10.21.2008

8 Pounds & Counting...

Hello friends and family ~
Our little Kellen has carb-loaded his way to the 8 lb. mark (7lb 15oz - close enough); a great sign for a healthy beefcake-in-training. Certainly the bench press and protein shakes are just around the bend. In addition to the weight gain, Kellen's also grown an inch-and-a-quarter since birth. The pediatricians' all refer to this measurement as the baby's 'length', as opposed to the vertical term for us upright folk. Since I'm not an M.D. I'll definitely say that Kellen is 21 3/4 " tall.

Emilie is busy competing for the Tri-State area's Most Pro-Active Mother by demanding a cure for newborn hiccups. Bonding with the child has reached a new level now that the rotting remains of the umbilical cord fell off this morning. Efforts were made to preserve the piece (perhaps for the scrapbook?!), but Em practiced her maternal-tone and pleaded to have me "throw that away and wash your hands".

The most bizarre baby-accessory to this point has to be the scratch-proof mittens that keep newborns from tearing up their cheeks. These are necessary, as I've learned. All newborns have the tendency to inflict nasty marks on themselves. To help remedy, Emilie has taken up the habit of using an emory board on Kellen's fingernails nightly.

But it's not all mittens & manicures around the house; we've added another member to Red Sox Nation. Kellen was able to catch a little bit of every game in the ALCS since coming home from the hospital, including the awesome Game 5 come back with me. More than a few tears were shed at the conclusion of Sunday's Game 7 against the Rays. Can't dwell on the end of the baseball season, since our beloved Blazers will pick-up the torch shortly. We're still in the market for a Trail Blazers' one-zee for the little man. If you have a good lead on a Joel Przybilla away jersey in a size 0-3 months, please let me know.

10.13.2008

Top Marks of Health

Kellen David Palmer was given a clean bill of health, doctors said Monday morning in Norwalk, CT. The weight gain is upon us, and Kellen has been slowly getting back to birth weight. He measured-in at 6lbs. 13ounces at the pediatricians' today. Still a wee little lad, but he and his mommy are having some marathon feedings to combat that, especially since he's got a wardrobe full of the cutest outfits that are way too big.





















Last night also marked the inaugural bath for Kellen ('cause all kids love those). No babies were harmed in the combing of these locks.

Pee on Daddy tracker: 3 times. The latest occurrence was at the pediatricians today. Thanks, kiddo!

Diaper changes by Mom tracker: 1. She plays the sympathy card like a pro.


All this new found excitement in the house, yet Emilie somehow found time to give a dude a proper Birthday Brunch with a side of mimosas. Em, you rule! Now can I please remove the paper crown? I feel like a dork.

10.10.2008

Kellen's first outdoor Adventure

Baby Kellen is now home with Em and I, ready to terrorize the neighborhood. We had a very nice trip from the hospital yesterday and introduced the little peanut to his home. Nana (Stephanie) came by to make sure everyone was rested and fed ~ Thanks Nana!

Kellen is doing very well; a lot of crying, feeding, burping and sleeping, etc. He did enjoy his first Red Sox game last night, and didn't object to Em and I watching, too. We're taking him for his first stroll later this morning, since the weather is gorgeous outside. Emilie and I are prepared to swat-away any walking petri dishes that want to pinch Kellen's cheeks.

All harnessed in and ready for his first ride .
Down for a nap.
Wee little man
Mom and Kellen get ready to leave the Hospital on Friday afternoon.

10.09.2008

It's a Done Deal

Kellen David Palmer; DOB 10/08/08.
Our little man finally arrived last night and is just as healthy and happy as we could
hope. hgt = 20.5 in. wgt = 7lbs 6oz. I was previously unaware that newborns were given Lo-Jack for their hospital stay. Kellen has an alarm attached to umbilical cord that's about the size of a walnut. I figure if it lights up and vibrates, our table at the Olive Garden is ready.

Emilie is doing well, too! Thanks to all for the well-wishes. Em and I can't begin to describe how thankful we are.

10.08.2008

Soooooo Close!!!

Our valet directed us to the VIP parking spot when we pulled-up today at 2pm (est).
Maternity Ward is the place to be tonight! We got a Jacuzzi tub, a single-room & mimosas on standby; Parrr-tay!
And once Emilie delivers and we bring him down the hall to the Nursery, we get to ring the bells! Emilie's doing AMAZINGLY well. All good news so far.

Wheels are TURNING!!!

A sleepless night of contractions led Em and I over to Ma's place (much closer to the hospital and less on-the-job-training). From R-L (Grandpa, Mimi, Emilie, Adam, Mom & Danny the plumber, i believe). Not pictured - Uncle Duane. Okay... this is not how it was imagined, but so far-so good.
The family reunion was completely coincidence. Mimi & Grandpa are heading out this morning to meet their cruise-liner, shipping out and setting a course for Alaska; Uncle Duane is back from checking in on his place at Lake George; Danny the plumber...?!. All very nice surprises!

10.07.2008

Facts about our Bundle!

His birthstone is Opal (Hope).

His Astrological Sign is Libra.

He will be born in the Chinese Year of The Rat.

He will start kindergarten in 2014, be old enough to drive a car in 2024, finish high school in 2027, and will graduate from college with the class of 2031, give or take a year.

This time last year Emilie was not pregnant (and Adam had no signs of grey hair).

....but still no news!!!

10.04.2008

It's ON!


Emilie recently told me, "Hombre," ('cause that's what she calls me when no one's around) "we should jump on this blogging fad and invite friends and family to have a look at our great photos, get baby updates and more!". I had no readily available excuses, so it's time to make good. I give you, The Palmer Family Gazette. As editor-in-chief of PFG, Emilie will be sure that this site maintains the highest-level of class, dignity and be damn cute. My role as special-assistant to the editor is less defined, but I'm certain that she'll let me know when necessary.

PS, Emilie just read this first post and doesn't believe that readers will understand I was being sarcastic with the "hombre" comment. I disagreed. Is this what Brandon ran into when Andrea Zucherman took over at the West Beverly HS paper? Methinks so.
Welcome to the Gazette, hope you all enjoy!

ap