Tomato Contest Winner

This post is well past due. Papa Gizmo is this years tomato contest winner. He had the most tomatoes and the largest tomato. I am not sure what the exact count was, but he had over 100 tomatoes. Easily beating my 50 tomatoes. I am never heard David's count, but from what I gather it was not a good year. Anyways, great work to Papa Gizmo who has now won two of the past three years.

Christmas is coming and the Baby Goose is getting fat

Christmas is on its way. Caitlin is doing well, weighing in at approximately 11 and a half pounds. We bought her first Christmas tree. It looks like the best tree ever. However, everything looks like it is the best ever these days. We were able to get the Christmas lights up just before the snow came and the temperatures dropped into the teens. The snow is beautiful and will hopefully stick around through Christmas.

Caitlin visited Gonzaga this past week. She enjoyed all the attention as she seems to be a social butterfly. She certainly has a lot of Kim in her. If Caitlin is not trying to be part of the activities, she is probably staring at the ceiling fan. She really loves to stare at the fan. I guess if I stared at the ceiling all day, I might like the fan also.

In the video you might notice Caitlin's super strength as she tears the handle from the sun. She does enjoy her daily workouts, although not so much with the tummy time.

Two Months and Turkey Day!

On Tuesday, November 25, one day before Caitlin's official 2 month birthday, she had the first round of shots. Caitlin was a trooper and only cried a little. She was a bit cranky the next two days, but by Friday she was back to her happy smiley self! We enjoyed a snowy Thanksgiving in Spokane at the Rays' with lots of delicious food. Caitlin was a big hit with everyone, and Maggie did a great job holding her. John was very happy that we could take some leftover turkey so he could have his traditional "turkey on toast" Friday morning. Caitlin made her Whitworth debut on Monday and was welcomed graciously by the School of Education faculty and staff. We are looking forward to our first holiday season with Caitlin.

Weeks Seven and Eight

Caitlin has been discovering her environment over the past two weeks. She is very aware of lights, fans, and the animals on her swing and in her play gym. She has traveled throughout Spokane to Babies 'r' Us, Target, and Riverpark Square. On Friday, November 21, Caitlin was officially 8 weeks which means it is time her her first shots. She is scheduled for the shots this Tuesday, and we aren't sure if it will be more traumatic for Caitlin or for her mom. We are enjoying using Skype with all Caitlin's grandparents. It's such a great way for them to see her on a regular basis.

Week Five

Caitlin has been a busy girl recently. She is growing out of the newborn clothes and into 0-3 month items. We are very fortunate to have been given so many adorable outfits. Turning the clocks back an hour seems to have played havoc with her schedule, but I think we are getting back on track. Caitlin also has daily activities such as tummy time, reading, and time in the play gym where she is starting to reach for things.

Since most Halloween costumes were far to big for Caitlin, we chose to accessorize instead. She is wearing a onesie decorated by Grandma Gizmo (John's mom).

One Month Old

On Friday Caitlin was four weeks old, and it seems like she has always been part of the family. This past Saturday Caitlin met her Uncle Chris for the first time. She stared at him for quite some time . . . . . that is when her eyes were open. Caitlin went to church for the first time on Saturday. Even though her dinnertime fell right in the middle of mass, Caitlin was well-behaved during the whole hour. On Sunday we headed up to Green Bluff to pick a pumpkin. Green Bluff is a beautiful area north of Spokane with many orchards. They grow apples, cherries, peaches, raspberries, and pumpkins just to name a few items. The picking options were pretty slim, but we found Caitlin's first pumpkin and will carve it later this week. There is a vineyard called Townshend there as well, and since it was so convenient we stopped by for a quick tasting and to pick up a few bottles. Caitlin abstained from the wine, but her mom and uncle did not! Today we took Caitlin to the hospital to be weighed. She currently weighs 9 pounds!

Just the three of us

Well, it is now just the three of us. All the grandparents have gone. So far we have been able to survive. The first night on our own went very well. Taking shifts allowed each of us to get a solid four hour chunk of sleep along with some cat naps. However, the past two nights have been a bit more difficult. Caitlin has been a bit more fussy during the night, and we have been a bit more paranoid. With that said, I think we have a schedule that will work for Kim and I, if only it will work for Caitlin. We are not sure exactly what the fussiness is about. We are thinking gas, but are not too sure.

During the day Caitlin is doing quite well. She eats regularly, every multiple of three on the clock. She is participating in some tummy time and has been able to turn her head a few times. She enjoys her play gym and swing even though she can only handle a few minutes before she gets overwhelmed and begins to fuss. She had her first bath and went for a couple of walks in our neighborhood.

Back to Birth Weight!

It has been a productive week for the newest member of the Villalpando Family. Caitlin has regained all the weight she lost and is back at her birth weight. She also spent a great deal of time in the sun to get rid of the Jaundice. We think this might be a true California girl in the making. On Saturday (Grandpa's birthday) we had a shopping trip to Babies 'r' Us, and Caitlin experienced the Costco parking lot.

After being in Spokane for almost two weeks, John's parents went back to Carpinteria on Tuesday. We are very grateful for their visit, the time they spent with Caitlin (during the day and many hours at night), and all they did for us while here especially their guidance and advice. All three of us miss them dearly!

My parents are able to be here until Friday, and their help has also been invaluable. Between the meals, the cleaning and the laundry, not to mention the emotional support, we consider ourselves very lucky.

Caitlin's First Week

The past week has been the most exciting and frightening week of our lives.

Friday:
Caitlin scored an 8/9 and 9/9 on her Apgar test. She only cried when being poked for shots. The pediatrician gave her a healthy baby status. She seemed content and happy. She had her hearing test and passed on one side, but was a bit too active for the second ear, making the test inconclusive. We sent her to the Nursery during the night, to be brought to us for feedings.

Saturday:
Cailtin remained content and slept almost all the day. She seemed most alert between 2:00 - 4:00 am. Caitlin was again given the hearing test. This time she failed in both ears.

Sunday:
At 3:00 in the morning, we were notified by the nurse that Caitlin had lost 15 ounces, just over 10% of her birth weight. We were told weight loss is normal, but in the 5%-10% range. Later when the doctor saw her, she received a healthy baby status. Both Kim and Caitlin were okayed to be discharged; however we decided that Kim should have another day to rest from the c-section. Kim was beginning to show signs of Edema in her legs. Caitlin had her third hearing test, and this time passed on both ears.

Monday:
Early in the morning we were told that Caitlin had lost another four ounces, bringing her weight loss to over 15%. The nurse ordered a bilirubin blood test for jaundice. Around 7:00 in the morning we were told that Cailtin had an elevated bilirubin count and had to go under the lights. She also needed to be supplemented 2 ounces of formula every two hours. Thus began the every two hour feedings, which took about an hour for each feeding. Kim and I were extremely exhausted and very scared. We knew jaundice is common as is weight loss, but it did not change how we felt. We seemed unable to feed or help our baby. We prayed and cried almost continuously. A nurse who was helping with our feedings recommended that we allow the staff to cover a couple of feedings at night.

Tuesday:
Caitlin received another bilirubin blood test, which although lower than the first, was still elevated. She gained 3 ounces that day. The nurse practitioner decided to continue the treatment of lights and bi hourly feedings; Which we learned from a nurse as the nurse practitioner failed to come and tell us her report. Although Kim still had Edema in her legs, she was discharged. We were allowed to move to a different hospital room in the maternal ward. We continued the bi hourly feedings throughout the day. Caitlin did not complain under the lights. She often looked like she was sunbathing. Late Tuesday Kim began to be concerned that her breathing was more labored.

Wednesday:
At 4:15 in the morning Kim's breathing had become more labored. She also felt pressure in her chest. The edema had spread to upper body and her hands. The nurses would not look at her since she had been technically discharged. We went to the ER to have Kim checked out. They looked at her quickly and decided an a battery of test including a test for heart distress and blood clots. The grandparents quickly came in to keep Kim company as I went to be with Caitlin. The ER doctors decided to admit Kim. On the other hand Caitlin's weight had increased another two ounces and her bilirubin count had dropped into a safer level. Caitlin was okayed to be discharged. Thus began the journey to transfer our stuff and Caitlin to our third room in the hospital. While doing this some reports from the doctors arrived. Kim showed signs of an enlarged heart. However, a different test showed that there was no damage to the heart. Around six in the evening the doctor reported that the results of the tests showed no immediate danger to Kim. The Edema was more pronounced than normal and the excess pressure was the cause of the labored breathing. Kim was prescribed a drug to reduce the Edema and discharged. Around 7:00 on Wednesday night we were able to bring Caitlin and Kim home for the first time.

Caitlin's Birthday

Caitlin Marie Villalpando was born today Friday September 26, 2008. She weighed in at 7 pounts and 10 ounces. She measured 20 inches in legth. She and mom are doing well.

A Visit to California

Unfortunately our past trip to California signifies the end of a wonderful summer break. We had a wonderful time with the family. In addition to visiting family, the ten day trip consisted of a baby shower, an engagement party, birthday parties, a zoo trip, a Dodger game, beach days, a movie, and a trip to the ER. Seeing baby Izzy for the first time was a delight. She is beautiful. Mary and Robert are very capable parents and seem very happy, although a bit tired. Congratulations James and Tracy on your engagement. We hope the best for you two. As always, Grandma and Grandpa Gizmo provide wonderful hospitality with waffle breakfasts, gourmet dinners and delightful conversation. Sadly we could not work out a trip to Lompoc to see Nathan and his karate practice. We did enjoy spending time with David, Betsy, Nathan and Matthew at the engagement party and at the zoo. Thank you Dan and Danielle for driving us all over Los Angeles. The Dodger game with Ben and Luke was great. It is always good to see the Dodgers win in the ninth inning. Erin is adorable and knows more words than I do. Luke has a wonderful golf swing that he was able to demonstrate for us in the backyard. And it is always fun to play baseball in the front yard with Ben, Nathan, and Luke. Watching the kids play baseball reminded me a lot of playing when I was a kid. It was great to spend time with Aunt Noella, Uncle NoNo, Sue, Michael, Terry, Neil, and Dylan. Thank you very much for taking the time to drive all the way to Carpinteria, whichever route you decided to take. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we hope Uncle NoNo is healing well from his surgery. Even with Kim's fall and the subsequent trip to the emergency room, the trip was wonderful. We wish we could visit more often, and we really appreciate every one's efforts to spend time with us when we can make it to Carpinteria.

Annual Tomato Contest

After a second place finish to David last year, Papa Gizmo seems to be on track for an easy win with 40 tomatoes to date. I also hear that they are delicious. Sadly, my plant has only produced four fruits, also very tasty. David has not sent an up to date count, but early reports are that his plant is not a strong contender. There is the hope that while Papa Gizmo visits us this fall, David and his two companions, Nathan and Matthew, might be able to sneak around the two guard dogs, Scout and Oreo, and alter the seemingly inevitable outcome. As for the largest tomato this year, I have not received any reports.

A Visit from Connecticut

Wow, it has been a while. Sorry we've been out of touch but now that we are back in Spokane, you can expect updates on a regular basis. At the end of July into the beginning of August, we were lucky enough to have a visit from my parents. The visit was filled with great activities including many neighborhood walks, trips to Manito Park to see the dahlias and roses, a Spokane Indians baseball game, Art Fest in Coeur d'Alene, cherry picking at Green Bluff, an invigorating game of croquet and an exciting game of Monopoly. The Spokane weather cooperated, and it was beautiful for their entire trip. Hopefully when my parents return at the end of September as Caitlin enters the world, the weather will be just as nice.

Caitlin's Room

We have greatly enjoyed completing Caitlin's room. After several sketches and lots of discussion, we decided to have a theme of flowers so we painted a mural on the wall. With the help of Al and Evelyne, we were able to place the furniture throughout the room. We are still adding finishing touches to the walls. Caitlin's library has a great start. Hopefully Caitlin will enjoy her new room in a couple of months.

"New to Us" Car

We recently purchased a "new to us" car. It is an Acura MDX with about 65,000 miles. We had been looking for such a car for about 3 months in Spokane. We had to drive 5.5 hours to Portland to find one. It seats seven, although the back two had better be small. It has a navigation system which help the directionally challenged. We will give free rides to any visitors. Hopefully Caitlin will enjoy the car since we will most likely still have it when she is 16.

A Visit from Family

What a week it has been. The highlight of the week was a visit from David, Betsy, Nathan and Matthew. We met at a waterfall outside of Portland. We were in Portland buying a car, but more on that in a later post. After viewing the waterfall for a while, we drove the 5-6 hours safely to Spokane. Once home we quickly learned that our house is not child proof or John proof. The kids did great, but I tracked a raspberry throughout the house. New rule: Shoes off on the carpet. After a good night sleep, we started with some chocolate chip pancakes before our adventure. The day consisted of a trip to Manito Park, Cat Tails Zoological Park, and River Front Park before a dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory. At River Front Park we road the train, slid down the giant red wagon, rode the carousel, and feed the trash eating goat. The next day began with trip to Frank's Diner for breakfast inside a train. After which we left for the short 20 minute trip to Post Falls, Idaho to view the waterfall. The water was pretty low, but the park was fun. Once back at the house we played some Wii and used the Slip'n Slide. Sadly the next morning David, Betsy, Nathan and Matthew left early, 6:20, to head to Seattle and return home. In all it was a great week. Hopefully they will be able to visit again in the future.

Connecticut Baby Shower

On July 12, I was lucky enough to be given a beautiful baby shower at Avon Old Farms by Christine Ruane and Mrs. Chamberlin. It was a wonderful shower with good friends and a delicious lunch. Caitlin received many beautiful gifts - she will be one of the best dressed little girls in Spokane. Many people traveled quite a distance to come to the shower, and their efforts are greatly appreciated. My mom knit Cailtin a beautiful baby blanket. That was quite a surprise, since I didn't even know that she had learned how to knit. :) The generosity and hard work that Mrs. Chamberlin and Christine put into the shower was phenomenal, and I am so thankful to both of them.

Week 26 Doctor Visit

On Tuesday, July 15, we met with our doctor for Caitlin's week 26 in the womb check-up. It went very well. Normally we seem to have to wait during doctor visits, but it seems being the first appointment of the morning paid off. A few moments after we arrived, Kim was called in to start the glucose test. Immediately after, we began the ultrasound. Caitlin is about 2 pounds 5 ounces. Her heart rate was 130 beats per minute. We were able to get some pictures and a video. Sadly the video is VHS, and I do not know how to convert it to a compatible format for this blog. After the ultrasound we met with the Dr. Hilton and set a date for the c-section on September 26. This date may could be later depending on the maturity of the lungs. That is just over two months away. We better get started on the nursery!

Connecticut Trip

Sorry for the delay, we are still trying to get a handle on this blog idea. Of course we are currently the only ones reading this, so I guess I am apologizing to myself.

Our trip to Connecticut was wonderful. The flights there was great and we were both got a bit of extra exercise running to catch our flight in Chicago. We had a row to ourselves on all the legs of the trip. It is always great to see everyone, and especially great to see Omi (Kim's grandmother who was visiting from Vienna).

We were able to see two outdoor concerts in Simsbury given by the Hartford Symphony. The Fourth of July concert had wonderful fireworks. The music was great even with the non-American Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture :). The Motown concert the following week was also very good. It is good to see that a small town can have such a great venue.

Kim's baby shower went well, but I will let her write about that when she gets the chance. Chris, Al, and I went to Five Guys for a burger during the shower. The burger and fries were tasty. It is not quite In-N-Out, but what can you expect on the East Coast.

As always, saying goodbye was difficult. We look forward to seeing Omi for the baptism next year. Fortunately, we will see Chris later this year and Evelyne and Al later this month.

The return flight was not as easy as the first flight. It took 13 hours from start to finish, and both legs had completely full planes. I do not understand why the planes leaving Spokane seem empty and those arriving in Spokane seem so full.

Caitlin's Journey

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