Our Brussels Sprout Baby has Arrived!

At 9:57am on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 we welcomed Charles Burton Wingfield (Charlie) into this world. He weighed 6 pounds (2.75 kilos) and was 18.5 inches long (47 cm). The birth went well and I enjoyed getting to stay in the hospital for six days afterwards (the Belgian norm). Kyle took the week off and stayed with us in the hospital the whole time which was just wonderful. In fact, he changed a lot more diapers than I ever did in that week!

My parents arrived on Saturday and have been an incredible help. Kyle and I tried the first night at home alone and it didn't take long for me to yell, "Mom, help!" She has stayed with us each night since then taking the night shift which has helped beyond words.

Charlie is an absolute angel and has been patient with us as we try to figure out his cues. Each day we seem to learn one new trick that helps calm him. Thus far he is a good eater that absolutely hates having a dirty diaper or having his diaper changed. However, once he has a clean diaper and a full belly he is happy to stare at lights, listen to us coo at him and just look around and take in the world.

We have been overwhelmed by the love and kind wishes of so many friends and family. I am sorry I have not responded to anyone yet, but wow it is amazing how one little baby can consume your whole day! It is 5pm before I know it and all I seem to have done is deal with bottles, diapers, and laundry. We have also gone a little crazy with the photos -- in one week we have taken over 300! And I can definitely tell that I am a parent now because it actually hurts my heart a little to delete even one of them. Below are some of my favorites...

Charlie has Kyle's sweet blonde hair and blue eyes.

During the day Charlie likes to practice his martial arts and then later have a dance party to Madonna's Vogue.Afterwards he ponders the meaning of life for a few hours.And then before bed he says his prayers.

But sometimes he gets tired of the paparazzi and says, "Enough with the photos!" And like all good parents we don't listen to him and just keep snapping away. Stay tuned for more photos once I get a chance to edit them. In the meantime, thank you so much for your love and support and we can't wait to introduce you to him!