We had a few more Minnesota-based visitors this week. Sarah Fastner and Jackie Winkels stopped in for a quick meet and a greet over the weekend and Grandma and Grandpa Peckham were here on Monday and Tuesday.

Back in Action

After a couple of really scary nights in the NICU at Children's Memorial Hospital, Sam is home and back in action (read: sleeping, eating and pooping). Overall, the final report from the cardiologists at Children's was positive -- they are going to watch his little ticker on an outpatient basis and we won't need to see them until January.

The silver lining? Grandma and Grandpa Boylan popped in for a visit and celebrated Thanksgiving with us. Our celebration happened a little late, but we couldn't be more thankful for our beautiful little Samuel, our incredible friends and family and Whole Foods -- Steve made the turkey, they supplied the sides.

Our First Outing

We went to see the pediatrician yesterday. It was the first time in what felt like weeks that Steve and I actually showered and got dressed in clothes that are appropriate to wear outside our house. Before we left, we decided to quickly feed and change Sam one last time. How did he repay the favor? He peed all over both of us.

Depsite the changing table mishap we made it to our appointment on time and Sam got a big thumbs up from Dr. Birkquist.

Homeward Bound

We finished out our stay at Northwestern and made it home from the hospital last night around 6:30 p.m. Our first night at home was a long one, but everyone survived and we’re now gearing up for night number two. All we’re hoping for is 90 minutes of uninterrupted sleep. Fingers crossed!

Day One Continued...

Day One

There has been a steady stream of visitors since Sam's arrival and we feel so fortunate to have such kind people in our lives. Thanks to everyone for the congratulatory messages and well wishes!

Samuel's Birthday

Samuel Steven Peckham made his much anticipated debut Thursday, Nov. 15 at 5:25 p.m. in front of a small, but awe-struck audience. He weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 21 inches with dazzling blue-gray eyes and a semi-full head of brown hair that made his Dad simultaneously proud and envious. His Mom was a rock star throughout and is resting (and celebrating) after a heroic performance.

There’s no telling what great adventures await Sam, although witnesses swear he struck a Heisman Trophy pose immediately after delivery. And a few short hours later on a trip around the hospital, it seemed obvious Sam could distinguish between a scalpel, surgical clamp and forceps. So who knows? For now, timely diaper changes seem to make him happy, which suits his proud new parents just fine.

Our very best to you and yours,

Katie, Steve and Sam

The End of an Era

With our induction date looming we took the day off and celebrated our final hours of unfettered freedom. We slept in, went out for brunch, caught a movie and squeezed in some last minute to-dos around the house. After splurging on a huge Italian dinner we packed our bags for the hospital. We might be losing our unfettered freedom and our status as a D.I.N.K. (Dual Income No Kids) couple, but we can't wait.

Thanks to everyone who got in touch with well wishes. We appreciate it very much!

Next up: Photos of Baby P. himself. Stay tuned!

Baby P's New Digs

We still don't have baby pictures to share, so here's a look at how our spare bedroom/storage room/office was transformed into a nursery. It was a real labor of love for Steve. Almost every single thing in the place put his DIY skills to the test. We're really happy with how it turned out. If Baby P. ever decides to move in, we think he'll be fairly pleased with his new digs.

My Big Sis

Kristine was in town for a conference this weekend and swung by for dinner on Saturday night. There was lots of good food and good wine (for everyone but me), and a quick snapshot of my belly at its biggest. Here I am just five days out from our due date.