Happy 10-10-10 people! Julia’s actual due date (the day before) came and went with little fanfare, and she is continuing to feed and grow well, albeit a little slowly. We are hoping that now that her feeding schedule has turned to a more on-demand cadence, her weight gain will be more robust. We are also looking forward to (hopefully) final visit and clean bill of health from the hematologist tomorrow.

The past several days have been punctuated with visits from some dear friends – many of them generously bringing a meal to ease the transition of Julia’s arrival. Jocelyn’s small group has been right at the forefront with some of the most amazing meal! It’s great to get some recipes that are out of the normal routine. I have to say that most of the offerings have been marvelous comfort food that is going to seriously impact my weight loss efforts (20 lbs. so far!).

But the most distinguished visitor we’ve had (for me, anyway) was my father. I gotta say that I didn’t know I would feel the pride that I did when Jocelyn put Julia into his arms. Bob is a guy that has a lot on his “resume of life” – husband of over fifty years, caregiver to his bride until her passing, father of four, cancer survivor – and now he can add another life to his legacy. Julia is his second granddaughter; and after watching his son marry later in life and being so supportive throughout, I felt an amazing sense of the weight of the moment as he cradled my daughter in his arms.

I hope you’ll indulge me with a bunch of pics of my dad and his granddaughter, but scroll down. There’s more!

Another big development is a change in Julia – something of a surprise, really. Since she was born, she’s been the picture of congeniality. Even the NICU staff loved her during her stay because she was a very quiet and amiable little girl. Of course, there were the cute little chirps and sometimes more insistent squeaks when she needed a bottle. It was only when she was in pain that you would hear her really use her pipes.

Here’s the deal: In the last twenty-four hours, Julia has found her holler! It started last night when she decided to let her sleeping parents know that she wanted food and right away! It has persisted on and off throughout the day – especially at feeding time. Who would have thought that our perfect little princess could generate the volume she does (yah – I know that’s a new dad talking!). It’s actually a pretty good sign considering her heart condition that she has some energy to burn and is willing to expend it! We continue to be hopeful for her as we look forward to a night punctuated with a howl or two from the nursery!

Okay – here we go. Jocelyn is putting her down for the night as I write this. Wish us luck!