Back to Albuquerque

Grandma Vicky and Grandpa Jim took off today (with a few tears). And no, they didn't make good on their threats to steal Mackenzie. These days, those small airplane seats and overhead compartments don't facilitate babynapping.

[Of course, you could probably dress Mackenzie up like a bundle of dynamite and TSA would rather be checking if Grandma Vicky was smuggling lotion bottles larger than 3 ounces].

Set Soothing Center to "Stun"

Here is our new (and silly) "Soothing Center" - a high-tech contraption that supposedly mimics being cradled and rocked by a real human. Perhaps we are grooming Mackenzie to welcome our future robot masters. Grandma Vicky declared the chair reminded her of something like this.

The Acid Test

Had a follow-up pediatrician appointment today. Lots of good news. First, Mackenzie has gained weight (which means she is getting good nutrition). Second, we found out why she's been so cranky: Acid reflux. This is a good thing, because it's treatable. And there was much rejoicing (because we can sleep just a wee bit better now)!

Mackenzie Baby Shower Pics updated

Mike Matera gymnasium, originally uploaded by chaydenusc.

More pics have been added to the Jan 2008 Baby Shower Gallery. Thanks Dave!

I may be mistaken for a small furry animal

Just finished our first bath, and Mack is very comfortable in her plush swaddler.

Photo Gallery Added

I've added a permanent link on this site to an online photo gallery. We will be uploading pics periodically.

Dad as Furniture

Still a proud daddy.

An Easter Birth Day Timeline

I would've posted this earlier... but here is how Mackenzie's birthday went down:

3:10 am  - Happy Easter! Time to give birth. Contractions have begun, and we've had about an hour of sleep.

3:50ish am - We arrive at the hospital - and wait for what seems like an eternity to check in. 

6:05 am - Jaime's contractions have been very painful, but the pain abated quickly after getting the epidural. Hats off to all the women who do this naturally. I dunno how you do it.

We called Jim Lester around 5:50. He says that given how far she has dilated, it's likely Mackenzie will be born around 9:00 am. Great! It's still kind of weird and quiet here on Easter Sunday morning. 

6: 25 am - Jaime's at 9cm, and now she's on oxygen. The nurse said it makes the baby happy. 

7:45 am - Jaime's ready to go. Fully dilated, but no pressure. The midwife says we're going to start Oxytocin. We're about to get this party started. 

9:43 am - Mackenzie is born. Jaime was a champ, and I saw the whole thing. I'm kinda speechless.

12:30 pm - Mackenzie has been bathed and checked out by the nurse. She's now comfortably sleeping off the ordeal. Upon reflection, I think Jaime had a relatively good and short labor. And yes, the epidural helped! 

Welcome Part II: Cat Diplomacy

Hermy conducted a formal inspection of the newest member of our household today. We believe she and Neeners formally accepted Mackenzie after a closed session of intense cat negotiations.

Coming Home

Coming home today turned out to be a breeze. Of course, it took a few hours to get processed and discharged from the hospital. I'd like to think Mackenzie took to her car seat like a born roadtrip enthusiast. 

More for the Mackenzie time capsule: Useless trivia edition

Interesting bit of trivia. Susan Katz, also known as the "Stork Lady" around these parts, held a birthing class that Jaime and I attended. Another claim to fame: her brother is "Flounder" from the movie Animal House. What could be more significant than that? Perhaps his recurring role as an alien on the TV show Babylon 5.

Proud and Happy Daddy

My Dad is fond of saying "Proud and Happy Daddy" as a reference to someone (finally) receiving their PhD. But I think I know what he really means.

For Mackenzie's Birthday Time Capsule

On the day of Mackenzie's birth, this was broadcast on Headline News. That's right, it's the image of Jesus on a Cheeto. These are momentous times for American broadcast journalism.

Would it be controversial if it was a "Flamin' Hot"(r) flavored Cheeto?

Grandparents and Socks

Grandma and Grandpa Lester welcome the latest member to their fleet of grandchildren. And try to put on socks.

Our Daughter is Born

At 9:43 AM, March 23 2008 (Easter Sunday). Mackenzie Lester Hayden was born. We are relieved and overjoyed.

More details to come. I would've posted this earlier, but the hospital firewall evidently doesn't play well with Blogger websites.

Lauren Marie Lester

At around 5:30 pm on Friday March 21, we get news that our niece was born! Congratulations to the happy parents Eric & Dana Lester, and her sister and brother Taryn and Aiden. Still waiting for Mackenzie, who would like to arrange her own grand entrance.

Excitement builds

It's clear that Hermy cannot contain her excitement. We're still counting down the hours to Monday. Though there's still a chance Mackenzie will move up the launch schedule.

The Plan

It's official. As per the suggestion of our doctor, we're going to induce on Monday, March 24. Given all the factors involved (like me working in Charlottesville, parents flying in from out of town, etc.) - this is the best option. Needless to say, we are very excited!

Of course, this could all be moot if Jaime goes into labor before then. At least now we have some semblance of a "plan." Good thing our bags are packed.

Launch

In a fit of procrastination, I have launched the semi-official blog of family related issues, news, stories, events, and trivia related to the Craig, Jaime, and now Mackenzie household. The official title should be "News from Haydenhold on Lester Lane" (of course) - but it seemed a little unwieldy. I'll be sure to make it up to Jaime with lots of flattering and positive posts about her.

To be honest, I decided to do this because my friend Heather Sheridan asked if I was (and was ashamed to admit that I hadn't), and because another good friend Chrysta Wilson did a wonderful job with her own family blogging.

Of course, the real justification for this blog is - Mackenzie (our first child) is due on March 26, 2008.

I'll try to keep the navel-gazing to a minimum (there are other outlets for that), and keep providing timely updates about the happenings of our family.

So here it begins.