Welcome to the world, Caton! Isn't he ADORABLE!

Caton - Day one of life!

Caton Arrives!!!

To those of you that watch Cristina and Richard's blog I was asked to let everyone know that Caton arrived today.  Their beautiful baby boy weighed in at 8lbs 14oz.  Mom, and Dad and lil  Caton are resting comfortably. They will be in the hospital until Sunday so stop by for a photo op if you get some time.  Room: 318B (3rd floor labor and delivery).

Congratulations Cristina and Richard. 

Tons of love - Celestial and Kristen!!

9/29: Never say never

Full disclosure: today is our fourth consecutive day and night of contractions, back pain and sleepless nights.  It's two weeks overdue at at least 9.5 pounds and is in a posterior (incorrect) birthing position.  We've taken almost every measure possible to help this child come naturally, but s/he does not want to make an appearance. The c-section is scheduled for tomorrow morning, Thursday, 9/30 at 9:30am. 

Given recovery and getting to know baby, we probably won't be ready for visitors before say 6pm / early evening that day and perhaps Friday is preferred.  We will of course send out emails and call asap,  but please call the hospital directly to check on the status if you haven't heard from us. 

Maimonides Hospital
4802,10th avenue
New York, NY 11204

Labor & Delivery: 718-283-8636

9/28: Showtime?

Mom and Dad got another dose of spotty sleep.  It was a rough night but the morning brought another reassuring visit to the midwife.  Everyone is still doing well, no one is in danger and we've once again explored our options given current circumstances.  We're giving the baby its third straight day of trying things his/her way.  However, if the little one won't come out to play on its own, we'll probably take additional measures to coax him/her out tomorrow. 

9/27: Take two

Another sonogram and monitoring shows baby and Mommy are in perfect health but at the end of their rope.

9/26: Trickle down theory debunked...again!

There were errands to run before the 1pm Open House at our apartment but we only made it half way through the groceries before having to turn back home.  Needless to say the apartment viewing was canceled and we stayed put a few hours before realizing the trickle down promise was a tease!  The rest of the day was spent quietly at home with irregular surges (contractions) that were pretty easily managed.  We were lucky to get a decent night's sleep.  We're already lucky the baby has consistently slept when Cristina does - let's hope that holds.  Today is another day.  Send us positive vibes and love!

9/25: Another great day at the beach

It seems everyone, including the baby, just wants to roast. Richard surfed and I bobbed in the water. Great day. 

Here's the hospital info in advance:

Maimonides Hospital
4802,10th avenue
New York, NY 11204

Labor & Delivery: 718-283-8636

9/24: A rebound

Yesterday's clouds spilled into this morning with the break of a foggy day.  But it burned off by the time Richard was surfing (!) and our day at the beach ended on a bright note.  A man approached as we were getting ready to leave to comment on my swimming as pregnant as I was a few days ago when he saw us.  His wife was expecting their second child.  His wife then approached us and her first words were exactly what I wanted to hear: "Don't let them induce you".  She was two weeks late with her first pregnancy, her labor was 48 hours and despite being pushed to move things along by her doctor, she and her husband did it their way and had the birth they envisioned and a beautiful little girl to show for it.  As long as you and the baby are in good health and not in distress, let nature take its course, she said.  Amen!  That shower of positivity was exactly what we needed.  It was the antidote to yesterday's news.  AND....there was a development late tonight that signals things are moving along already, though who knows how far away we are from the finish line. For that reason, please stay tuned HERE and we promise to keep you up to speed.  Thanks for your love and keep sending those good vibes. 

9/23: Evicted!

The Mother, not the baby.  The not so little one is too big for a Birthing Center delivery so we have to be at the hospital. This brings about a number of procedural changes which we wanted to avoid.  We get the big picture (health and well being) but I (Cristina) am for the moment disappointed and adjusting to the turn of events.  So just keep sending your  *positive* vibes and not too many queries for the moment, don't worry since we aren't worried and stay tuned. 

9/22: Baby is 9 lb, 7 oz (give or take) and has chubby cheeks...

according to today's 41 week sonogram.  Gadzooks! We also know s/he likes to sleep in and is a creature of comfort since s/he hasn't deigned to make a real live appearance, to the chagrin of the parents.  Argh.  How many red hot pepper flakes can one person ingest?  On another note, it was nice enough today to take a swim at the beach.  Stay tuned. 

9/21: nothing new, nice day in the park

9/20: forgot yesterday's update...status quo.

9/19: nothing newsworthy

just a beautiful day. 

9/18: messing with recipes

The lentil soup recipe today called for a one hour simmer but it wasn't ready when I checked.  Same with the baby...s/he just needs more time.  Stay tuned.  Good night.....

9/17: Signs

Yesterday's walk around the park was diverted by the tornado watch. Today's Manhattan outing was canceled by suspended subway service.  Signs not to stray far?  No other signs, though.  Stay tuned.  The sloooow detour around the park was a nice alternative and the amusing commentary can't be beat.  It's a boy!  How many in there, three?  Twins?  Take your time, little Mama. 

Gotta love Brooklyn. 

9/16: It came and went...

No, no, not THAT.  It was an easy day spent organizing and taking it easy.  But the planned walk around the park was cut off just as the tornado watch hit Brooklyn.  (Thanks to Fritz and Anita for sharing their walk with Sula - raincheck?) Back to the couch and folding onesies, which in our world now counts as a genuinely satisfying activity.  Let's see what tomorrow brings.  Goodnight, everyone!

9/15 Due Date....relaxed and well spent but otherwise not newsworthy

Our 40th week visit to the Midwife yesterday was uneventful. The baby continues to grow (oivay), is healthy and well positioned.  S/he just doesn't yet want to leave the cocoon, despite complaining about the cramped space.  Barry told us a common saying for firstborns is "41 plus 1".  Meaning they usually go to 41 weeks and one day, which could put the birth as late as next Thursday, 9/23. So hang tight and send us good vibes...and cayenne peppers? 

Love,
Richard and Cristina