Naomi Shaw “baby stats”:
- Born at 11:30pm on October 12, 2013.
- 6lbs11oz
- perfect
- gorgeous
I’ve had thousands of braxton-hicks contractions over the few months, but Saturday morning I commented to Jeremiah that those little contractions felt a bit different and they might be for real. He looked at me with wide eyes, wondering what that meant for his day’s plans. Nothing much, I said. Let’s go the farmers market as planned, and we’ll just see how it goes.
After the farmers market I did some gardening while Jeremiah went to the shooting range. Contractions continued gently while I took Milo to a theatre (yes, we’re in NZ, so that’s the correct spelling) production of Alice in Wonderland.
It wasn’t until a bit before dinner that I called the midwife, and she suggested that I take a brisk walk and then see if things picked up or settled down before evening. Milo and I went, dodging the raindrops. We called our friends after dinner and asked if Milo could do a sleep-over, just in case, so he was cozily ensconced at their house before 8:00. We left for the birthing center at 9:30, waters broke at 11:20, and she was out by 11:30. I’ll spare the rest of the details, but it was efficient, as the midwife put it.
It’s amazing how perfect babies come out. After all those months of feeling muffled thumbs inside, I guess it wouldn’t surprise me if they came out a bit amorphous. But they come out with perfect little miniature features. They go from taking all their nourishment through their belly cord to breathing air and sucking milk (ok, well, colostrum) in almost an instant. When you think about it, it’s amazing how often the whole process goes just right!
Here is Naomi just minutes after she emerged into the air. It’s hard to believe that those old lady wrinkly hands belong to those soft perfect baby lips.
That’s right, those are Rhododendrons in the background. October is spring in New Zealand.
Milo came to see Naomi the morning after she was born with a bouquet of flowers and a thumbs up “good job Mommy!” Well primed, Jeremiah! he couldn’t wait to hold her and exclaim over her little fingers and ears and toes.
Here’s a good picture of our early days with Naomi. Jeremiah is trying to direct Milo in gentleness, care of his exuberantly flailing limbs, etc. Milo just wants to TOUCH her. Naomi is blissfully unaware of the drama.
Give It A Burl 
Oh my gosh! You don’t mess around!! So happy for you. CONGRATULATIONS!
Congrats guys! So happy for you down under! 🙂
Is Molly out hiking already?
And gotta love the hair. Reminds me of Molly as a newborn, although Molly’s hair was even more impressive.
Congratulations! What a beautiful little girl 🙂
Congratulations! Wow things happen fast eh? Didn’t even know a baby was expected 😉 Milo looks like a very proud big brother. Looking forward to more pics.
Congratulations Molly, Jeremiah & Milo. No surprise here that Molly didn’t last past the previous post. Determination is HER middle name. Naomi, what a beautiful name-meaning pleasantness. I’m betting Molly selected that to help direct the mindset of this little girl. Enjoy your new family dynamics & God bless.
CONGRATULATIONS! Milo and Naomi are so blessed as are both of you….when’s the first hike??
Eleanor & Angie
Congratulations!!!!! One of each.. Milo must be so excited having her. Can’t wait to see your adventures with little Naomi too.
Linda
Congratulations Shaw family! We are so happy for you! Naomi is beautiful!
Love, Barb and Steve
Yea! I remember seeing you out walking in New York freezing February with Milo strapped to your front…Naomi is going to love having YOU for a mom! What an adventure this little one has ahead of her. Congratulations to all of you. Well Done!
Wow! She is so beautiful. She looks like she’s 6 months old already with that head of hair. Milo is adorable holding her. I’m so happy for you all, and so glad your all healthy and home. Welcome to the world Naomi.
Love, The Jordan gang
Congrats!! She is beautiful and Milo looks the part of the proud big brother