Dedication

While my parents were here, we thought it would be great to get Armaan dedicated. Another difference with second-borns. With Priya, our pediatrician had told us not to venture out into the world before six weeks. So being responsible parents, we complied. 10 days into his existence, Armaan was up front and center-stage. Does this make us less responsible parents? Or are some guidelines way too overrated?

Priya didn't care too much for the proceedings

Tish got a nice shower from Sherry V.

And for those who want to see, here's Armaan's dedication video.

A Week Old

Life is continuing along merrily in the Sen household. We discovered a few days ago that Armaan is the oldest male Sen of his generation this side of the Atlantic. He beat out his nearest competitor by 17 hours! I am the oldest male Sen of my generation worldwide. So I guess I can pass on some of my legacy!

Priya is starting to warm up to the idea of having a baby around. She's stopped looking for the receipts to have him returned for a refund (in a matter of speaking). It used to be that she would walk past him, look through him, and pretty much ignore the fact that he was around. Now she will acknowledge him, and on rare occasions even kiss him. The fact that he sleeps most of the day, and she still gets a lot of attention works out very well. I can't imagine what it would have been like if he was a fussy baby, and we had our hands full with him. So, in spirit of my last post, please continue to pray along with us that his nature and personality continue to be of a laid back kinda guy. Who doesn't like people who are laid back?!!

Grandma enjoying Armaan
My dad trying out his first lawn mowing
Armaan with his first bath. He didn't seem to like it too much. My mom left the kitchen 'cause she couldn't see his distress!
But look! Isn't it nice to be clean?!!

Living up to his name

Ten points to anyone who remembers what Armaan's name means. Ok... It means "heart's desire." So far, the little fella is living up to his name. He is really the desire of how every parent wishes their newborn child was. He eats, sleeps, and fusses only when he wants to eat, or needs to be changed. He is so unlike how Priya was. With her, the slightest bit of overstimulation would set off hours of crying and fussing. So 72 hours need not be a precedent, but I'm hoping it's the start of a pattern. We would love it if he ends up staying this way. We had such a difficult time with Priya in the beginning, that with Armaan, both Tish and I keep waiting for the change to take place. But I was telling Tish today - just like I refuse to accept as a "given" that Priya will go through "terrible" twos, I refuse to accept that Armaan will be anything but a blessing. Can I get an amen to that?

Tish is happy after a quick delivery

She is still the princess of the house. It's the kingdom that's been divided!
My two babies!

The proud grandparents

Introducing Armaan Jayden Sen!!

Talk about someone ready to enter the world! Around 11 in the morning, Tish started to feel some contractions. She tried to take a nap, but managed only about 10 minutes. Around 1p, the contractions started getting stronger. By 1:45 they were coming in less than 10 minutes apart. At 2:15 her water broke. We started off for the hospital around 2:30.

On the way to the hospital we run into blocked streets for the 4th of July parades. We take the backroads to get to the hospital. At 3, Tish is finally into a room and I go off to register her in. Ten minutes into my registering, I hear on the overhead announcement, "Any available OB doctor to labor and delivery. Code [some code number]." Five minutes later, the same announcement. And then five minutes after that, "Any available ER doctor to labor and delivery. Code..." By now I'm going 'hmmmm....' The phone next to the lady I'm with rings, and I hear, "We need him here right away!" I get back into the room around 3:20, and the baby is already crowning. Five big pushes later, at 3:37p Armaan made an appearance into the world!

Armaan came in at 19.5 in, weighing 7.5 lbs. So here's our boy born on Independance Day! More pictures to follow.. Stay tuned!

In the meantime...

...the waiting continues. This past weekend Tish was sure that she was going to have the baby. But hey - isn't that the definition of Braxton Hicks contractions? The week went by, without any babies. At least we hope it's not going to be like what Elizabeth had to go through. Still, maybe I should borrow their sign! I wonder if anyone ever got a picture of it...

Nope.. no sign of the baby yet. Might as well put up a picture of the doctor not in scrubs, which is when I will see him

The Sen taxi service is always on call for the lady

My parents have been here from India. They were originally supposed to come for my cousin's wedding, but we timed the baby's arrival to coincide with their trip. (For everyone that believed that...) It's nice that they will be around to see the birth of their grandson. At least we h

Even dads are allowed to have some fun

Remember the brief period when Priya used to be deathly afraid of slides? Well, now she has figured out that climbing up the rungs is also fun in itself.

Waiting for water to boil

That's what it feels like waiting for a baby to arrive. But once the boiling starts, things happen fast!

This past weekend I went down to Texas for Brett and Rachel's (my cousin) wedding. It was a great wedding! The sad part was that Tish and Priya couldn't go (well.. more like Tish was 8 months pregnant...). In a way, I'm glad they didn't come because on Monday I was stuck at the airport for six hours (2 of them on a plane) because of weather conditions in Chicago. It's always great being at my aunt's place though - lots and lots and lots of good food! Thanks Sweety aunty!

My brother, Nitin, made a quick trip over from China. It was really good to see him again. He spent a day with us in Chicago, so he was able to visit with Tish and Priya. We went out to Texas de Brazil which is a great Brazilian churrascaria.

While I was away in Texas Christy, Tish and Priya went to Michigan for a baby shower. Priya got thoroughly spoiled - but who can resist such a cute girl?!!