Touchdown!!!

Veronica is already practicing for her career as a football referee. She has the touchdown signal down pretty well. Hopefully, Ninong Mike will help teach her the rules (Papa has been accused of making rules up as he goes along).

Happy Weekday!

Happy first "weekday" Veronica! Our little darling is one week old today. As you can see, she's worn out from her celebration party.

Pick Me Up Papa!!!!

Veronica objects to taking off her pretty shirt. Actually, she's probably just objecting to not being held for whole 30 seconds IN A ROW!!!

Doctors and Fishes and Squirrels, Oh My!

Today we had to go to the doctor's office for a check-up. Veronica's pediatrician, Dr. Kris Rehm, said that Rani is doing great. All of the previously lost weight is back, and our gal is now up to 7lbs 3oz. Dr. Rehm seems very nice, and the fact that she has 8-month old twins gives her a lot of insight into what's going on with a newborn.

After the trip to the doctor, the family all went to Centennial Park for a fine picnic, complete with breast milk, iced tea, and Captain D's fish and chips. Papa had to chase off an overly curious squirrel (didn't want it eating my baby), but otherwise all was grand.

The Bath's All Done

Veronica had her first "home bath" with the full-blown treatment today (the doctor recommended baby soap every 3 days, with just warm-water sponging in-between...today is her sixth day...you can do the math). Ahhhhhh, if only she could've looked this happy the whole time.

And We're All Smiles!

Another bath picture....

Who's That in the Window?

Veronica is not sure what to think about mirrors, but she seems to be fascinated by them (assuming it's within a coupla inches or so).

Hear No Evil...Or At Least No Grown-up Talk

Yesterday, we had a lot of visitors, and Veronica Grace was the center of attention. She got bored with all the grown-up talk, and decided to block it all out as best she could. Here is a pre-discharge picture of her practicing her "Hear No Evil" technique.

Heading Home in Gate Tree Clothes!

Clad in clothes from her "Odd Parents" Mike and Cassondra, Veronica made her way home, stopping only at Taco Bell's Drive-thru to let Mama, Granny, and Papa get a bite to eat.

Ready for the Arctic!

Thanks to our friends Scott and Stephanie, Veronica got to travel home without fear of cold weather. Scott and Stephanie just had a baby boy named Rupert, but his mother insists on calling him Jonathon Reid Smith. Good luck with your getting your parents to come around, Rupert.

Everybody Say Cheeeeese!

Here's our first family photo! We're getting ready to leave the hospital, and Mama's wearing the fuzzy pink scarf that our dear friend Darthy Strother made for her. Darthy also made Veronica two beautiful blankets, and they'll help keep me warm.

Mittens? We Don't Need No Stinkin' Mittens!

It took her a bit, but Veronica finally outsmarted Papa's evil plan to deprive her of her scratching ability. We want to keep Rani from maiming herself (and us) until it's safe to trim her nails. Beware, the claws are out!

Let Me Sing!!!

Here Rani demonstrates another characteristic inherited from her mother....she has a very strong voice....and she's not afraid to use it!

Peek-A-Boo!

Here's the first picture taken after Veronica's initial warming, bathing, etc. She's doing quite well, and more pictures will follow. We're still debating all the various common features...So far, we've settled on My Granny Grace's chin, Ferlie's nose, and my hairy shoulders (the doctor says that her shoulder hair will disappear in a few days, unlike mine). We're at Baptist Hospital for a few days before going home. "Rani" weighed in at 6lbs 11.4oz, and measured 18.5 inches in length. She was delivered by Dr. Hirsch, a very nice man, and the partner of Ferlie's usual OB, Dr. Thornburg. Dr. Rehm, Rani's pediatrician, came by to see her, and pronounced her perfect (of course, we'd already decided that, but it's always nice to get a professional opinion).

She's Heeeeee-ere!

Hello everyone! This is just a quick note to let you know that Veronica has arrived. She is doing well, Ferliemom is doing well, and all is right with my world.