George William Finch Gulde

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Originally uploaded by The Gulde Family.

As I type from a borrowed chair in the middle of the hall on the first floor of Prentice Women's Hospital, our son George is just turning six hours old and sharing a meal with his mother eleven floors above. I'll keep this short because I want to be with them - and this is the only place in the building with a strong and constant wireless signal.

To continue the story from this afternoon: around 4:15, doctors and nurses agreed that the baby was ready to come. Sally gave one full ten-count push, and George's head emerged. After three little three-count pushes, Doctor Foley held George in his hands. George was a little grey in the hands and feet - apparently normal for newborns. Seconds later, I snipped the cord between two clamped points, and we handed George to his mother for the first time.

He's got the right number of everything, and he's pretty well formed. Eating and sleeping appear to be early aptitudes.

Sally is doing wonderfully. She was strong and optimistic all day, and she's already said, "we have to do this again" while feeding her hours-old baby.

Francis met George around dinner time. The Browns (who are graciously hosting Francis while we're here) came by with dinner. Francis spent much of her time sitting on the bed with her mommy and brother. "Baby George," she said upon arrival. Then, stroking his blanket, she said, "Baby George, nice. Nice."

Thanks, everyone, for checking in on us. We're so happy to introduce you to our son.

I almost forgot. Here are George's stats: eight pounds, fourteen ounces, and just barely under 21 inches.