First Day of Preschool and More

Preschool 1st day 9.11.2012.  "I'm going to be a Ballerina and a Film Maker like my dad!"

If was a week of many firsts but the most important was the start of preschool.  We have been talking about going to preschool for quite some time now and it was the big first week - finally.  Someone was soooo excited that I could barely take any pictures as she was running out the door so fast.  We were the first to arrive - even before the door was unlocked so Dylan stood with her face pressed to the window watching her teachers with great excitement.  It was a short sweet goodbye before Dylan was onto art and fun.  As I walked out there were many kiddo's clinging to their mother's legs screaming, I looked over and Dylan was already quite involved in an art project. 

Three and 1/2 hours later I was at the door to pick her up - I could hear the scream of excitement "Moommmmmaaa!" and then she ran through her whole time and everything they did with a big "I LOVE PRESCHOOL" at the end.  We went to celebrate with frozen yogurt and bubbles.  It was a great day - and the next day was exactly the same.

 Here's a photo from day 2.  Dylan going for a more 'serious' look here but don't let it fool you, she was VERY excited.

This week we also started Dylan's new swim class - EELs.  She is starting to learn to swim without floaties!  Also new Little Gym, Super Fun Dance Class, and soccer.  It's a full week but super exciting!

The Big Day!!

Dylan Ray Nicole Clark, Born March 18, 2009 at 2:18 p.m. weighing 7.53 lbs and 21" long.


The big day finally came on Wednesday at just after midnight. We got to bed about 11:30 or so. Christine was whooped from a long day of hanging out with her sister, Jill, including returning stuff to Ikea, grocery shopping and the post office. Apparently getting those last minute errands behind her. After we had both dozed off to sleep, she awoke to a strange feeling in her tummy. The baby seemed to be moving, but she "dropped" further down in her uterus. Apparently an odd sensation for Christine. Just after the drop, her water broke. I awoke to a semi-panicked voiced in Christine: "Matt, I think my water just broke." She scurried off to the bathroom and came back but more fluid was leaking out. It wasn't dramatic like portrayed in bad Hollywood sitcoms, but there was no doubt what had happened.


Christine holding her baby for the first time with tears of joy streaming down her cheeks just seconds after her birth.
Immediately after her water breaking, the contractions started. I tried to play it all off to keep our nerves from flaring. I suggested some rest, maybe actually sleeping a little longer (yes, I admit, I was trying to get as many extra winks in as I could). The contractions came on pretty strong and there was no chance of sleeping through them.

I started timing each contraction out. Christine went from 6 minutes apart for about 30 seconds long to 4 minutes and 45 seconds long pretty quick. The pain also became stronger. A call to the doctor confirmed our suspicions: Time to go the hospital. I quickly grabbed a few last minute things and off we went. I did wake up Jill before leaving and she was super excited. I don't think she ended up sleeping the rest of the night!


Dylan on the scale. Nothing like a cold plastic tray to welcome you into the world!

We got to the Hospital at around 3 a.m. The contractions continued to come on stronger and quicker, but Christine toughed them out. We were finally in our birthing suite, moving from triage, around 6 a.m. Christine did all she could to muster the strength and courage to make the short walk. The contractions were debilitating and her low blood pressure made her dizzy like a drunk sailer.

Once settled in the room, we ordered an epidural for Christine. She was so deep in the pain cave, she could hardly hear anyone in the room, but the spinal brought her back and in within an half hour, she was smiling and present. Just in time for the pushing to kick in. She pushed for about 3-4 hrs. A long sprint to the finish, but the results were amazing.


Christine and Dylan just about 10 minutes after birth.

At 2:18 p.m. on a cool and rainy Seattle March day, Dylan Ray Nicole Clark was born. Everyone was healthy and made it through birth just fine, including dad. Dylan was 7.53 pounds and 21" long. She has the longest fingers and toes and beautiful eyes. She's perfect.