9 Month Cure: Small Apartment, Small Package

Time Beginning: 4 days old

Ursula Bayes Gillingham-Ryan sleeps late this morning after torturing us all night.

We are done, or, rather, just beginning. After 50 hours of labor, from Monday night to Thursday morning, Sara Kate went to down the rabbit hole and emerged radiant, beautiful and perhaps more exhausted than she'd ever been in her life.

I, for my part, had the distinction of passing out at about 2/3 of the way through the ordeal, regrouping with a shower and fresh change of clothes for the final push, and realizing that I had just become #2 man on the planet.

We came home on Friday afternoon and even though there are a few punch-list items still to finish, the apartment feels amazing and luxurious. We cooked all weekend (the days of eating out are over for awhile), and are really enjoying the place. It makes a difference when the oven really works and the fridge really can freeze ice. Since we're not 100% done, you can count on more posts documenting the finish up in the next few weeks.

Thanks to everyone for your kind thoughts and words over the past week. We read them on returning home and our friends read them in detail before that, and then chose selections to read aloud to us. They got a hoot out of the whole thing and are amazed at our online community.

And thanks so much to Jill, Aaron, Regina, Molly and Amy for carryng the show in my absence.

And now...onward!

To All 9 Month Cure Posts

Comments (90)

Oh, she is beautiful (and so cute all wrapped up like that). If I can say one thing to you it is you should dummy down your expectations of yourselves for the next couple of months. Just take it easy.

PS- would love to see pix of the finished apt.

posted by matilda on 2006-10-02 12:15:31

Oh, I love the name Ursula! Good morning, little sleepy bear!

posted by atomic librarian on 2006-10-02 12:17:33

Oh, wow. How beautiful! What more can one say? Congratulations, you guys.

posted by Sarah in Boston on 2006-10-02 12:17:50

Greetings UBGR!

posted by Mags on 2006-10-02 12:19:57

i would have expected a much more perfect swaddling...

just kidding congratulations.

posted by me on 2006-10-02 12:20:19

thanks for sharing Ursula with us! Her full name just screams brilliance.

All the best to you three.

posted by heather on 2006-10-02 12:22:16

oh she's so beautiful. congratulations maxwell and sara kate :)

grace

posted by design*sponge on 2006-10-02 12:23:28

What a beautiful name for such a beautiful bundle. And welcome to a radically, terrifingly, astonishingly, breath-takingly gorgeous new world, new parents!

posted by happilyever on 2006-10-02 12:24:07

Welcome to the world, little girl!

Enjoy your baby-moon... and your rebirth as parents.

Life will never be the same.

posted by Mama Chilanga on 2006-10-02 12:26:50

Now that is the best little package ever. Congratulations on your new family (and cozy new home.)

posted by ogma on 2006-10-02 12:27:57

Thank you for sharing pics with us and continuing to let us in on your life.

I was wondering how you would handle posting pics of the babe, who of course can't say yay or nay on this, but these pics are quite anonymous, both because of the swaddling and also because of the relative anonymity of the "newborn look"! So, I am wondering how you will be handling online pics of the child and whether you even consider that an issue.

I continue to be so thrilled for all three of you!

posted by Pixie on 2006-10-02 12:31:43

Congratulations to the both of you! what a beautiful beginning to this part of your lives.

posted by danae on 2006-10-02 12:33:48

What a beautiful sweet girl! Take good care of her and yourselves!!

posted by Janeqe on 2006-10-02 12:34:57

keep that blankie! (even that it says "property of {insert hospital name here}) Isabella loves her and no, I didn't stole it, they gave it to me. i don't know why they even bother printing that message!
Congrats and welcome to the club.

joel

posted by Joel Pirela on 2006-10-02 12:36:16

she's lovely! congratulations again!

posted by Katie on 2006-10-02 12:38:30

And I'm still stunned by the 50 hours of labor!

posted by Pixie on 2006-10-02 12:38:43

My first two thoughts upon seeing the top picture:

1. Awwww, lookit the cute tiny itty bitty baby!

2. Wow, look at how smooth and white that wall is!

Great job on home and child both. May they bring you much happiness.

posted by Melinda on 2006-10-02 12:41:07

Ursula is a lovely name, and yet unusual enough that she probably won't have to force her teachers to clarify, "Which Ursula do you mean -- Gillingham-Ryan? Or Smith-Barney? Or Jones-Jarred?"

posted by Curtis on 2006-10-02 12:43:08

*cooing noises at the little cutie*

*braying laughter at the part of the story where the father-to-be fainted*

posted by wende in phoenix (not SF any more) on 2006-10-02 12:43:40

Good morning Ursula! Happy 4 days on the planet. So many friends in such a short time, what a lucky girl. We look forward to watching you grow up in blog-land.

posted by JenDC on 2006-10-02 12:48:06

There are these pockets of peace in the early days, moments of unparalleled stillness. Perhaps it's the power of contrast. Ursula is lovely, and a lucky girl to have such an evocative name. Best of luck as the last of the work is completed in the apartment.

posted by Shelby on 2006-10-02 12:54:03

So sweet!

posted by Desk on 2006-10-02 12:55:32

What a sweet shy little lady she appears hiding coyly behind her blanket. We'll see how long that lasts. Congratulations on the renovation too.

posted by jimkk on 2006-10-02 12:55:49

Actually 50 hours is an eternity if you think about just pulling 2 consecutive all-nighters of just being awake even just on a dare.

Actually it was probably mainly total exhaustion that made the new papa pass out.

But to think about having to put forth physical effort for that long, the mind really reels, and after going to that kind of trouble, it's really kind of no wonder why the love that mothers have for their children tends to be rather fierce.

posted by Curtis on 2006-10-02 13:01:10

Miracles. We forget sometimes. You both made this incredibly beautiful miracle and let us be part of it. Gratitude to Maxwell and Sara Kate. Welcome Ursula Baynes Gillingham-Ryan. You are the best reason to be a part of this community.

Enjoy each second and every breath.

posted by Jackie (too) on 2006-10-02 13:03:50

Congratulations! What a beauty. And kinda rockin' a Mother Teresa look in that hospital pic.

50 hours.... no words.

posted by Julianna on 2006-10-02 13:04:03

Awwww... what a sweet picture! And it brings back the sweetest of memories for me, when 3 years and 2 days ago we brought home our own daughter (I was ALMOST right about the birthdate!).

Congratulations and the very best of wishes!

These precious days pass so very quickly -- savour them and relish in them.

And take LOTS of pictures -- Ursula will change so much so quickly it will take your breath away.

posted by Monika on 2006-10-02 13:07:18

Anyone with the marvelous name of Ursula Bayes Gillingham-Ryan is destined for something special. Maybe a new furniture line?

Thank you for the pictures, she is lovely. And man, am I jealous, I'd give anything to be able to sleep like that.

Salut !

posted by KAt on 2006-10-02 13:13:39

Welcome to the world- little Miss Ursula!!

May your life only be filled with joy and happiness, sweetness and light!

Shari

posted by Shari Rosenberg on 2006-10-02 13:21:34

Congratulations once again on beautiful baby Ursula! (Now please go back to your much-deserved maternity/paternity leave; and enjoy your precious first days of parenthood. The world of AT looks to be in more-than-able hands in your absence.)

posted by Enrique on 2006-10-02 13:33:31

*blinkblink*

:)

posted by the opoponax on 2006-10-02 13:34:24

What a wonderful gift to the world you have both brought forth. Many blessings and much peace and happiness to you all as you establish your new life together as a family.

(And Curtis, Smith-Barney and Jones-Jarred?!? Your mind works in mysterious and hilarious ways!)

posted by Doug on 2006-10-02 13:39:14

Congratulations!! She looks so sweet all wrapped up on the bed. Enjoy every good moment & try to enjoy every bad too. They grow so fast, she'll be onto the next phase of her life before you know it. Best of everything to the 3 of you.

posted by sarah on 2006-10-02 13:45:07

Congratulations once again!
Ursula sounds very German nobility, somewhat Bavarian...I'll raise a beer to her.

Curtis, you crack me up.

posted by Tat on 2006-10-02 14:03:51

Great name. Adorable little one. Congratulations, SK and Maxwell.

posted by Molly the Scavenger on 2006-10-02 14:13:55

Such a demure young lass, with her little head just poking out of the swaddling.

I think her name is just lovely.

Congratulations again!

posted by marm on 2006-10-02 14:16:46

Awwww......!
:::devolves into into cutesy unintelligible cooing noises:::

Looking forward to the days ahead as she grows older and tries out the latest designs in cribs, sippy cups, etc.

posted by Trish M. on 2006-10-02 14:21:17

congratulations! i am so psyched for your lovely new bundle. what a lucky little girl and how beautiful that she can read these posts someday and think back to the nest mom and day created for her arrival.

posted by christina on 2006-10-02 14:27:24

She's a precious bundle of joy!

posted by Louise on 2006-10-02 14:28:35

Congratulations! This time last year we were welcoming our own little one into the world. He turned one on Friday as we reflected on quite frankly, the most tiring year of our lives. Despite the achy back and sore muscles from carrying the little mite, the dark shadows under our eyes from lack of sleep and our unexpected fascination with all things poop related, there are the very special quiet times when you watch them slumber, or the immense love you feel when they greet you with smiles and laughter first thing in the morning. Enjoy these days and good luck with the remaining renovation. I hope she sleeps for you!

posted by Reef on 2006-10-02 14:33:33

You must remember to sleep when she sleeps! It will make all the difference.
Congrats! She's lovely.

posted by maria on 2006-10-02 15:02:39

She's really lovely and I love the name. Lucky girl, lucky parents. Congratulations!

posted by victoria on 2006-10-02 15:22:48

How precious. Blessings for all the best:)

posted by Lisa on 2006-10-02 15:24:58

Oh, I love it when they are all little and wrapped up like that. (Before they get pick enough to simultaneously head butt you and kick you in the crotch.)

She is absolutely gorgeous - many congratulations.

posted by Christy on 2006-10-02 15:31:27

Congrats!

posted by mscot on 2006-10-02 15:34:53

Be VERY VERY kind to yourselves for the next couple weeks or so. Unless it'll get you evicted, don't fret about deadlines and what not. Just succumb to the new sleep whenever you can schedule. You'll all be much healthier in the end.

posted by Shari on 2006-10-02 15:38:29

Further proof that small is beautiful. Plus, UBGR makes a really cool monogram.

Congratulations!

posted by Kathleen on 2006-10-02 15:47:58

Thanks for not pulling a Suri Cruise and making us wait 5 months to see Ursula. She is adorable. And do not write off going out to dinner. Once you get past the initial exhaustion, dinners out with a 0-6 month old are quite nice. If you are lucky they sleep thru most of the meal and you get a chance to feel connected to your former life. Try it as soon as the new Mom feels up to it. And if you are worried about stares from patrons, go early. Hipsters who don't like babies rearely dine before 8pm

posted by Elizabeth on 2006-10-02 15:51:16

Yeah, cute, but more importantly, what's the paint color used on the wall behind the bed?

KIDDING!!!!

She is gorgeous and excruciatingly adorable.

posted by patrick (the other one) on 2006-10-02 16:21:51

Oh, the darling. Welcome home.

posted by lisa(theOriginal) on 2006-10-02 17:01:18

What a beautiful little tot. And it's great to see her in the comfy-looking, slept-in bed. And I LOVE the "I'm a girl" sign...lest she forget or, perish the thought (kidding), change her mind. Very funny.

posted by Scrappy-girl on 2006-10-02 17:18:21

I think the "I'm a girl" sign is standard issue in hospital nurseries... well, standard issues for the girl babies, at least.

posted by patrick (the other one) on 2006-10-02 17:25:49

She looks so little! -- even for a newborn!

What are her weight and length? Eye color?

posted by Jean on 2006-10-02 17:33:34

That's a good name.

posted by Nanana on 2006-10-02 17:35:40

So precious! Congrats! Love the name

posted by Jess on 2006-10-02 17:40:47

This post brings tears to my eyes. She's a lucky girl, and you're lucky too. Best of luck.

posted by Stacey on 2006-10-02 18:01:44

How cute! Congratulations!!
olar

posted by olar on 2006-10-02 18:09:41

Congratulations guys. She's beautiful.

Though, now as a faithful reader, I think we're all going to be expecting regular updates!

posted by eddie on 2006-10-02 18:12:13

She is so beautiful. Congratulations! :)

posted by jenn on 2006-10-02 18:19:14

Congratulations!

posted by Kate on 2006-10-02 18:28:50

so impressed...thanks for posting pics (I was really hoping to get my baby "fix" for the week).

Congratulations, new family!

posted by JR on 2006-10-02 18:44:34

She's just lovely. Now your jewel box of a home is finally complete with little Ursula.

posted by GZgoingMod aka Geraldine on 2006-10-02 19:37:38

How darling!

When I was in labor and nothing much was happening, I sent my DH to bed in a side room. :-) So he had 6 hours of sleep and was only awake for the first bit and the last three. It was better than having him so tired and confused and, well, panicked. Poor thing. There were still two points where he nearly lost it, though!

posted by Lydia on 2006-10-02 19:39:15

Her flesh tones don't match your color scheme. You'll have to do something about that.

posted by Mia on 2006-10-02 19:48:18

Mia, that might be the funniest post ever!

posted by carla on 2006-10-02 20:29:34

What a beautiful, little gift--cheers!

posted by sandra on 2006-10-02 20:54:49

congratulations! she's wonderful. do update us on how she likes it all!

posted by mfm on 2006-10-02 21:15:04

Yay! :) Congratulations!!!!

posted by Steph on 2006-10-02 21:36:55

Congratulations on your much-anticipated bundle of joy! Ursula is a wonderful name, full of magic.

posted by Matilda (NJ) on 2006-10-02 21:41:24

So perfect!
Congrats!

posted by Janet on 2006-10-02 22:00:54

Beautiful.

posted by Lori 2 on 2006-10-02 22:09:37

Congratulations on jobs well done.

posted by Timo on 2006-10-02 22:53:08

What a sweetie-baby! Thanks for sharing her picture(s) with us...and I'm impressed that at four days old she's already insisting on the "big bed". All the best of everything (especially sleep, right now!) is wished for the three of you!

posted by smallcitybeth in canada on 2006-10-02 22:57:18

Thanks for sharing with us. Foot massages and casseroles for the new parents!

posted by kate(NC) on 2006-10-03 00:17:18

gorgeous! congrats to you both!
1bs

posted by 1brownskinlady on 2006-10-03 00:22:43

Yes, Mia, that was absolutely hilarious!!

Big hugs and congratulations to the entire GR family. : ) I'm SO happy for you all.

posted by gekko on 2006-10-03 01:49:54

Congrats!!

posted by Violetsrose on 2006-10-03 05:01:06

I once worked with a lovely Ursula, and have always liked the name since that time. Congratulations!

posted by Fiona on 2006-10-03 08:06:04

mazel tov!

posted by Ilise on 2006-10-03 10:18:13

I just wanted to say congratulations on the newest addition to your family! No doubt, each time you look at her you probably marvel just as the bible writer did that stated "...in a fear-inspiring way I am wonderfully made..." (Psalms 139:14) And while 50 hours of labor sounds more than exhausting (I don't have any experience as a parent, yet), you agree that "the fruitage of the belly is a reward" and as the years pass you will find truth in the words "Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the sons of youth." (Psalms 127:3,4). Enjoy your little one!!!!

posted by Seline on 2006-10-03 12:39:58

CONGRATULATIONS! and welcome to the best part of your lives!

BEAUTIFUL!

posted by Annie on 2006-10-03 19:42:23

Congratulations to the new family! I was so surprised to see, and you should meet my friend's newborn, Owen Ulysses, born three weeks before this little beauty. If you're ever on Bergen Street, stop by! Hope all is well! All the best, Clarissa (from ages ago)

posted by Clarissa on 2006-10-04 00:56:37

Ursula is lovely! Thank you for posting the pictures for us. And how sweet to read about you and your friends enjoying all our commentary. That made me smile. Congratulations again!

posted by Dorianne on 2006-10-04 02:18:51

Maxwell and Sara Kate,

Wishing you and your little one much joy and happiness.

Kate

posted by Kate on 2006-10-04 09:17:29

She's beautiful! Congratulations!

posted by KMW on 2006-10-05 17:55:36

Yay!

...and as one of three Marys in my first grade class, thank you for picking your own name for Ursula!

posted by mary on 2006-10-09 11:57:29

Congratulations to the happy mother, your baby is really adorable. Take care and feel merry every day. Looking forward to enjoying more photos of your baby.

posted by Kang hongxiao on 2006-10-27 04:10:37

When you said you realized you were now #2 man, I thought you meant you had a boy.

Though not very melodic, Ursula is a cool name. I've only met one Ursula in my 22 years in NYC.

So glad to hear it was a normal labor and not scheduled around the doctor's golf game.

posted by yeahbaby on 2007-01-04 14:22:24

awww.. she's a cutie! i was on labor for 36 hrs. and i thought that was the longest labor a woman could ever have! you beat me up to it. whew!

posted by beauty K on 2007-01-05 20:04:17

Beautiful! Just beautiful! congrats!

posted by tash on 2007-01-07 17:28:05