DD's umbilical cord seems to be pulling away at the top (and her skin is a little red there where it's pulling away) but hasn't fallen off yet. Is it "normal" for it to be gradual? I've always heard about it falling off but have never heard anyone talk about it being a gradual...

As long as it's not looking infected, I wouldn't sweat it. [thumbsup]

Both of my boys were gradual, just as you described, a bit starting at the top then it dried up and released gradually clear to the bottom. :) It was pretty foul smelling too :???: And ya, as long as it doesn't produce pus or feel hot to touch it's ok, a little bit of red is okay to.

Dittoing that too.

Yes, most of the time that is normal for us. Don't worry about it - before you know it the rest will come off and the next baby diaper change or so you'll find it just laying there by the baby.:-D