I forgot to mention that Travis measured 21.5 inches long. He scored a perfect 9/9 in his APGAR test, too.

Also, his night wasn’t as smooth sailing as it could have been. The neonatal nurse practitioner noticed some red spots on his back when she first examined him, called petechiae. It could have been an indicator of a low platlet count in his blood. Blood was drawn around 10 PM after he got a nice bath, and CBC results did not come in until 1 AM. A low count meant he might be given a transfusion, so we were paying close attention to what we were told.

The neonatologist on staff wanted to see a count above 100,000. Travis’s pediatrician wanted 150,000. The results we got showed a nice, normal 183,000. The neonatologist confessed this morning that he wasn’t sure what caused the petechaie, but it certainly wasn’t a low platlet count. He declared Travis completely healthy. Relief!

(“Saucespital” is Hallie’s name for the hospital, using a fun name game we invented).

I’m blogging from an undisclosed location deep inside Wakemed. It’s been a fight between rest and blogging. Blogging gets the nod, for now anyway.

Travis is a beautiful kid. He’s big and can be loud when he wants. But he’s usually a real sweetheart and is quite content to be held in the arms of Mommy or Daddy. When you look down and see those little eyes peeking out its the best feeling!

Being in a hospital, there is always a stream of people in and out of our room. Such was the case last night. Between his feedings every two or three hours, he was quiet as a mouse save for one moment early in the night. We like kids who appreciate sleep!

Dr. McKenzie delivered him. Our cameras were allowed into the delivery room with us and handed to us once Travis was here. I got many precious pictures of him as well as priceless footage of his first “words.” Both will appear here once I get appropriate hookups.

We’ve been hoping to snooze today, but had to get some visits in with the family. In addition to fun greetings from the grandparents, Hallie had her first visit with her brother. I wasn’t sure how she was coping this morning, as she seemed somehow a bit sad Kelly and I weren’t taking care of her. She warmed up later this morning, however, once the grandparents were around. I watched as Hallie volunteered to give Travis a kiss on the head. She then announced “That did make Travis feel happy.” It was another priceless moment.

I’ll never forget the radiant smile on Kelly’s face as she knew Travis was here. She was never more beautiful. Throughout her pregnancy, she’s been a model for the happy, expectant mother. Sunday night, I complimented her on how toned her body was. She’s been carrying around 40 pounds of baby material, along with 30 pounds of Buggle. She’s in fantastic shape, with vital signs that put me to shame. She makes it all look so easy! I’m in awe of her, especially now that we can both exhale and enjoy our accomplishment. But mostly its her accomplishment, and I humbly accept second billing.

Lots, lots, lots more to talk about. Plenty of pictures which would be here now if I had remembered to bring the proper equipment. Perhaps by tomorrow they’ll be posted.

Thanks to everyone for their congratulations. We all appreciate it and can’t wait to introduce you to our newest family member, Travis!

Travis got here at 8:42 PM. He weighs eight pounds one ounce and is beautiful!

We don’t have a length measurement on him yet, but will have that soon. Also, we’ll have a room here soon where we’ll stay, and will be up for visitors eventually. Watch this space.

Lots of pictures and video, too. They’re priceless. Can’t wait to post ’em for ya.

Wow. We thought this would be a scheduled thing on Wednesday morning. I’m kinda proud that The Boy took charge of the situation. 🙂

Mother, father, and son are happy and doing fine!

Travis James Turner will arrive any minute now here at WakeMed. Woohoo!!!11!!!11!

I was reading the self-submitted News and Observer profile for Brad Miller, District 13 candidate for the U.S. House. For his hobbies, he lists “tennis, golf, and mindless channel-surfing.”

I can’t remember a more honest answer from a politician!

Kelly announced this morning that “things are happening.” At 4 AM, she thought we were on our way to the hospital, but then her contractions settled down. Just in case, though, I’m going with her to her morning doctor’s appointment.

The Boy will likely wait until Wednesday morning, but there’s always some chance he won’t. Stay tuned.

Busy weekend. I painted Hallie‘s room the lavender she’s been asking for. We cleaned the house top to bottom. Watered the yard just in time for a steady, gentle rain on Sunday morning. 🙂

With the Kid arriving by Wednesday, it promises to be an even busier week. Woohoo!

This birthday boy‘s gift:
The Wolfpack beats Miami
Hopes just one day late.