Cole would experience several days of pain and disrupted eating and sleeping. We're happy to say though, that our guy is on the mend and there is pretty good reason to believe that he will one day forgive us — or maybe even not remember it happened at all. (Don't tell him!)




Because Judaism is matrilineal, Cole is not Jewish automatically. Instead, the mohel considered this as a step in the process of conversion, should Cole decide he wants to do that one day. The mohel brought two of his own witnesses and provided us a certificate, so Cole will have all the paperwork he'll need to be totally legit.

As part of the ceremony, we gave Cole his Hebrew name, חנן, or Chanan. (That's 'ch' like you're clearing your throat.) He is named in honor of his great grandmother, whose name was Hanna.

Here are more pictures from the bris.

When Cole was born, he was born alert, with a strong, healthy -- but somewhat peculiar -- cry. He snorted like a pig. At first we thought it was just cute, then we were concerned that it was something to worry about. Later, having spoken to doctors about it, we're not at all concerned, so it's back to being cute. But they did say that it would probably go away. But what about posterity, or teasing him when he is grown? That's what the Internet is for.

Have a listen:SNORTY.mp3

Cole Winslow Jacobowitz, our beautiful baby boy came into the world today, May 17, 2008 at 8:51am. Cole weighs 8 lbs 5 oz and is 21 inches long. He is perfectly healthy and strong, possessing the standard complement of fingers and toes, and as far as we are concerned, he is the cutest little baby, ever.

Mommy and Daddy are both utterly exhausted after a labor that lasted nearly 31 hours from first contractions to delivery. Well, Daddy can only imagine how Mommy feels. What I do know is that I am in complete awe of the strength of Ann's focus, determination, and love. Despite the herculean effort, Ann is happy, relaxed, and recovering well.

Below are a few small pictures.

Just a few minutes old...


Already an accomplished thumb-sucker (and on the road to being a great nurser, we hope)...


A quick nap on mommy...


Strangely big feet...


To see more photos, please visit our folder of pics form Cole's first day.

To decorate my first blog entry, David just took some pictures of me and my big ol' belly out in the back yard.  I'm pretty excited about the bamboo and belly shot. 

The back yard is shared among four families--all of whom have kids or will soon have kids.  We are pretty excited to have our little guy arriving into what we all affectionately call "the Compound"--four families, three houses (we are in the downstairs flat of our landlord's two-story Victorian), and two dogs. There are currently five kids ranging from ages 8 months to almost 6 yrs.  Our little guy will make it six.  The Compound is great for impromptu socializing, no end of parental encouragement and good advice, timely and thoughtful hand-me-downs, and--something I will be able to partake in soon--beer!  I can't go without mentioning that Carly, who lives up stairs, is a lactation consultant.  After everything I've heard about the difficulties of learning to breastfeed, I could not be happier about her proximity and willingness to lend her expertise (note happiness registered in picture below).

 

My due date is this week.  It seems a little unreal that the two of us will soon be three.  David and I are excited in spite of the fact that no one paints a very pretty picture of labor, or of the first several months of parenthood.  Since we have signs all around us that people do survive the newborn's opening salvo, we can't help but look forward to what happens next.  (David adds the link below for anyone who wants to see more belly and Compound pics)

(Here are some more belly pics.)