Avoiding mosquitos

We have lots of mosquitos, so we sleep under mosquito nets. According the Red Cross, "Malaria is a leading cause of death among children, where one child in four does not live to see his or her fifth birthday. Half of deaths among children under five are from malaria." A few months ago, we saw this collapsable baby mosquito net (probably imported from China) and thought it would work great for our little one. So far so good.

"Normal" has changed

It's strange to think that just a week and half ago we were living as a childless couple. Suddenly "normal" life involves a very demanding third person who needs to be fed, changed, and taken care of. Of course we have to give proper attention to the dog too so she won't become too jealous. Dad's favorite outfit on Tim is the blue giraffe outfit, since giraffes are somewhat of a symbol here. Our son continues to make us laugh regularly with his funny expressions.

Getting even better

Tim is developing a voracious appetite. He seems to be an all or nothing kind of guy. Either he's fast asleep, crying hysterically, or thrusting himself toward food. There is not much in between. Today we celebrated his last antibiotic shot.

Talking to Grandma

How do we communicate with grandparents and great-grandparents who live across the ocean? Thanks to modern technology, a portable web-cam helps Grandma and Grandpa in Guatemala see Tim in West Africa. Although the Internet speed is generally too slow to permit video and voice simultaneously, at least they get to see him. When family members just need to talk, a US number forwards to our cell phone. The wonders of technology.

He still sleeps more than he should, is lethargic, and is not eating normal quantities yet. Hopefully in this next week he will continue to improve. Thanks for keeping him in your prayers. His temperature is normal now and he is eating a bit more each day.

Karate Kid - huh?

Okay so we know there are a lot of Tim pictures on the blog these days. That's not only because we're proud parents...it's because the extended family has requested that we post pictures of him, since they are too far away to see him in person. So, today's photos show the Karate Kid pose and the "Huh?" look we often get when we talk to him. By the way, his fever is gone and he is beginning to eat more. We still have a ways to go though.

Feeling better

We're turning a corner. His fever is starting to drop and he has finally begun eating some. He still cries and shakes his head from side to side, but then proceeds to eat for a few seconds. We're thankful.

Day 2: More firsts

Tim had a high fever today and refused to eat. After some long crying sessions we looked at the books, monitored his fever, and eventually took him back to the clinic. He will need regular shots for the next week and other medications. So, he's not always the calm, sweet one in other photos--especially when he is not feeling well. What else could one expect? This evening, however, he ate really well for the first time. If he keeps that up, he should be better in no time.

Does he look like his dad?

The photo today is not of Tim, but of Steve the year he was born. What do you think? Does Tim look like his proud dad? : )

Day 1 - A Day of Firsts

Today was a day of firsts for Tim and us: first diaper change, first real bath, first meal, first ride in the car, first glimpse of his new home, first introduction to our dog, first time to sleep in his own Pack'nPlay. We hosted a steady stream of visitors and phone calls from morning until after 9:00pm. Our little guy is exhausted from all this commotion, as are his parents. And yet, we are all very satisfied and thankful too. Tim spends most of his time sleeping, as can be expected. But sometimes we catch glimpses of his intense gaze as he soaks in everything going on around him.

He is here!

Timothy Stephen arrived this morning at 2:31 am local time. He weighed 3.2 kg / 7.05 pounds and was 49 cm / 19.2 inches long. From the time we woke up in bed to the time he was born was an hour. Mother and baby are fine and healthy.

Any day now

We're waiting for the arrival of our first child. The doctor says he could be born in either a few hours or a few weeks. We'll see! (Beth hopes it's only a few hours).