Introducing Soren William

And he shall be called...Soren William Randall.

Named after Jeff's grandfather, William Sorensen, who was born in Denmark. Shelly's father and grandfather are also both named William, so Soren's middle name crosses family lines. We had to live with our little boy for a day to confirm this was indeed a good, strong name for him.

Weight: 8 pounds even
Length: 20-1/2 inches
Hair color: strawberry blond
Eye color: slate blue

We are enjoying a "babymoon" -- staying at home doing nothing but falling in love with our new family triad. Visitors from my side of the family so far are Grandma Ann & Grandpa Bill (one of the Williams) and Aunt Jill.
Note the "blue nun" swaddling method we have adopted.

And here's the banner that was hung the day after Soren's birth to announce him to the neighborhood!

Welcome to our son!

Our healthy baby boy was born this afternoon at our home, in a beautiful water birth. Mommy and Daddy are both doing well, and so is our son -- who awaits his name as we get to know him better! May post birth photos later, but not tonight. Gotta try feeding again and get some rest.

Our friend and doula Leah was so wonderful and at my prior request baked a birthday cake after the birth that we can share with friends and family who come visiting. We lit a symbolic candle for our child on his first day of life, and I ate the whole delicious slice!

Every day after my due date is a bonus day!

Today, August 25, is my official due date, but all I have to share is this adorable photo of my 9-month belly.

I will enjoy every additional day the baby stays in my belly, because they will be "bonus days" to prepare for this next phase of our life.

Showers of good wishes

I've been blessed with not one, but three baby showers in the past couple of months.

The first was in Jeff's hometown of Coulee City, Wash., where his mom and friend Carmen hosted a fabulous brunch with 24 attendees, half of them over 80! At my request, each of them shared a bit of mothering wisdom with me--this activity turned out to be the hit of the party. View an album of 21 photos on PhotoWorks here (no need to sign in).

Then my PT friends threw a "celebration of motherhood" for me in Theresa's backyard and brought beads for my birthing necklace. As attendees presented the beads, we tape-recorded their comments on the strengths I would bring to motherhood--it was very touching. Both my mother and mother-in-law were able to attend. View the album of 21 photos here.

My sisters Jill & Nora threw the final party, hosted at friend Sierra's condo. Friends from high school and college convened in Seattle for a very memorable gathering. More beads were gifted, and attendees at the final two showers also decorated cloth squares for a baby quilt my mom and I will be stitching together. View the album of 20 photos here.

I will take as much support in this transition to motherhood as I can get!