The ideal process

In an ideal world the contractions would have been followed by a baby. That doesn't seem to have happened here. The contractions are down to about 1 an hour. I guess I'll be going back to the office after lunch.

Contractions have arrived

Emily started having contractions around 5AM this morning. It didn't seem to imminent, so I went to work. I was there for about 10 minutes before Emily called and asked me to come home. The contractions are currently about 6.5 minutes apart lasting 35-45 seconds.

I'm not sure what the Swiss recommend for timing prior to going to the hospital, but we'll probably wait until our fear that the baby could arrive at our house out weight the fear of a hospital where the employees may not speak English.

Grammie Krista has arrived

Grammie Krista arrived on Thursday with suitcases full of loot that Emily had ordered. She was able to bring 3 50 pound bags, one very large carry-on, and one personal bag without being charged any fees. Once the crib arrives we should have everything we need for #3.

Preparing for #3

We've started getting ready for #3's arrival. Here's what we've accomplished in the last week:

• figured out how the infant adapter for the stroller works
• found the numbers for the local taxi companies and input them into them into my cell phone
• Figured out what paperwork needs to go the hospital (I think our permits will be good enough to start)
• Ordered replacement parts for the breast pump
• Ordered some sort of German crib that can attach to the bed
• Ordered two suitcases worth of stuff for Emily's mom to bring over this week.
• Almost agreed on a name
• Purchased the Swiss version of a bouncy seat

I guess I was wrong

I thought we decided on a name, but I think I was wrong. Emily just asked what I thought of two names. I couldn't pronounce one of them, so I think it has been taken off the list.

For those her are interested, here are my aunt's suggestions for good Irish names:

1. Molly McCann
2. Grace McCann
3. Rosie McCann
4. Tadhgan McCann
5. Meg McCann
6. Rhian McCann
7. Nory McCann
8. Sinead McCann
9. Mairenne McCann
10. Fiona McCann

#3 update

Emily had a doctor appointment yesterday. #3 is currently 2 kilos and the doctor expects her to be about 4 kilos at birth. The baby is measuring at the top end of the measurement scales, but the weights don't seem to align with that.

Getting ready to complete the trilogy

If everything goes as planned, #3 will be born in the Morges Hospital. My understanding is that we can request a private room, but even then Emily might need to share a bathroom. If the baby is ill or premature, it might be transferred to CHUV, which is the cantonal hospital.

Other items of interest:

• Prenatal checkups will be about every 4 weeks until the 7th or 8th month when they become every three weeks.
• The hospital stay is normally 4to 7 days and could be longer if there is a C section.
• There are prep classes, préparation pour l'accouchement,but I'm not sure if we'll attend.
• Fathers do not typically attend the classes in Switzerland
• The local social security office will offer a 'consultation pour nourissons et petits enfants.' This is a weekly visit where a nurse will check the child's wight and height.

And the name is....

...a secret! I think we've decided on both the first and midlle names, but won't be sharing them until the birth. What's the point of sharing a name that the Swiss government might reject. Anyway, there are only about 66 days left until the reveal.

Documentation needed

Here is the documentation needed to get #3 setup in Switzerland and the US.

Switzerland

• Certified copy of my birth certificate (issued in the last 6 months)
• Certified copy of Emily's birth certificates (issued in the last 6 months)
• Certified copy of our marriage certificate (issued in the last 6 months)
• I assume we'll also need to show our residence permits, but that hasn't been on any of the lists I've seen yet

US

• DS-2029 (I think this is the "report of birth abroad" form)
• DS-11 (passport form)
• SS-5 (application for US social security number)
• #3's Swiss birth certificate
• #3's Swiss birth certificate
• My passport
• Emily's passport
• Certified copy of our marriage certificate

Both Emily and I will need to go with #3 (and probably #1 and #2) to the consulate in Geneva. I'm guessing 4-5 months before everything is done and we have a US passport and social security number in our hands.

Gestational Diabetes?

Emily was tested for Gestational Diabetes today. It was three hours of drinking at least 16 ounces of sugar water, wanting to vomit, and having four vials of blood taken. The worst part was that she couldn't eat for about 11 hours. The test results should be back later this week.

The doctor's main concern is that Niamh was a huge baby, even though #3 seems to be normal size.