A new descendent

Introducing Javan Allan Mills, who began as single cell, the union of one demi-potent gamete from Deena and one from Tim, and has been dividing and dividing for ten lunar orbits.

That one cell has become a great composite union of diversified cells united to each other by a common blueprint carried in the heart of each one. This great union emerged from his amniotic incubator on the 15th of October 2009, at 2:24 in the morning. Javan was joyfully welcomed into the home of his parents, Tim and Deena, and his sister, Kaia. He was composed of several trillion cells, weighing 4260g (9lb 6oz) and measuring 52cm long.

Here are some images of Javan with other cell composites whose blueprints have helped contribute to his (and with his sister, who shares about half of her blueprint instructions with him).
His mother, whose cell composites dramatically rearranged themselves to accommodate and facilitate Javan's embryonic cell divisions, is delighted at this first step of his toward independence.
His dad and sister are also pleased to see him as something other than a bump.
Javan's sister is eager to point out many of the more identifiable specialized sub-collections of cells - in this case, an "ear".
He has also begun exploring his world - though for the moment that is largely limited to sniffing for milk and looking around at us with infant-blue eyes.
Big sister Kaia is delighted with the opportunity to share her vast experience with her new brother, having spent two full terrestrial orbits more on the outside than he has. Granny is also a welcome presence, doting on her first grandson every bit as much as she does on Kaia.
With a great deal of luck, we will post further updates on the lives of these two descendents as they progress. However, judging from precedent, this blog will remain a birth announcement blog and little else. We hope you have enjoyed it.

Where have we been? (part 3 of 3)

Look who arrived just before Hogmanay (that's New Year's Eve to all you non-Scottish people).

It's Uncle John!









He seems to connect with Kaia on a very basic level.






John and Rayelle enjoyed the fireworks much closer.

No, that's not a nuclear explosion - it's a firework, at night, exploding in a cloud of smoke from previous fireworks, caught on camera by Kaia's photographically naive dad.





Fireworks everywhere (these photos are from our kitchen window, by the way - we have a great view).









We also did a bit of touring with John and Rayelle.


This is Kaia and her mom taking a break in a cafe on the Royal Mile.





And dad joining them.











Here's something in case that earlier "primal roar" image worried you.

See, they get along just fine.









Kaia has been trying out new sling carries recently - she's grown so much (just look back at our first few posts).








And here's Kaia (visible only as a hat) being carried by Tim.

We like our walks. Here we're walking with Sandra and André.




Okay, that's us caught up. Pretty much. No promises about regular posts in the future, though, because we're still quite busy. But we'll try.

Where have we been? (part 2 of 3)

Here's a funky little pose sitting up.

That amazing jungle quilt behind her was made by her Granny Liz.








Like her parents, Kaia is very fond of her sleep.


But this is a rare position for her to sleep in.






For reasons beyond our ken, she often likes to sleep like this.


Perhaps she's dreaming of a future as a flying superhero.







Deena says Kaia has my lips.

What do you think?






We flew down to Essex for Christmas this year.

Kaia really enjoyed the company of her big cousins (technically second-cousins - they are Tim's first cousins).







They enjoyed her company too.








Kaia and her dad participated in a tradition that Deena has praticed for many years.








The making of the Gingerbread House.

What do you think of our first attempt?








And of course, what Christmas would be complete without the modelling of cute, cheesy Christmas outfits











and beautiful, very-not-cheesy outfits











in which to celebrate the season with cousins.










Just so you don't think I'm picking on cousins, here's a photo of Kaia hanging out with me.






A couple of cool characters or what?






(Next installment: Hogmanay visitors!)

Where have we been? (part 1 of 3)

This is a catch-up post, with apologies to all of Kaia's fans out there. I think I'll do this in batches - look forward to 2 or 3 more catch-up posts in the next day or so.

This first photo is Kaia attending her first wedding.

Well, not her first wedding, of course!

I mean, it's the first wedding she's ever atten-... oh, never mind.






Occasionally we'll catch her in a show-off mood











and we'll get a whole series of pictures











each one with a slightly different expression











like she's posing for a professional photo-shoot.









Then she'll get this thoughtful look








and you'll think, "Are you doing something I'm gonna have to clean up?"







And she'll look thoughtful and ... active.








Yup, time for a clean nappy.








But messes are temporary.








Back in action soon.








Okay, I know this looks like she's making a rude gesture. But I promise, she's just waving her hand around. Try it yourself - it's good fun.

First Thanksgiving

There is really no way to describe the pleasantly-sedated half-grin and heavy lids of a baby stuffed with Thanksgiving turkey (consumed second-hand via her mother's amazing modified sweat glands). So I'll just show it.

(Sandy and Uncle Fraser, be warned: this little one can really pack it away. You have a strong competitor-in-the-making for the holiday eating contests.)

Passing on bad habits already ...?

A certain physiotherapist viewing the first blog entry pointed out that Kaia's dad needs to improve his posture:

Unfortunately, it looks like Dad's bad habits have already been picked up by the little ape:

and:

But, if the physio is reading, don't worry. We're both working on it. See how much better:

Does anyone claim these genes?

(This post is addressed to family. However, since it's basically just a thinly-veiled excuse to post more photos showing off our newest flatmate, non-family should also be able to enjoy it.)

It's amazing. One week since she was born, and already Kaia is changing in so many ways. We continue to learn about her every day.

Her head is less funny-shaped than when she came out. The stub of her umbilical cord has fallen off, leaving a belly button that is more outie than innie. We think that might be due to Uncle Fraser.

Her head is nearly too big already for the charming purple tam her dad knitted for her. He is probably the source of that – big heads are common among the Mills.

Her hair remains delightfully dark and rich, like her mom's.

There are some puzzlers, though - traits that we can't immediately ascribe to any family members.

For example, I don't think either of us can really claim credit for her calm demeanor. She generally fusses only enough to get what she needs, mainly food and cuddles.

Here are some other genetic markers yet unclaimed. If you can let us know where else they show up in the tree of her genealogy, please share.

First, toes. Kaia was born with long legs, long feet, and long toes. We can guess pretty well where the long legs and feet come from, but do these Kaia toes really match either parent? They are not as knobbly as dad's toes, and more mobile and dexterous than mom's.

Second, Kaia's profusion of hair extends to sideburns and slightly hairy ears.

Anyone want to claim responsibility for them?

Third, certain activities that should elicit wails (or at least restlessness) are accepted without a peep. For example, nail care (with a cute little baby emery board):

and hair care (this calming effect does not extend to baths in general, just dealing with the 'do):

Such unexpected calm would normally be a blessing to parents suffering from sleeplessness. However, in this case Tim is a little worried what these behaviours might presage about Kaia's future tastes.

Do we have a high-maintenance teenager in the making? Please someone share the story of how some family member started off this way, only to become a sensible bookworm with no interest in fashion, fancy nails, or expensive coiffures!