My Apologies

I told myself I would keep up with the blog... and I have all kinds of new experiences...

But I'll be damned if I have extra time on my hands to write about it.

So, sorry if more was expected... maybe things will speed up on the blog when she starts moving around on her own.

The Temple of Doom

There I was, deep in the ancient ruins of some lost civilization... hunting for treasure, adventure, and whatever else I could find. I was finally there, in the final chamber, and I could see them: the prized jewels of King Ugabuga.

Having survived thus far, I knew the Chungawunga peoples were experts at building booby traps, but I let down my guard at the sheer brilliance of the prize. I lifted the jewels, and as I walked away I heard the warning sounds of a trap spooling up. I rushed back to disarm it, but I was too late. The trap had sounded its alarm, and I was left to face the most terrible of creatures...

The angry, sleep-deprived wife, woken from slumber.

Ok... So maybe I wasn't actually deep in the jungle chasing lost treasure, avoiding flaming arrows and other such nonsense... No, I was just up at 5 am to check a diaper.  The problem is (and it's actually a good thing) that modern baby monitors aren't just cool walkie talkies anymore.  Nope, they can tell you whether your baby is breathing or not, or their heart is beating or not... I forget which.  Either way, when you pick them up, half asleep, to go through the motions of a diaper change, you have to remember to turn the monitor off.  Otherwise... oh god.

So, while I appreciate the gift, and the possibilities it gives... I swear, I've essentially put in a booby trap against myself.

"I no touch nothing Indy!"

Getting into the flow of things

The last seven days have been a whirlwind of new experiences.  Wife going into labor, holding a baby for the first time, changing a diaper for the first time, feeding a baby for the first time, hearing the ear-piercing scream of a baby for the first time... the list goes on.

I safely can say that I'm starting to get into the flow of things, and so is Audrey, apparently.  She's sleeping better now, only waking up when something has happened and going back to sleep quickly once it's resolved.  More importantly (I'm told), the flow of food is getting sorted out.  Both the Intake and Output ends are spooling up to full power.  She's eating 2oz of milk at a time, and all the waste at the end is finally the right color (again, so I'm told).

Anyways, only a few more little things to take care of before life is settled into the new normal.  Looking pretty good so far!

Pub Songs!

I found myself needing to calm Audrey down after a feeding today while mommy took care of mommy business. I don't happen to know any proper lullabies... so what did I resort to? Irish pub songs.  Yup.  Songs I learned whilst drinking at 9 Irish Brothers.

Does this make me irresponsible? I don't think so. She likes the easy, gentle way I was singing it, and she has no idea what I'm singing about...  so I might as well have fun with the songs right?

So far, her favorites seem to be The Irish Rover, The Foggy Dew, and The Green Fields of France.  Probably because I know those the best.

Deliverance

It's official.  I'm a dad.  WHOA!

Anywho, at 10:02 last night, Audrey was born.  6lbs 14oz and 20-something inches long.  She's been pretty calm and quiet so far, only crying a few times.  Suspiciously enough, she enjoyed the little Irish melody I was singing to her while mom was recovering.  Couldn't sing it too loud though... don't want mom knowing I'm prepping her to sing in my future pub.

Everyone slept really well last night.  Or at least I think everyone did.  I know I did.  I slept like a rock.

Till next time!

On Punctuality

punc·tu·al/ˈpəNGkCHo͞oəl/

Adjective:

Happening or doing something at the agreed or proper time; on time.

So, Audrey's due date is today.  Lo and behold, last night we go into labor.  She may not be fashionably late... but I prefer performance over style anyways, and what's better than someone who always shows up on time?

On that note: Rachel is a boss.  She's been sleeping through the early labor to save up her energy.  Much like the honey badger...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r7wHMg5Yjg

she don't give a shit (sorry for my crude language).

Oh, whats that? Going in to labor? Psh.  Time for a nap.  Pretty bad ass if you ask me!

Birth and Taxes

Well, here it is.  New Year's eve.  No signs of Audrey coming along today, which means no child tax credit this year.  Always being held down by the man, man.  Oh well, at least the man saw fit to give me more money every month.  Kinda funny when you pay taxes to your boss so your boss can pay you...

On that note however, it's interesting how everyone you know at this point in the game has a day they are shooting for your child being born on.  My cousin wanted to know if I had a betting pool going... maybe on the next go round.  My dad had a few days picked out in December, mostly revolving around other people's birthdays.  Hell, even my barber says to me yesterday, "Maybe your baby come today, she be born the same day as me!" Gotta love that old Italian.

So the countdown is now t-minus 4 days (today still counts cause it's not noon yet)... then it's into the abyss.