One Month Down

It's a shock to me that a full month has past since Anika's arrival. Anika, however, is daily changed. She's gained a whopping two and a half pounds (which is above average) and grown two inches. She's spending longer periods of time awake during the day, has a surprising amount of strength (she can hold her head up during a burping), and is generally more aware of the world. Her mobile, a striped monkey toy, and our faces are fascinating. It's only a matter of time before she deliberately sends that goofy grin of hers our way.

From our visits to the doctor, it would seem that she's a very healthy little babe. She does, incidentally, appear to have inherited Andrew and Grandma Mary's skin condition (Dermatopathia Pigmentosa Reticularis) because, like her daddy, she developed blisters on her feet during her second day of life. The blisters themselves weren't all that bad, but likely condemn her to a life without fingerprints and difficulty sweating. We're going to see some hot-shot pediatric dermatologist at NYU later this month and hopefully get an official diagnosis. There are only something like 10-15 documented cases of this condition, and since Andrew and his mother are not among them, we're interested in having the three of them noted by the people who've studied it.

Also, I'm not sure if it's apparent from any of the previous photographs, but Anika developed a red spot on her right eyelid about two weeks ago. At first we thought she'd just scratched herself, but it turns out she has an Infantile Hemangioma (also known as a Strawberry Hemangioma). It's a birthmark of sorts that develops a few weeks after birth. Fortunately, it's not permanent, however it will stick around until she's 5-7 years old. We're not thrilled about it, but all things considered it's not so bad. Apparently these things often continue to grow for the first three months and then remain roughly the same size thereafter. Because it's on her eyelid there's a chance that it will cause her eyelid to droop, which could affect her vision. If this happens, she may undergo treatment to shrink or remove it, but otherwise we'll just let it disappear of its own accord.

Interestingly enough, these birthmarks seem to be estrogen fueled (they happen more to girls than boys) and often occur in children who had placental abnormalities. I haven't been able to access much information on this subject, but it might be that this mark, my endocrine problems, and her velamentous umbilical cord having something to do with one another. Weird, eh?

A whirlwind welcome from Grandma Mary and Grandpa Tom

During the last weekend in August, we were graced by a visit from Grandpa Tom and Grandma Mary. Their visit was entirely too short, but momentous and pleasant nonetheless. Here are a few photos of Grandma and Grandpa with their favorite new person.



And here Anika is enjoying a little post-bath cuddle with Dad and Grandma. Bath time is quite the spectator sport in these parts. It's quickly become a good time for all involved, though getting out is still a little traumatic.

Day 20 Photo Shoot

Bath Time!

This is Anika's third bath in a sink/tub. Amazingly, she didn't cry at all. The previous two times she was intrigued, but eventaully decided she'd had enough. I think we may have a happy bather here in no time.

During their visit my parents often marveled at Anika's mild-mannered nature. I think I lack perspective on how newborns typically behave, but I must say: this babe's demands are entirely reasonable.

Communing with Grandpa Wally and Grandma Karen

Grandma Karen was present for the birth and then remained with us for two and a half weeks; Grandpa Wally came out one week after Anika was born. We (Wally, Karen, Emily and Anika) vacationed up in New Hampshire for several days, and spent lots of time just loafing and tending to Anika. It was, of course, nice to have their help and their company. Anika traveled like a champ.

And here Anika and I are posing with that apple tree we planted for her up in New Hampshire.

Home from the Hospital

Here we are preparing for our departure from the hospital and arriving home.




And here's kitty meeting her little sister. She still hasn't quite gotten past the initial shock.

Happy Birthday Baby!

On Friday, August 7th at 9:07am Anika Mary Korson opened her near-blind eyes
to the haze of light and shadow that she will eventually come to recognize as the violence and beauty of the known world.

Weighing in at 7 lbs even, Anika has straight dark brown hair and dark blue eyes. Her complexion is fair and her demeanor gentle and good natured.

In a message that went out to loved ones we included the following message for our daughter as a reflection of our thoughts at this time.

...

Dear child:

"We only have to look at [your] hand to think that any human makes a deplorable account of what he thinks he knows. All he understands from it is that it is really made, in all senses, for the best... You have gone from nonbeing to being by one of these agreements which are the only ones to which I care to listen. You were thought of as possible, as certain, in the very moment when, in a love deeply sure of itself, a man and a woman wanted you to be."

--Andre Breton, Mad Love

Although we will no doubt falter, revealing to you our own human weaknesses, know that we--your parents, grandparents, family members and friends--have every intention of helping you to become both humble and dauntless, equal to the impediments and possibilities you will confront. You are still very much a mystery to us, but you are and always will be deeply loved.

...

Here are several photos from the big day: