reflections on daddyhood (of many)

So, my life got a lot better this past week....

We'd like to introduce you all to 6 lbs, 15.1 oz of Phoebe Evelyn Wai Yun Gans.
She was delivered early last night with a full head of hair and a few cute but restrained baby cries. She and mom are both very healthy. Mom handled everything so well that the midwife immediately suggested we plan for 5 or 6 siblings. Dad did not faint.
Her favorite things to do so far involve eating and sleeping, but she does these in a very intelligent and stylish manner.
She's looking forward to meeting you!
-Will and Rebecca

 Previously, I had never understood why women go totally crazy over newborns. Rebecca would show me photos of babies and ask: "isn't she cute?", to which my response would invariably be 'looks like a baby'. But there is a lot of magic in holding such a fragile creature in your hands, especially if you are her dad! A tumultuous cocktail of emotions come flooding over you - the love, anxiety, responsibility, anticipation, and a deep feeling of gratitude and contentment. It really is surreal. And hard to describe without sounding like a prologue to 'chicken soup for the soul'. But, it is pretty much the best thing/moment/experience in my life.

Since then, we've been getting to know our new housemate and build an understanding with her. By 'we', I mostly mean Rebecca. Dad is still very much in the extraneous stage at this point. No milk production = not very helpful when baby is hungry. Thus, I've been relegated to diaper changes and the occasional burping session. Not that I'm complaining, but I am definitely looking forward to more parenting opportunity.

Sister-in-law Sabrina was with us for nearly 3 weeks, both before and after the birth. She left on Saturday, and we're still finding our way without her guidance and delicious cooking. It really was SUCH a wonderful help to have her around. We'll be working hard to find a way to repay her kindness! Thank you Sabrina!!!!

And now.. a few more photos from the first few days.

Rebecca in the delivery room (round 1, before we were sent home -- notice the relaxed look on face)

And a few short hours later... baby!! at the weigh in.

During a happier moment on Mom's lap

 Post feed sleepy smile

Thanksgiving

What a flurry of activity in the last few weeks! We didn't think that baby would hold out until thanksgiving, but, lo and behold, she did! We enjoyed a delicious meal with our friends' John and Carrie. We contributed turkey and sweet potato dumplings to the meal, which were pretty tasty. Our pre-dinner cocktail (cranberry collins) was also enjoyable, perhaps a little too much so for some (like yours truly). There was sage ravoli, fennel encrusted pork, lots of fresh bread, wine, roasted vegetables, pie...yummy.

Unfortunately, I was so caught up stuffing my face that I didn't adequately photo-document the hours-long meal, nor the annual viewing of a cheesy movie that took place the next morning (we had a slumber party). This year's movie was 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter". It was...unique. 

Anyway, here's a handful of photos. 

Cheese plate detritus

 Mid-dinner cameo

 Rebecca at the dinner table. Notice the empty plates.

The Tuesday after thanksgiving, Rebecca's sister Sabrina arrived to help us out with the baby and cooking and helping around the house and being all the things a good big sister should be. It's so great to have her around! We've been going out, eating really good food, and just enjoying each others' company now that we're in the home stretch. It sometimes feels like we're all holding our collective breath waiting for the baby to happen and 'our lives to change forever.' It's still rather abstract at this point, at least for me, but we know that the launch date is getting closer every day! I may just discover that changing diapers is really fun when you're sleep deprived. Unlikely, but you never know.

Below are the two ladies prior to going to the movie theater.

 Rebecca and belly, relaxing on the couch

 Rebecca, belly, and Sabrina, getting ready for bed

 Rebecca and belly, trying out new stroller (thanks mom and grandma!)