Kari's (Finn's Mom) labor *update, she's here!*

[Karen]

Awww, completely precious! Give her a kiss from me, okay?

[sparks19]

awww I just saw all this now.

she is beautiful

congratulations

[Daisy and Delilah]

Awwwww......smoochies to Clara from me. Kari, is your Mom with you? I think I forgot to tell you.....you are going to be the most awesome Mom on the planet. You're such a unique and amazing person!!

[finn's mom]

Clara went in for her first doctor's appointment today! She did great in the car there and back, but SCREAMED the entire time the nurse and doctor were looking at her. She's got mad vocals, haha.

We seriously felt like a million bucks when we left the appointment. The nurse weighed her and she's almost back up to birth weight! She started at 7 lbs 15 oz on Friday, left the hospital at 7 lbs 7 oz on Monday and is already back up to 7 lbs 13 oz on Wednesday! 6 ounces gained in TWO DAYS. The nurse was impressed by the fact that I was a first time mom and not supplementing my breast milk. It was great to get confirmation that I'm producing what Clara needs.

The doctor was really surprised that she has no hint of yellow in her skin at all, as I guess typically babies show a little jaundice at this time. I was worried about that, as babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes are more likely to have jaundice within their first week. So, that was another relief for us.

He put her on her tummy and she showed off her upper body strength by scooting to a position with her arms under her chest and her head up! He was shocked when she did that! You could see the muscles in her shoulders, it was pretty cool.

Like I said, we left feeling awesome! She is in the 85th percentile for height and right in the middle for weight and head circumference. I'm just happy that she's healthy!

Right now, she's sleeping in the room with her tired Dad. I am tired, too, but a little wired as well, so I'm up for a few. I'll probably post a few new photos here in the next couple of days.

[Daisy and Delilah]

When my first one was born, my Mom was my savior. I hated to see her go home too. She was so comforting seeing as I didn't know anything about raising a child. Somehow, I managed to get through everything and both kids are still here today and doing great.

Kari, I can tell you're already doing an awesome job. You too Carmen!!!

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Gosh, what a pretty baby you have! I'm glad things are going so well for you all. Sounds like Clara's first appointment went great! Is David staying home from work for a while? Eric got to take off 3 weeks, and it was a major help.

And, I know how you feel about your mom leaving- I feel the same way when my mom leaves!

[finn's mom]

Hey, Jill! Yeah, the doctor's appointment was awesome, even though she screamed the whole time. We actually all got quite a kick out of it, and had to practically yell at each other. we were so happy to hear that we are doing a good job with her and that she's healthy!

David took two weeks off, I think he goes back on the 8th (or that's his last day home). I'm going to miss having him around, and not just because he's such a big help. I just love having him home. But, he has been a huge help! I feel like I'll be pretty well off by the time he does have to go back to work, though, so as much as I'll miss my love and friend, I'll be ok to take care of Clara by myself.

[kuhio98]

Sounds like Clara is happy and healthy.

Babies that are weak don't have the energy to break the sound barrier like your little darling.

I'm so happy for you guys. Get some rest while you can.

[luckies4me]

She is beautiful! Congratulations!

[Karen]

Kari, just had to tell you I saw an acquaintance I hadn't seen in a while, and she's due in December, and she has decided her baby girl will be named Clara, too! It's her grandmother's name, and her husband's mother's - or something like that, so if 20 years from now, your Clara meets another Clara I'd know her mom!

[Randi]

I'm sorry for being so late, but...

A big CONGRATULAUTIONS to you and your husband! What a wonderful little girl Clara is. She seems to thrive really well.

Please give her kisses from me too!