TWO WEEKS ALREADY

When's she gonna do something? (I keep asking Kristen this to drive her nuts.) In all fairness, she eats and fills diapers very regularly, so she's clearly doing something.

Allegra's umbilical cord fell off earlier this week, so that's out of the way. For me that's the final piece of the whole birth process, and I'm glad to get it over with, as it's much easier to care for a baby without that dried-up thing rubbing or catching on diapers.

She's a great sleeper - most nights so far - and allows us almost 4 hours stretches of sleep. But she grunts and coos and makes all kinds of noises whether she's awake or asleep.

Leggy's been getting plenty of attention from her big brothers who can't get enough of her. They've been guilty of waking her on several occasions just to "say hi to her!" But they love her like big brothers, and that's great to see.

ROLLIN ROLLIN ROLLIN

At only a few days old, she's already figured out how to move her long legs to roll herself over. She's strong for sure, but I think this is really a leverage thing. Whatever it is, she definitely doesn't like being on her back, but prefers her side. And then she puts herself in that position at will. Wow, she's progressing quickly!

I guess the question I keep jokingly asking Kristen - When's she gonna DO something? - may be answered sooner than later!

THE NICKNAME HAS BEEN DECIDED

As we went through the arduous task of deciding what to name our newest addition, we of course had to consider all the off-shoots to each candidate. The most obvious issue was when Kristen suggested Allegra Sophia Santilli - and we really liked it. Too bad the initials would be grounds for her to disown us later in life. Stuff like that is important when deciding on names.

We were trying to think of what her nickname might be. Allie, or Al being the most obvious choices. I through out 'Gra', but don't think that'll stick exactly.

So today at Allegra's few day old Doctor's appointment, Blane came up with the nickname that I can totally see as sticking. Blane was talking to her, and said, "Hi Allegra! Hi Leggy!" We both looked at each other and knew that would probably be the nickname she'll be known by.

DAY NUMBER 2: A RECAP

We've got a day under our belt with 3 kids now. Still doesn't feel totally real, though I'm sure it will come painfully into focus after a week without sleep. Funny thing? We couldn't be happier with out perfect little family of 5. Allegra is the perfect addition and I'm just brimming with pride.

I thought a quick recap of the past few days' events may be in order.

Saturday night Kristen and I put my most recent DVD purchase, Fletch, in to watch after getting the boys to bed. During the movie - around 11pm - relatively serious contractions began. So add Chevy Chase to the list of Labor Inducers? Perhaps...

A bit after midnight we prepared all of our bags and things for the boys, and then I went to sleep before Kristen felt it was time for us to go in. I got 3 or 4 hours of sleep before we called Tom and April to come over and stay with the sleeping boys. Ok, so Tobin was totally awake and wired, but you get the point.

Around 5:30 in the morning we checked into the Labor and Delivery Triage at Sky Ridge Medical Center. Picture one of the nicer hotels you've stayed in, and you've got a good idea of the accommodations we were in for.

7am and we were admitted to a room - much larger than our own master suite - where we'd spend most of the day as Kristen made her progress toward delivery. I kept family and friends updated via text messages, instant messages, emails, and phone calls. We watched the Food Network and put a DVD in to watch on the TV in the room. And of course we had a couple visits from the boys which was nice as long as we could keep them from pushing every button in the place (to varying degrees of success).

Kristen held out on getting an epidural until she was at a 5 (and I'll leave it at that - you either know what being at a 5 means, or you don't...) at which point the nurse suggested she could make it the whole way without if she wanted. She did not want.

At about 4pm Kristen began pushing, and 19 minutes later we had Allegra in our arms. It was a great, laid-back day - even from Kristen's perspective, especially considering the past couple of labor experiences!

As the boys had been asking the inevitable questions about how Allegra would get out of Mommy's belly, we opted for the C-Section explanation. But Blane's compassion and worry is significant enough that we tried to calm his nerves about "The Doctor cutting mommy." He divulged to Meme and Grumpa, "I think there's a secret hole the baby comes out of..." The kid's a little smarter than he needs to be for 5 years old!

The boys are head over heels about their little sister. They're probably a little too excited about the baby - it's hard keeping them away from her. They constantly want to hold her, touch her face, her hands, see her feet, and so on, and so forth. But I guess I'd rather they were excited than not. Blane's learning quickly how to hold her and be gentle. Tobin's trying, but his curiosity tends to get the better of him. They're both going to be great big brothers to their little sister, that much is absolutely certain.

And yes, Allegra is it. 5 is most definitely our number!

ALLEGRA NICOLE SANTILLI

Well Allegra was born at 4:19pm, today, June 3rd, 2007. She's 6 pounds 6 ounces and 19 inches long. She's feisty, as the nurse put it while bathing her. She's perfect.

ON HER WAY

This little girl is on her way! We've been at the hospital for a few hours, and been doing a lot of walking. So it looks like today will be the day! Pictures will be soon to follow...