BACK TO WORK

Starting today, the 25th, I'm back to work full time after taking some time off to be with Jill and Gabriel in the daytime during this fun but challenging transition we're going through. Gabriel (see the new picture in the margin to the left) is getting better about sleeping each night.. marginally.. and so Jill is better able to get along by herself. Judy has come over a few times with either cooked meals or just to help with some chores, though, and it's been greatly appreciated.

HEALTHY BABY - FATIGUED MOM

Gabriel passed his two-week check-up with flying colors at Dr. Snyder's office. He's better than birth weight - gaining nearly a pound in ten days - and everything else checks out fine, including the slight irritation in his left eye that likely occurred during birth. The appointment ended with a handshake from Dr. Snyder and a congratulations on a healthy son.

Jill, on the other hand, did not fare quite as well at her own two-week medical check-up with her midwife. Physically, she seems to be healing just fine. But Mary Popkes, her nurse midwife, said she was not getting enough rest given the stress and adjustment that a new mom must undergo, particularly after an unmedicated birth. So, Jill's now doing a better job of spending more time trying to sleep during the day when Gabriel is napping.

GABRIEL MEETS MORE FAMILY

I apologize right now for not having photos prepared to go with Gabriel's introduction to other family members.. hopefully when I get some time...?

Grandpa Dave got to meet Gabriel on Thursday the 19th. Both enjoyed the visit very much it seems. Dad returned to Oklahoma on the following Sunday.

Last week, Leigh and Teri flew up to Portland to visit, take a short vacation and meet Gabriel. They returned to New Mexico on Saturday. Friday they all went on a trip to the coast, which included stops in Astoria and Tillamook.

Jim Ed, Andrea, Jim, Laurie, Tyler and Drew drove down from the Spokane area over the weekend to visit everyone. They came to the house on Saturday for a few hours and got to meet Gabriel. It was a very enjoyable visit. And I nearly sold our 1950's dinette set.

I do have a photo of our own family.. mom, dad and Gabriel altogether:


THANK YOU FOR THE GIFTS

Gabriel has received a number of thoughtful gifts recently for which he and we are very grateful. Just as soon as we get a bit of a break, Thank Yous and/or birth announcements will be sent. Thanks again!

We're also grateful for hot meals prepared by our very generous neighbors Greg & Sandy and Vassam & Sahar (and Grandma Judy already mentioned), as well as a bounty of local farm produce from Mom.

Thank You All!

BABY BOOM AT JOHNSON GARDNER

Something very clearly is in the water here as a new announcement was made this week. My employer Jerry and his wife Sue announced that they are expecting their third child in the Spring of 2005. Emma, their oldest, was overjoyed with the news and apparently lost sleep over her excitement. Henry, their four-year-old, was happy also, but he's all new to this; Emma is a veteran.

Congratulations Johnson True Family!