Rocky Mountain High

Mariah's parents Bob and Nancy were in town for a weekend of skiing, so Norah had a great excuse for her first trip to the mountains. During the couple of days we spent in Winter Park, Norah refrained from any alpine adventures, but she did use the rocking cow to refine her mutton bustin' skills for next year's stock show. She was less of a fan of playing trains...in spite of Rick and Mariah's role modeling.

Oodles of Photos

Norah had her newborn photos taken today, so we have oodles of pictures. Here's a sampling...

What a Zoo!

At three days old, Norah met the elephants in her pediatrician's office. At nearly three weeks old, she met the real thing. Since today was a free day at the zoo and since we assumed that 1) we were the only people in Denver who knew it was a free day and 2) certainly no one else goes to the zoo in February (even if it is a perfect 70 degree day), we headed over. Ah, sweet, naive first-time parents. I think in the future we'll happily pay for the privilege of seeing the elephants.

Norah's excitement was palpable.

Decker or Vanderpol?

People keep asking whether Norah looks more like me or Nick. Since we don't know, we'll let you decide for yourself.

Nick (not a great photo, but the best we've got)...















Jacqueline...




Norah...

Sweet Dreams

Norah had her two week doctor appointment earlier this week, and other than an eye infection that's improving already, she is the picture of health. In spite of concerns about her gaining weight, she had gained four times more than they hoped since her last appointment. She's now weighing in at 9 lbs 1 oz. The pediatrician subtly suggested that it might be time for me to go off the mother's milk teas and tinctures I've been on. While Norah might not appreciate her hearty genes later in life, we're quite pleased with them right now. In addition to being a great eater, she's also invited us into parenting nirvana by being a great sleeper. She's as narcoleptic as her mother. What a gift!

Another Field Trip

After a week of round-the-clock caregiving not only for Norah but also for her parents, Nana Goose and Popos returned home last night. It was a rough transition for everyone, so this morning we took a field trip to visit Nana at work and then to see Popos at the Goose. Apparently, yesterday's walk was all the refreshing we needed to suffer through another afternoon on the couch - this time at the Goose. Meanwhile, Norah spent time chumming it up with her new best friend.

Cabin Fever

After a rigorous week of laying around the house, yesterday was the day to shake off our cabin fever and take Norah for her first walk. We don't know if she loved it or hated it; all we know is she slept through it.

Norah the Athlete?

Aunt Mariah visited the other night and wanted to encourage her niece Norah to practice her P90X neck exercises to build strong muscles. However, far more important to her was that she look good in her name brand wear.

Go Broncos!

Since Norah's attire precluded her from cheering for either the Steelers or the Packers, she showed her support for the Broncos. Her dad's concerned that she may be as football illiterate as her mom. Daily tutorials will begin soon.

Home At Last

Norah is so glad to be home! We came home late Thursday afternoon after the doctors decided that Jacqueline was feeling well enough to leave.

Our first few nights at home have been great as Norah has been trying to assimilate to her new surroundings. Thanks to everyone for all your thoughts and prayers as we've begun this journey together.

Today is the day to introduce my daughter to the genius of football.

Meet Norah Decker Vanderpol!

After an evening I would rather forget (when all of active labor and pushing takes three hours and the repairs to fix the damage take four hours, a hazy memory is a blessing), Nick, Norah and I have spent a rather relaxing day at University Hospital. I am happy to report that Norah has been amazingly undemanding and a great eater in her first day of life. Fingers crossed that continues! I am also happy to report that they are no longer recommending a blood transfusion for me after last night's delightful hemorrhage. We can't wait for more of you to meet Norah. In the meantime, here are a few more photos...

The Little Wondergem

Well, she's finally arrived! Jacquelines's water broke shortly before noon yesterday (2/1) and T3 came right at 10:58 PM. We have to still call her T3 for now until we have a chance to figure out her name. Mom was a rockstar last night. She had a very intense, all-natural labor and birth. Unfortunately, the baby tried to stay all huddled up and warm and came out with her arms crossed, making the delivery extra difficult. There was some pretty intense tearing and things were pretty touch-and-go throughout the night as the doctors continued to work their magic on Jacqueline. I'm happy to report that things are looking very good for her right now.

As for the baby, she's just plain cool! I can't wait for all of you to meet her real soon!

Please enjoy this first round of pictures with more to follow soon.

Here's the stats; she's 8lbs 6oz. and measured 21inches long