the hokey pokey baby

After 18 hours of labor, Griffin Brooks danced his way into the world on Saturday, January 26, 2008, at 3:47 pm. The doctor said he was doing the hokey pokey in the birth canal--"you put your head out, you put your head in, you put your head out and you shake it all about." Fortunately, he eventually tired of dancing and decided to finish being born. (P.S.--this explains a lot of the kicking the last nine months--practice!)

As we had noticed in his 20 week ultrasound, Griffin does indeed have the pointy little family chin. He weighed in at 7 lbs 12.5 oz and 20 inches long with light brown hair and plenty of it; we can't decide if his eyes are dark blue or grey.

As for personality, well, he's like most babies. Cries, sleeps, eats, looks cute. He likes flying--going through the air in his daddy's arms--and bouncing. He also has perfected the art of roaring while simultaneously making the baby bird sucking face. He wants his food and he wants it five minutes ago.

That's what told us his name. While "Griffin" had been on our short list, any kid that can be part lion and part bird at the same time clearly deserves the name of a such a magical creature (gryphon). Add in his 'claws' (sharp fingernails) and his powerful neck (can already move his head around on his own, even if he can't hold it up long), and he's definitely got us enchanted.

He's home with us now--he and "Maman" are doing well. We love him. And that's what it's all about.