Welcome Charles Michael!

After a very quick labor where we almost didn't make it to the hospital on time, Charles Michael was born on Friday morning at 9:31. He was a very healthy 8 pounds 10 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long. We were in the hospital until Sunday (where unfortunately big brother Peter was not allowed to visit due to the new flu regulations), and have been home getting settled since.

It was pretty quiet in the hospital, mostly just Charles and I, as Geoff was trying to spend time with Peter as well. We did have some visitors, Gritz, Granddad and David, Joanne, Jay and Aggie, and Kristin, Christine and Tedd all came to visit while we were there.

Since we've been home, Peter has been absolutely wonderful and loves his baby brother. He is often asking to hold Charles, and has been very sweet and gentle. If Charles starts to cry, Peter runs to find out what is wrong. He also will sing to Charles to get him to calm down and go to sleep. Charles is fascinated with Peter, gazing at him while he is being held and looking for him when he hears his voice.

Charles had his first pediatrician appointment Tuesday morning, and while on Sunday his weight had dropped down to 8 pounds 1 ounce (as expected), Tuesday he was up to 9 pounds, passing his birth weight.

There is an album with more pictures of Charles's first few days on Picasa.