Kai Victor Gideon Has Arrived

It has been a wild ride since my water broke at 1a.m. on Monday, but the long and short of it is that Kai Victor Gideon was born on Monday, April 21 at 10:56 a.m. after 9 hours of labor, at 18 1/2 inches long and 6 lbs. 3 oz. Labor went really well with our family and team in suport. It was a very focused time, but truely a joy.

Brendt is getting over a little stomach bug, but other than that everyone is doing well. Kai and I will be heading home from the hospital tomorrow.

Here are a few of our favorite phots of him. You can imagine that there are quite a few already. Family photo and more detail of the fun event to follow.

Here is a photo of our birthtime team within the hour after Kai is Born. From L to R, our Doula Becky, Auntie Katie, Kai's Mom, The Super Star- Kai, Grandma Carol, Nanita Devrah and, Big Daddy GideonBrendt (a.k.a. SuperDad) and KaiMom (wow! that's me!) and Kai

Things to do while waiting

Mom & Katie took a spontaneous trip to San Diego with the hopes that the little start would make an appearance this weekend. We did some walking and I went to yoga. Mainly we just hung out around the house. Here are a few videos of things that you can do to pass the time while waiting for a child's birth. . .

Ok, so my exercise/birthing ball was being abused, but everyone was having a good laugh out of it. :-)


Mom and Katie went home this afternoon without any interesting developments. They are fully ready to turn right back around and come back if things start moving again. Brendt's mom is also packed and ready to depart Tucson on a moment's notice. I, in the mean time, am making plans this week. Sitting and waiting might just make me go insane!

Full Term!

Hooray! Today the baby is considered to be full term. That means that although every day to 40 (or 41) makes life easier on baby in the first months, this little one is considered fully baked and ready to take on life in the outside world. Yesterday I went to the doctor and I've dilated to 2cm. and am 50% effaced. This could mean that I could deliver in 2 days or 2 weeks.

Total uncertainty is still the name of the game, and likely will be for some time. In the mean time, I'm feeling like the major tasks are done and things are in place. Today I got to hang out with my friend Tobin and his girls Kaelyn and Eliana. It was another beautiful day in San Diego, so Kaelyn played in her sandbox and we all enjoyed the weather. This weekend Brendt and I are going to keep the plans to a minimum to let Brendt prepare his lesson plans and grade papers just in case this little one shows up.

My mom and sister have their bags packed and are ready to hit the road to San Diego whenever I call. :-) In other words, the stage is set, the actors are prepared, we're all just awaiting the star's arrival.

Tick tock. . . any time now.

The Home Life

I'm on maternity leave, now through baby's birthday and then 3 months after. I've been adjusting to a different pace, trying to rest and relax. :-) As most of you know, I don't sit still very well, but I'm trying not to push it.


I finished my "seated" to do list just in time for my mom to come and visit for a few days. Luckily she, her boundless energy, almost finished my "other" to do list in the first night she was here. More than anything it was nice just to have her around and to have someone to help the workday hours pass by a little more pleasingly. Not that the Westie's aren't grand company, but their conversation skills are a little lacking.


This week my "to do" list has expanded to items a little lower on the priority list including submitting insurance receipts and cleaning out the junk drawer. :-) Who knows what I'll be doing (alphabetizing the spice cabinet) by the time May 9th rolls around.



Here is a photo of me a few days ago at 36 weeks.

Friday I'll be 37 weeks, which is considered a full term pregnancy. The doctor said that after that I'm all clear to comence jumping jacks. Ok, my words, not his, but I can pretty much do whatever as baby will be in good shape to join us on the outside. I was folding wee little baby socks today and just thinking about how great it is going to be to actually get my hands on those tiny toes.

Parenthood put to the test

This weekend our friends threw us a grand coed shower, complete with Greek & Mexican food (appropriate for the Gidepakis), a keg, a dozen kids under 7, and the ultimate test of parenthood. Katie put together a relay race that tested the team's ability to diaper, feed, entertain and transport children. Enjoy the spectacle. This was hysterical. I give extra points to Lee who upon his win of the relay race, spiked the baby (used as a baton). :-)

We managed to keep it pretty coed friendly but when it came time to open the gifts, the men filed out of the room one by one, driven by the ever present cooing. Poor guys. Who can blame them. Brendt rallied though and managed to find a stellar use for the "My Breast Friend" breastfeeding pillow, and now beer carrier.

Here is a photo of our niece Maya with her party duds on. She was helping us child proof our living room and looking especially cute while doing so. I don't understand who pays adults to child proof their homes. I mean, just invite 12 of your friends kids over and you'll learn quite quickly what needs to be moved or locked away.