Appreciation

Our new baby Jay is very lucky to have been born into a supportive community of generous, compassionate people, and we feel exceptional gratitude for that. One person in particular that we'd like to honor on this little blog is our friend Jessica, who volunteered (volunteered!) to be our doula for Jay's birth.

Jessica and Jay, Reunited

Leading up to our due date, Jessica walked us through birthing techniques and helped us formulate a birth plan, while giving Natasha spirited encouragement and useful resources for the journey ahead. She then joined us in the hospital, twice -- first for a false alarm, and then for the real deal. She coached Natasha through nearly 17 hours of intense labor, all the while making sure that the nurses and doctors at Kaiser Oakland (a talented and caring bunch who deserve all the praise in the world) were fully on board with our hopes to give Jay a medication-free birth.

With her help, those hopes were realized. Her grace and poise that night were truly amazing, and we can't thank her enough -- or for that matter, her husband Erik and daughter Sophia, for letting her dash off to our side at a moment's notice.

So, thanks again, Jessica! You are an inspiration, and you have our heartfelt appreciation.

Silliness

Jay's Cinematic Debut (2-25-12)

The Sequel (2-28-12)

Jay's First Week

On Thursday, February 16 at 6:11 in the morning, our son, Jay Kikuo MacDonald, was born. He weighed seven pounds, seven ounces and measured 20 inches. He turned one week old today, and it's been quite a blissful life thus far. Here's a look...

On the scale in the delivery room, shortly after joining this world

Mom holds Jay -- a just reward for nearly 17 hours of labor

Bonding with Grandma

Baby burrito

Jay visits with Colleen and Riley

Hanging out with Paul

Kicking back in the bedroom

Max snuggles up alongside his new brother

Melanie finds love at first sight

Joanie, in town from Chicago, helps remind Jay of his Midwestern roots

 Such a wondrous time... Happy one-week birthday, Jay!