Fred Hutch & the Girls

It was busy weekend in the Larson Pahl household. Grammy (Brian's mom) had to return home to California on Saturday morning. All of us piled into the car to drive her down to the train station in Seattle. We hope to see you again soon!While in the big city, Luna visited Fred Hutch. I signed up for gel electrophoresis kits to use with my middle schoolers in May, and Luna got to meet Mary, a dear friend from Redmond High. I know that parents aren't supposed to project their wants and desires on their children (especially at this age!), but being at such an awesome place as "the Hutch", I couldn't help but think of Luna as a Nobel Laureate scientist someday. Thus the pics in front of Lee Hartwells Nobel Prize. I really couldn't help myself.

Mary & future Nobel Laureate Luna Clare in front of Lee Hartwell's award

Mary, Luna & I out in front of "the Hutch"

On Sunday we got a special visit from "the Girls". Jenny, Liz and Ellie all came over to meet Luna, eat lunch, and have a great visit. It was so much fun to have the ladies meet the newest member of the gang (Andrea, we can't wait for you to meet her soon!)

Liz & Luna

Ellie looks like a natural!
Jenny & Tuna Luna

Our final adventure of the weekend was Luna's first trip to Village Books - a local favorite she will come to know very well. We found some great books for Brian's class and a few gift purchases. Luna didn't seem as excited as one might expect being surrounded by such great literature, but give her a little time and I know she'll come around. Right now she really only has one thing on her mind....

Food & Friends!

We have been so fortunate this week as we grow into our new life with Luna to have many friends and family prepare wonderful meals and swing by for brief visits. We have dined on pizza, veggie pasta, polenta, chicken artichoke casserole and macaroni & cheese! Thank you to everyone who has nourished us with the food you have lovingly prepared this week and for your support during this new phase of our lives. We are so grateful for the extra time it has given us with Luna as we continue to get to know her sweet personality.

Is it a smile or a gas bubble? Either way, it's cute

Jenny & Marcus came for a visit

Taking a nap with Grandpa

Sarah loves holding Luna when she visits with her Mom & Dad

Walker came to say hello and show off her sweet new Schwinn Thanks for organizing all the meals Rebecca!
Rowan & Carter
Heather & Justin

Welcome to Luna's crib

We're slowly beginning to feel out life at home with a baby. Brian has gone back to work and Luna and I have been figuring out what type of routine our days may take. We have had several visits from Oma to help with laundry, dishes, errands and the watching Luna while I take cat-naps throughout the day. I think we've taken somewhere in the neighborhood of a gazillion pictures so far of Luna (that is a scientific estimate), so please continue to check back often for updates.

Reading "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" with Daddy

Luna doesn't like grading papers either!

Hanging out with Grammy Rex Ann

Just chillin' with Dad

A visit from Great-Grandma Larson

On Sunday, my grandma (Luna's great-grandma) came up for a visit. We had a great time watching the two get acquainted. Grandma loved checking out Luna's little fingers and toes and all her funny faces and couldn't get enough of holding little Luna. At one point, Grandma confessed something didn't seem right for her grandchild to be having a baby. I had to remind her I am 31 after all.

Luna and Great-Grandma Larson
Keeping the Ballard/Scandinavian tradition alive (thanks Auntie Emily!)

Four generations of Larson's:

Dad, Grandma, Luna and Lynnelle

Day 3: Welcome Home Luna!

There's no place like home!

Luna & Daddy getting ready to leave the hospital Mom & Dad still figuring out how to fit Luna in her car seat
First moments of freedom...
Introducing Gus to Luna's scent (they're doing great together!)

Day 2: Sleeping, Visitors

Day 2 was spent catching up on some much needed sleep and showing Luna off to friends and family. Grammy, Oma, Grandpa & Emily all came to visit. In the evening Luna was able to meet Carter, Rebecca, Mike, Jenny and Uncle Bob!

Sleepy baby and sleepy mommy & daddy Super Star!Auntie Emily loves her new nieceDr. Tu took good care of us for 9 monthsGrandpa & OmaMike & Jenny came to visit (sorry Marcus!)
Uncle Bob


All tuckered out

It's your BIRTH day: September 11, 2008

After laboring at home for 2 1/2 days, we finally headed to the hospital around 4:30 Thursday afternoon. Less than an hour after arriving at St. Joseph's our precious little baby was born. Well, maybe not so little. At birth, our baby was 9lbs 2oz and logged in at 21" in length! I'm sure glad I didn't know all that before the labor began!

I had the most amazing birth experience, thanks to the unending encouragement and support from both Brian and our doula, Mary (as well as visits from my mom, sister and Brian's mom, Rex Ann). It was everything I had hoped for and nothing like I expected all wrapped into one. I feel fortunate that circumstances allowed me to have a successful, drug-free vaginal birth. I'm still processing those couple of days and replaying the events that led to the birth of our baby.

After the delivery, Brian and I spent about 30 minutes acquainting ourselves with our new baby before discovering that the baby was in fact a GIRL! We have chosen the name Luna Clare for our sweet daughter. Luna, is spanish/latin for moon (a special icon in Brian & my relationship). Clare is named after my Grandpa Larson, Clarence who passed away almost 4 years ago.

Enjoy the pictures from Luna Clare's first few hours with her ecstatic, loving family!

The new family of three!

Mom, Dad & Uncle Bob waiting patiently to find out what "it" is It's a girl!
Our incredible doula, Mary.

Thank you for your calming spirit, all your good energy, and unwavering confidence
Oma & Grammy giving Luna her first bath

Brian showing off Luna to his mom

One proud papa