Crystal Grows a New Bump

I had told Crystal during her 9th month that I was going to miss her bump after delivery. Sometimes when my hand is resting on her I catch myself waiting for a little kick. Well, not to leave me disappointed, she has grown a new one! But getting Ellie back out of the new one is quite a bit easier than the last one, let me tell you. This sling (thanks Ruth!) is an amazing little device that can be worn all sorts of different ways (with cute names for the various configurations, like the "Cuddly" and the "Facing the World"). They advertise that you can carry a four-year old in the thing, but I'm a little skeptical about that. And no, in case you were wondering, I haven't tried it yet. Give me a little time to get used to the idea. Besides, I'm holding out for a more manly color.

Lydia came to visit yesterday after school with her mum Vicky. Lydia is very excited to be taking riding lessons now that she is seven, and was more than happy to hold Ellie. Lydia unknowingly played an important role in preparing me for fatherhood. A couple of months ago at church, Vicky said to her, "Give Rob a cuddle!" and she jumped into my arms, gave me a hug and smiled at me with those big, pretty eyes. Obviously my heart melted and I decided I really wanted a daughter of my own. And now I get cuddles all the time from little Ellie.

Our health visitor Debbie came to see us today. She comes on day 10 after birth to weigh the baby, discuss any problems, talk about immunizations, etc. Ellie weighed in at a healthy 2.94 kg (6 lbs 8 ounces), which is getting close to returning to her birthweight of 2.955 kg (babies lose weight after delivery and are supposed to regain it within two weeks).

My favorite moment of the visit was when Debbie asked Crystal if she was getting enough to drink while breastfeeding. Crystal (who admittedly had just been awakened from a nap) responded, "Oh yes, I drink a pint with every feed." Both Debbie and her assistant did double takes, looked a little puzzled, and then realized that Crystal meant water and not beer. No wonder Ellie sometimes has that "drunken sailor" look....