Hook 'Em

The title says it all... 

Erin Cuts Charlotte's Christening Cake

After a nice lunch with everyone at a local Italian restaurant, we sat down and had some christening cake. This is the first cake Erin has baked for Charlotte, and I suspect it won't be the last. Sadly, Charlotte was asleep, so she didn't get any cake. 

Charlotte's Christening

Charlotte got christened today -- the vicar mentioned that she was the youngest child he's christened. She was good as gold, quiet throughout the service and no complaints as her head was wet. So now she's a bona fide Anglican and much of the Nordaker clan was there to celebrate. 

Erin Helps Charlotte Nap

Charlotte's a good sleeper, but once in a while, she needs help. So Erin donated a few cuddles to the cause. 

Charlotte meets her Cousin Jake

Charlotte has met a cousin -- Jake, the son of Erin's sister Tara. They're over for a week for visits with Charlotte. Charlotte is getting along with Jake pretty well. 

Charlotte's New Friend

Courtesy of Miss Creekmore, Charlotte has discovered a new friend in the nursery. She seems more than a little intrigued by her new cribmate and I think they might be friends for life. 

Erin's New Favorite Photo

Hello everyone. We have a new favorite photo, which is available in 5 x 7 and 8 x 10 prints. Hope you enjoy it. 

Charlotte's First Outing

Charlotte, Erin and I went off this evening for a little celebration in honour of her arrival. So you can see she's been bundled up against the cold. By the way, does she remind anyone of Ralphie's little brother Randy, or is it just Erin and I?

For those who have been asking -- she was born at 8.5 lbs and 20.5 inches -- so just the right size.

Charlotte finds her Happy Place

You'll have to check out the stages of Charlotte's happy place on the web album (link in the right hand sidebar). But you can see here -- Charlotte LOVES her Nanny and PopPop swing! 

Erin and Charlotte

You've been asking for Erin and Charlotte together, so here they are -- Mom and Baby together at last. 

Charlotte's Halloween

 

Well, Charlotte is a little young for trick or treating, but she did manage to dress up for the occasion!

Halloween here is a little different than the American model. When we first arrived in Ireland, costumes were few and far between. It was more traditional to set off fireworks. But trick or treating is beginning to take off in Ireland -- the grocery stores are full of children's costumes and there are good supplies of adult costumes at the Hallmark stores throughout the city. So, between feedings and Charlotte being noisy, we had the sound of fireworks to deal with. But I like to think they were being set off to celebrate Charlotte's birth!


 

My Favorite Photo So Far

I've learned that it's hard to get photos of your baby with her eyes open -- she's asleep about 18 hours a day. But we had a little success today. Charlotte and Erin are home and doing well. 

Two Whitakers Napping

Hi everyone. Clearly it has been a busy day for Charlotte and I -- we both needed our sleep in the hospital. Charlotte's doing very well -- she's feeding every couple of hours, is energetic, likes checking out the world, and has decided that her Dad doesn't smell TOO bad.

I've started an online album of photos. The link is in the sidebar. I'll keep updating this regularly as we take more photos.

The Sprout Is Out! Charlotte has Arrived

Well, Miss Charlotte has finally arrived at 3.17pm Dublin time after about fifteen hours of labour. Sorry for the lousy picture quality, but between low light levels and avoiding flash, this was the best I could do. I'll try to do better tomorrow. Erin and Charlotte are doing well tonight and will be in the hospital for another couple of days. Erin had good pain relief and got Charlotte out after only 35 minutes of active pushing.

So far she's sucked on her hand (favouring her left), looked around very alertly, had hiccups, done a bit of kicking, responded to singing and to whistling by wiggling, and has nursed well. I think she looks mostly like her Mom, but she has a few of my traits.

Not only was Charlotte born on her mother's birthday, Erin's parents arrived in Dublin in time for the birth! Though it was a tiring day, it was the best day we've ever had. 

We are still waiting

We had a good visit at the doctor this morning and so far things are still going well. Charlotte measured out at 8.5 pounds and she has lots of fluid around her. Since she is in the normal range of where she should be, we are going to hang out and wait for her to make her arrival when she is ready. We go to the doctor again next Thursday for a check up and if she isn't here by the 6th then we will look at options then. Until then we are all hanging out and doing well.