First day in my cradle board and I am surrounded by family (my daddy is behind the scene taking the picture of us, he's so nice). I actually have one eye to notice my great grandmother Mae watching me instead of the camera..

Shima (my mommy) is really proud to carry me in my new bed...and it will be perfect for sledding this winter!

Daddy holding me in my new cradle board, against the red rock of Gallup, NM.

My first Navajo cradle board, thanks to shimasana (grandmother) and shi chei (grandfather). I lie here beneath the rainbow of cedar wood, representing peace, harmony, and unity.

Another sign of her future in medicine - here, she is demonstrating what is known as "Levine's sign", a well-known signal of someone having a heart attack, clutching their chest. Where does she learn this stuff?

Sleeping with daddy (in his "permanently borrowed" UNC scrubs). Prior to this picture, daddy was discussing the correct management of hyperlipidemia with Nizhoni, who is quite knowledgable in this area.

First sign of baby being a future doctor...she might appear to be sleeping, but she is actually listening to the upper lung fields to assess for atelectasis...note her technique!

This is her hip hop pose...arms crossed, stylin' hat, and a classic "don't mess with me" look

Contemplating her next....cry?...feeding?....poopie?...book to read?...song to sing?...

Dancing with the tongue out...just like her daddy does. (We also like to point out the connection to Michael Jordan, a fellow Tar Heel, which makes us think that Nizhoni will be quite successful on the court!)

Great Grandma Mae holding her newest great grandchild. As a traditional Navajo midwife, her knowledge of the birth process was wonderful to have to help guide Shannon...and as the spiritual center of the family, her quiet strength was there to support us all.

Grandma Fleg holding her first granddaughter...she made a last-second flight from Baltimore to be here for the delivery. We were very thankful that she could be here in New Mexico for the fesitivities!

Nizhoni and her mommy, the one who carried her with love for almost 9 months.