Italica, Spain

This was our first day trip with Owen (well, with Owen out in the cold, cruel world). Italica is only an hour and a half away just north of Seville.  The ancient paths on the site were not very stroller friendly, so Damon held Owen for most of the walking.  This was the first permanent Roman settlement in the southern Iberian Peninsula in 206 BC. The Roman emperors Trajan and Hadrian were born in this city.  Hadrian provided the town with a water supply system and drainage network.  The running water was from cisterns and aqueducts that was distributed via lead pipes.  Some of the pipes were dug up in the excavations.  The city itself is organized with an orthogonal layout having the private structures clustered and then the public buildings clustered.  An interesting side not with the archaeological dig was that it was stopped during the Franco years.  The excavation and visitor center was very well done and many of the signs were in English as well which was really nice for me.  Italica is part of the Junta de Andalucia that also tends to Carmona and Balelo Claudia where we have already visited.  I love visiting Roman ruins.  It makes me wonder if any of our modern cities will fare this well in 2,000 years. 

Our first photo on a trip with him out in the world!

This is the first colosseum that we have been able to go into the main arena.

A panorama of the colosseum. 

Exterior Finished

The house is looking very good! The last bits for the exterior are the concrete poured for the pad in front of the garage and the front and back steps installed.

Views from the street.

Owen - Month 1

Owen's first month we can claim a success.  The measure of success is that he is alive and healthy! It's important to set low standards, then they are easier to achieve. Coming home from the hospital was scary to be on our own and my recovery was also tricky.  He is a very adorable baby!

Owen Palmer Jensen

Welcome to the world, Owen!

After a rather lengthy time in labor, we ended up with a c-section because Owen's head got stuck.  It took three people pull and pushing during the c-section just to get him un-stuck! He weighed in at 8 pounds 8 ounces and 22.5 inches long.  His birth time is the most fun at 11:59 on July 5.  Talk about just barely squeaking into July 5!

Our first night and day thus far home from the hospital has been successful.  Owen is a hungry little boy! We love him so much!

Here are some pictures from the hospital stay. Enjoy!

Contractions are so cool....

....as you can see here.

Our little bun fresh out of the oven.

Getting all checked.  He got a 9 for his APGAR score.

A chunker!

Measuring - 22.5 inches.

Each baby gets one of these super cute Rota shirts.

Owen's family practice doc who was on call to do the checkup.

First bath.

Bath all done, no more boogers in his hair.

Some bonding time after a delicious dinner.

Our recovery room where we stayed.  The extra bed for Damon to stay was really excellent.  Owen stayed in the room too.

This was my birthing room - without all the mess.

Wrapped up and ready to go!

Our first family picture!

Outside the front of the hospital.  It looks like Spain here.