Rachel giving a frank look to the camera. This was taken Sunday, February 27 2005 at 7 weeks old plus a day.. 

Happy Birthday Babinski!

Baby Babinski was born at 6:15 am this morning after much waiting around on Rebecca and Jonas' part at the Civic on Friday and about 24 hours of labour (many thanks to Dave and Molly for midnight euchre in labour and delivery I am sure). Yay Babinski! Way to go Rebecca and Jonas! Rachel is thrilled to welcome her new playmate. No word yet on a name or weight, but stay tuned... Rebecca, hope you are having a much needed nap.

This afternoon, Rachel, Dad and Mom headed over to Orpheus House for orchestra rehearsals for Damn Yankees. Rachel visited with the ladies in the costuming department. She was intrigued by all of the different coloured materials and threads. Dad looked dashing in a Thurston Howell the Third hat he tried on for the show. Rachel then watched Dennis sing his signature song with the orchestra. She was impressed! All that noise! And she had the honour of being held by the director of the show.

This evening we visited the folks we took prenatal course with at the Arrow and Loon in the Glebe. All babies are doing fine, and the parents seem to be coping well too. Many stories about birthing experiences, and advice on best baby practices were swapped. Rachel is looking forward to the next meeting!

So, a pretty exciting day all around for the Van Ruleduinens.

Rachel's Song of the Day: Alice's Restaurant, Arlo Guthrie
Rachel's Website of the Day: For those interested in teaching their kids baby sign, this site might come in handy. http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm
Rachel's Oscar picks: Rachel is hoping that Eternal Sunshine picks up an award. Fabulous writing in this film. Kate Winslet is wonderful. And you almost don't mind watching Jim Carrey...

Rachel is seven weeks old today!

Happy week birthday to Rachel! She is now seven weeks old. We recently measured Rachel with her stuffed Inchworm and found out that she had grown 10 cm since she was born. Wow! Imagine if you grew that much in seven weeks :). She has now outgrown some of her clothing from the "Sisters Blaine Collection" (very stylin' clothing I might add for which we are eternally grateful). And today Mom readjusted her car seat to the second setting so that she fits better - her head was getting a bit cramped.

To celebrate her week birthday, Rachel and her Mom visited Mom's friend Sandy at the local Westboro Bridgehead (also known as Molly's Bridgehead). It was the first time Rachel met Sandy and Rachel was quite pleased to meet her. After that, Mom and Rachel went to Bayshore to see about buying Mom some new clothes - Mom having recently tried on her pre-pregnancy clothing and finding that a fair number of them will NEVER fit again (oh well). Unfortunately the mall was packed (it being Saturday - quel suprise, Mom should know better, especially as she can now go shopping during the week) and despite Rachel's good fashion advice, nothing was bought on this trip (other than a hot chocolate of course).

Rachel is also anticipating some news on the much awaited birth of new playmate Babinski (as are her parents Rebecca and Jonas, we am sure). For more info on Babinski go to http://www.magma.ca/~jonas/babinski.htm. Last we heard, Rebecca and Jonas were going into the Civic on Friday night, but we have had no word since. We are thinking about them though and in honour of the day, wrote them the following song (to the tune of Happy Birthday).

Happy Induction Day to you.
We hope it went well for you two.
And Babinski will get a new name.
And Rachel a new playmate too.

On Friday, we said goodbye to our good friend Katie-Kate, who is moving out to L'Original (Hawkesbury) to try out a year of much deserved "retirement." We will miss her tonnes, but we wish her well, and send good karma her way.

Rachel's song for the day: Echo Beach - Martha and the Muffins (as per 50 tracks on CBC this week - it really stuck in her head).
Website of the day: http://virginiawool.prettyposies.com/ This is the website of a friend and god-parent to Rachel Alison. Alison is a writer, editor and a knitter (so much talent!) and she knitted a lovely aran sweater for Rachel.
Rachel is currently reading: Neither Here nor There, Bill Bryson. Rachel, being only seven weeks old is taking some time to get through it (but really enjoying it). Rachel also congratulates Rock Bound for winning this year's Canada Reads.
Rachel's Oscar picks: Well, she hasn't seen any of the movies (it is that being seven weeks old thing again). But she is hoping The Incredibles win for animated film.

Dennis and Jeanette - Christmas 2005. Jeanette is 9-months pregnant with Rachel (although you can't tell).