It BABY Time!!!

It appears that we have arrived at BABY time! Last week it was determined that Baby Archibald was about 1 pound smaller than he/she should've been for being 35 weeks old. We were told not to worry, but that we would have to squeeze in an additional visit each week for a special ultrasound to determine Baby Archibald's growth status. Our first of these special tests was Friday afternoon.(October 26th.)

Following the 45 minute test, our OB entered the room and said, "Congratulations...you're going to have a baby..." We both thought to ourselves, "Yeah..we knew that." Then after a long pause, Joy said, "Do you mean today?", to which the Doctoer replied, "Yep...are your bags packed?" We told her that they were, but they were at home (about an hour away). We were told to head home, get our things together, get our butts back to the hospital and get checked in.

Now, the baby is not in serious distress, but due to an issue with the placenta, the baby has not been getting proper nutrition lately. Not a major issue, as long as they induce labor now and get little baby Archibald OUT of there so that they can better assist in providing the proper nutrition. As they put it... "We can help the baby better outside than in".

So here we are on Saturday afternoon in the Labor and Delivery Room at Fairview Riverside Medical Center just a few miles from where we both work everyday. The baby is fine, we are just waiting for the "jump start" drugs to work their magic and start the labor process. That could happen at any time. We DO know that we will not be returning home without baby Archibald safely nestled in the little car seat that awaits him outside.....or her?

Joy's family is "awaiting further development" back at our house. Tom's family anxiously awaits news as well, while they bite their nails in Oregon. Grandma and Grandpa Archibald are still planning their trip out for the original Thanksgiving time due date and are happy that they will get a full 3 weeks with their 9th grandchild.

Below are a few peliminary photos of our experience so far.....starting with a "belly shot" of Joy taken just before we left for the hospital Friday evening.

More news and photos to follow soon (Yes, we brought the laptop to the hospital - get over it!)

A last minute photo before leaving home (last time as a twosome)

After checking in We got some stats....

Joy thought she should make a few calls.

Ugh! Breakfast...do I have to?

Just a little pain...

Finally...some rest (at about 8 am yesterday)

The view from our window on the day of Baby Archibald's birth.

More to come soon...

Tom's first studio shoot

The fact that "Baby Time" is getting so close still takes us by suprise at least a few times each day. In just over a month, our lives will certainly be changed forever. We think we have all of the necessities in place. We met with a pediatrition this morning and he seems like a nice guy so we have decided to give him a try. We also have an appointment with the Sheriff's Department to install the car seat. And finally, on a recent shopping trip we completed our list of what we think are the most essencial baby items to have on hand.

The above portrait of Joy is just one sample from the dozens that Tom took for his first portraiture assignment. Tom couldn't wait to post them online despite Joy's humble resistance.
View a slide-show of Joy's portrait session by clicking here.

Today is Tom's birthday (45), so he took the day off. Tonight is our final "Baby Class". After six weeks of "Heeh-Heeh-Heeh" ing, we are excited to move on with our lives. Though we have a much better understanding of what to expect here in a few weeks. The tour of the maternity ward at Fairview Riverside Hospital was also very exciting and informative.

In other news... The Web Shack is thriving while Tom struggles to keep up with the web design work and still keep his 4.0 average at school. Perhaps the baby will keep us home and allow us to get more work done.......well......probably not. I must have just been day dreaming.

Fall is in the air with temperatures falling into the 50's. Today is very windy and a bit chilly. A good day to stay inside and try to get some work done.

Oh Happy Day!

The nursery is nearly complete! Grandma and Grandpa Lamolli bought the crib - thank you Grandma and Grandpa! The furniture has been assembled, the new baby clothes all washed and put away, and the daybed has been moved up from the family room downstairs. So, after a very busy weekend of purchasing some final items, we are happy to have everything done except for a few final touches (mostly things to put on the wall) and purchasing more of the "necessities" like blankets, extra crib sheets, carriers, boppy pillows, etc. - but the big stuff is done!

Ok...now where do we put the rest of the stuff like toys, playpen, exersaucer, bouncy seat, and all of the other stuff that once filled this room. We are already talking about what can go in that infamous space "under the stairs". I guess these things will work themselves out.

100 days to go.... What do we do now?

Our Shock and Sympathies

We are still in shock over last evening's tragedy here in Minneapolis. The 35W bridge that collapsed is one that we use frequently and is only a few blocks from the U of M campus where we both work. It was quite freaky to actually see my office on in the background on CNN's coverage. Sadly, It will take our city years to recover.

On my lunch break only minutes ago. I took my camera down the street to document whatever I found....mostly tons of people lining the streets just trying to see whatever they could. The authorities kept everyone away from the scene. Media from all over the world are set up in a staged area near the scene. Satellite trucks, reporters, cameras etc. line the edge of University Ave. Anderson Cooper of CNN (Cooper News Network) isn't here yet....but give it time.

Our hearts and prayers are with those that are most affected by this tragedy.

Below is 35W looking north from the point at which the road is still intact. Looking south from this point is where the scene takes a much darker view (1st photo at top).

Spectators everywhere!

God Bless the survivors as well as those still lost.