November 19, 2011: Happy Birthday!

November 19, 2011
40 weeks, 2 days
2:25 am

Colter Ramsey Malcolm is born!

A recap from CJ:

Hey folks... sorry for the mass email.  I think this is the first one I've ever done.

Heather delivered a beautiful boy early this morning, Colter Ramsey Malcolm, named after Jim Bridger's partner, John Colter, first explorer of Yellowstone National Park and guide to Lewis and Clark.  "Ramsey" is Heather's pops' name, passed on to his first grandchild!

Heather's water broke last night (9ish) while baking a coffee cake at our home in the Grand Canyon. We lolly-gagged around for an hour or two thinking we had a bit of time and debating whether we wanted to eat coffee cake enroute to Flagstaff.  We decided against it.  By the time we reached town, Heather was rapidly progressing.  We stopped at Ken Phillips' house -my boss- for a quick rest and nearly delivered the baby in the drive way.  The paper boy was kind enough to stop and offer assistance as Heather lay in the drive way mid contraction w/ a hospitable twenty degree wind chill factor greating us like an old friend.

We made it to the hospital shortly thereafter.  Heather delivered at 0225, within 45' of entering the L&D suites.  Our obgyn was a wonderful woman and coached me through the delivery...I was blessed to catch the baby -who by the way was swimming like a fish exiting his 9month prison.  Heather was insanely brave and was able to deliver naturally.  It was fun to watch the nurses scrambling a last minute sortie to start the delivery... they actually had to tell Heather not to push -I don't think she was hearing a whole lot in those moments. 

Heather had a record breaking 5 hour labor -pretty dang quick for a couple of rookies!

I'm currently downstairs drinking espresso as Heather sleeps upstairs w/ our healthy 7lb 6oz kiddo.  I love you all and wanted to share the excellent news as soon as I could!

C.J.

Dear Baby

November 12, 2011
39 weeks, 3 days

Dear Baby,

This is your Mama.  I love you!  You have been so very patient in waiting for your Papa and I to get ready for you....thank you.  And you have been very good about not kicking me in the ribs recently.  Perhaps because you have "dropped" and are getting ready to join us!

Well, your Papa and I have decided that we are ready for you to come now.  We had a wonderful stroll under the full moon along the rim and Papa turned to me and said, "I'm ready for Baby."  It was simple, and oh so beautiful to hear those words.  Honestly, I wasn't ready a week ago.  I didn't understand why all those other Mamas out there were so eager to get the little babies out.  But now I do.  I am so very excited to meet you!!!

I understand that I have created a warm environment for you to live in.  It must be wonderful - I know how much your Papa loves the water and I am sure you feel the same.  I promise that although it is wintertime I will keep you nice and snuggled up here in the world.  We have some pretty fancy cold weather gear for you.  Just wait till you see snow! 

I understand that it is scary to enter into a new world.  Mama and Papa will be there for you.  We promise.  The second you come out in this world we will hold you and love you and protect you.  We will show you the wonders and teach you to love to explore. 

If you need to wait a few more days, that is fine!  Just know that your Mama, Papa and big brother Owen are eagerly waiting to snuggle with you.  We love you! 

Safe journey and we will see you soon!

Love,

Your Mama



11-10-11 Mama & Papa under the full moon at Mather Point



Happiness is....



November 4, 2006: 
Our First Kiss as Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm


November 5, 2011
38 weeks, 3 days

Last night CJ and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary.  5 years!  Brilliant...

We stepped outside before going to bed and held each other under the warmth of a Mexican blanket as the snow fell down around us.  Baby kicked CJ in the stomach.  Owen frolicked through the yard like a kid in a candy store.  It was perfect.

This morning I woke up early because I knew that Owen would be super excited to go outside and play.  OK, really now, who am I kidding?  I was super excited to go outside and play.  We went on a nice, long slow stroll (with Owen sprinting 1/4 mile away, 1/4 mile back the entire way).  The wind whistled through the freshly blanketed pine trees and the sun broke through the clouds at all the right moments.  Not a soul had marked tracks yet.  It was our winter wonderland for the morning.

I was reflecting on life (BIG topic to reflect on...) and realized how truly happy I was.  I mean, really, it doesn't get much better than this: an awesome husband, Baby on the way, an obedient dog (98% of the time....let's be honest), a great house, a good job....oh, and did I mention that I live at one of the seven natural wonders of the world?!  That's gotta count for something.

A few things I've learned during my first pregnancy:

1.  When there's a bathroom, stop and use it.

2.  There's nothing wrong with walking slowly.  Waddling is normal.

3.  Elastic is your friend.

4.  Recruit help.  Why bother bending over when there are plenty of folks who can do it and still breathe?

5.  No matter how much unsolicited advice you receive, always smile and say "Thank you!"

6. Cankles don't mean you're 75 and going into heart failure.

7.  Yes, your belly can be a tray table.

8.  Snore away.  Breathe heavy.

9.  No matter how much weight you gain or discomfort you are in, you can always find happiness.



This morning! Please forgive the sexy attire...
and the puffy morning manatee eyes.


Fun Baby Fact:  Baby is around 7 pounds this week and 20 inches long.  All systems are pretty much ready for action outside of the womb.  What triggers Baby to decide to join my winter wonderland?  It's tricky to know for sure- but most likely a combo of things.  It begins with the fetus whose "brain sets off a relay of chemical messages that kick off a chain reaction of hormones in the mother.   These hormonal changes in turn pave the way for the work of prostaglandins and oxytocin, substances that trigger contractions when all labor systems are "go"." 

Fun Pregnancy Fact:  I feel like a ticking time bomb.  When anyone hears when I am due, they automatically go into, "Any minute now!"  mode.  And, yes, it could be any minute.  One of those beautiful things in life that I have absolutely no control over.  Frankly, I am glad I don't have to be the one to make the call of when labor begins. :o)