Welcome to a new Hale!

Moxen James was born this morning at about 6:45. All 10 lbs 4 oz and 22 inches of him are doing well!

Wendy won our contest by guessing the right birth date - we still don't know what her prize will be. Feel free to post your comments about what you think her prize should be.

Here's a picture of Morgan reading Moxen is first book. It was much cuter before she realized I was taking a picture - but she did read him the book.

Making room for baby

One birthday guess bites the dust! Still plenty of other guesses to go.

While waiting for the newest baby Hale to arrive we've been busy trying to make sure we've got everything we need and plenty of places to sleep.

Since at least one of the girls comes to our bed on most nights, and at least once every week or so, both of them join us, we (I?) decided that I need more space to sleep. Our queen bed with 4 people plus a pregnant belly was just not cutting it. Also, after the baby comes, 5 folks in one queen bed really wouldn't do.

So, we began investigating ways to have ample sleeping space for all involved - not that the girls don't have perfectly lovely bunk beds in their own room, but you know snuggling with someone else is much better!

After many ideas and trial runs, we've decided on a twin bed next to our queen bed. That was fine and dandy but didn't leave us much room for a safe sleeping place for the baby when we weren't all snuggled together, a big girls "no go zone" if you will.

While trying to figure it all out, I remembered a friend's baby hammock. I reminded Mike, and being the crafty guy that he is he made a couple for us. One for regular home use and one to travel and to keep at the shop for when the little one goes to the store with him.

Check it out:
And just in case you don't trust the weight bearing ability Mike was hanging out it in with the girls the other day!

One month count-down

It's a bit of an awkward count down, because well, let's face it the count down could take only a couple of weeks, or it could take more than the 4 that are left until the due date.

I've decided to post a poll to see who guesses closest to the actual birth date and time of the next Hale family member. The winner will get...well I don't know. Maybe you'll get to come over to my house and fix me lunch, play with my older children, and watch me sleep!

I'll give you all of the information that I have to help you make your best educated guess.

1. Morgan was 2 full weeks early when labor started and she was fully well done when she was born.

2. Kenna came 3 days after her due date, as a perfectly ripe baby.

3. As of 35 1/2 weeks I was 1.5-2 CM dilated (pretty normal for 2nd or later children) and 80% effaced.

4. My uterus is measuring about a week ahead of schedule.

5. On Thursday last week, I started feeling like my belly was leading when I walked. I don't think externally I look different, but I sure feel like a sway-back.

6. Kenna and Morgan are sickly, clingy, and possibly slightly overwhelmed by the recent moving of furniture and unpacking of baby clothes and diapers.

7. No bursts of energy here. I'm exhausted all the time.

So, when do you think the baby will come? Post a comment and we'll be sure to post here when the baby comes so you'll know who the winner is.