Going orthogonal
Jenn did it!

It would be too presumptious for me to declare that “we” did it, since this “part” of the “we” held hands and said encouraging and supportive words. However, no excruciating torture devices were affixed to my body at any time, so I give credit where credit is due. Things went much faster and a bit easier this time, so Jenn was much less tired and way more alert after the baby was born.

Now the metrics:
- Cleo Carver Rossmann
- 7 lbs, 15 oz and 20 inches
- April 5th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
- Born in Summit, NJ the honorable Vivian Chou presiding

Dr. Chou made it to the delivery room with about 20 minutes to spare, and after the pushing had begun. Jenn was not fazed but I was starting to wonder (quietly to myself), “Where the &*^$# is she?.” I guess I don’t appreciate an OB/Gyn’s busy schedule.

The first 24 hours has been fairly routine. Cleo had no trouble eating right away. Her skin was much more pink at birth than Leda but she has a bit less hair than her sister. We made it over to the Mommy/baby rooms around 4:30 and Jenn was nicely settled in. Leda and I brought her a picnic dinner of burritos at 6pm.

At first, Leda was tentative about going to see Mommy and Cleo, even though we had gone over the idea of the birth (the baby, previously in Mommy’s belly, was now out), the baby’s name, and where we were going in the car incessantly. Leda did not completely internalize all this information after our prep session. However, after her dinner, she showed much more interest and got to hold the baby and touch her feet.
As to the title of the post, we are already beginning to feel like what it means to have two children. Someone might guess that it’s twice as hard or maybe 50% as complicated (since you already have solved the problem once before). I humbly submit that it’s like adding a whole new degree of freedom (a new axis if you will). Now, life is less constrained: things can now spiral. Much respect to those who have three (helix) or more (N-dimensional torii of insanity). We look forward exploring our new vectors, Victor.
Erica:
after viewing the pictures, i must say i am quite amused at how you are reminded of a burito when little cleo is all wrapped up shortly after birth. i was wondering where the idea of having buritos for dinner had come from when i visited the hospital on friday and heard of the dinner from the night before. now i officially know, and i did laugh out loud in my room.
plus i am sooooo glad you decided on the 5th so i could meet her. and i cant wait to get back on the 7th of may so i can steal her away.
April 8, 2007, 5:59 pmSara Patterson:
Congratulations on baby Cleo - I am sure Leda is a proud big sister.
Hope all is well with the four of you - Toby keep your spirits up and hang in there!
Saw Grandma Lynn on Friday and she is exceptionally proud of all of you!
Take Care and God Bless you all! Sara Patterson
April 9, 2007, 4:44 pmEd Bindler:
Hi, I have a question about your trip to Northlandz. Were there many trains running? A friend of mine visited last year and there were only a handful of trains running, not the 100 as advertised.
I want to visit but not if the trains aren’t running.
Thanks for your blog and congrats on the baby!
April 9, 2007, 5:11 pm