Welcome Felix David

He's here! Felix David Rich, 7 lbs, 4 oz, 18.5" long. Born at 8:00 am on Monday, May 14th, 2012.

Yesterday morning I was up early to finish packing and stop for coffee before heading to Oregon. I thought it made it a little more of an adventure to travel to the baby, and a 1-hour drive across the state border was just the right amount. So much better than having to fly somewhere.

After arriving at the hospital, I entertained myself in the over-air conditioned hospital basement cafeteria while I awaited news. There was no WiFi and no outlets, so I mostly read my What to Expect in the First Year book and played Words With Friends. After about 2 hours, the agency coordinator called to say everything was good and I was invited up to the maternity floor to see him.

Felix was the only baby in the nursery and he was under a warming lamp. I wasn't sure what to do, so I took pictures. Then I asked the nurse if I could hold him, and she said yes, but she's new so she wasn't sure where I was supposed to sit down.

Then the birth mom was ready to meet us both. We spent quite a few hours in her room with the agency coordinator, hospital social worker and nurses. She asked a few questions like whether we're having a baby shower, whether I'd chosen a name yet, what my colors were (she likes green and brown, too), and whether I'd teach him Spanish (definitely).

Later the hospital assigned me to an empty room at no charge (woo hoo!), so we're on the same floor as the birth mom and I don't have to travel back and forth to a hotel. I hauled in our suitcases (which look like total overkill to anyone who doesn't know we'll have to stay in Oregon for a while), and got pretty well moved in.

Initially, the birth mom said she didn't want to hold the baby. Even though she's changed her mind about that, she has repeatedly asked the agency coordinator to reassure me she is NOT having second thoughts about the adoption. She says she's in a good place and is comfortable with her decision.

So, that about sums up Day 1!