Its been awhile since anything new has been posted in our little journal (trust me Im working on it....) anyways Id like to direct all visitors to our links section and check out the One Week Job link.
One Week Job which is an humanitarian project just started by a friend and player on the soccer team I play with. His name is Sean Aiken and this cause is the real deal. Sean is one of the most down to earth, honourable and genuine persons I've every met.
Please check out his site and if you can find a way to help this project along with a donation, job offer, press or just passing this link along that would excelllent.
Both Karen and myself feel deeply about child poverty (we understand the dilema of making a budget work with two hungry growing kids in an culture where the cost of living seems to increase on a monthly basis while assistance decreases) and have made a donation of $50 to the project and challenge anyone to match or better this amount.
All the best
John, Karen, Grady and Cole
PS. I promise to have an new post about our past three months up by Sat.
In the meantime check out the new photos and video of "no. 2" (alias Cole)
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Saturday, December 2, 2006
Room No. 8
Back to our little adventure....
I left off with us settling into the dreaded room No.8, with Karen now having contractions almost like clockwork at 5 minutes and their strength getting stronger. No more chit-chat when they started now it was all about the breathing and visualization. side note:Visualization was important to us during Grady's birth, and Karen got some really good advice on meditation and visualization from a psychologist at her work for this birth so we keyed in on these to try to get past the hard moments (anytime you see me leaning into Karen's ear during the labor videos I was probably giving her a cue for visualization or asking if I could go for a smoke). For this birth Karen's trips to Wikenish Beach in Tofino would be the main focus and waves specifically due to their similarities to labour. I really think this helped and recommend it to anybody who's going to have a baby... go see a shrink (there's a joke in there somewhere I'm sure).
So with the ipod hooked up to radio ready to play 1.6 days worth of music, we set about getting this baby moving in the right direction. To make this happen the books all say that a good relationship and bond with your nurse is vital. So when Trish our first nurse told Karen that she needed an IV (which happened to be no.4 on Karens "Do Not" list) and Karen balked at this idea, I cringed in horror as the next words out of nurse Trish's mouth were "if you don't get an IV your baby might die"; Oh God I thought we got Dr. House as our nurse. I was a little stunned by this and I'm sure Karen was too and thankfully Trish left the room right after this to go confer with Dr. Ange to see if we could hold off on the IV. (Which in the end they did, only giving Karen a IV lock).
Great... lets go thru the checklist- Room 8, IV and death Nurse this is not a good start.
Well things turned for the better shortly after. It turns out Trish was a good nurse in the end and we all connected really well for the next four hours (if you are ever in Richmond on N0.12 road by the airport and there's a women in a nurses uniform watching 747s come in over her head that's Trish...).
From Grady's birth experience we all learned that during labor Karen once in a position is not likely to change that position so for this birth I was to insist that she keep moving and changing positions (see Birthing Handbook for John- section 129, paragraph 10). A lot easier said than done but with the help of the nurses we moved her around. One such position involved the "birthing ball" (just one of those exercises balls that were all the rage in fitness 5 years ago, much like yoga and boot camps are now...) which funny enough in the end may have had an effect on the dramatic end to this adventure but more on that later. Anyways Karen quite enjoyed this position and so spent the next 3 hours shifting between this and standing at the end of the bed slouched over during contractions to sitting in the labor chair until 7:30pm which was shift change for the nurses, so bye-bye nurse Trish, and hello nurse Trena.
So how to introduce yourself to a new nurse you ask? Well Karen found it perfectly acceptable to projectile vomit green bile all over her and herself as well as Dr. Ange. Hello Nurse, welcome to room 8. After this nice greeting it was deemed Karen better start getting more fluids in her or the dreaded IV would come into play. The doctors examination at 7:30 revealed that Karen's water needed to be broken (see Do Not list... again), Dr. Ange reassured Karen that this would help things progress as she was still at 4cm (although the baby had shifted lower and was fully engaged). I want to say at this point I was having a strong Deja Vu experience, everything was almost exactly the same as Grady's labour and I feared that the "C"-word would soon be brought up. (it was eerie how similar everything went during this labour to Grady's, makes me wonder if what happened during this labor in it's late stages would've happened for Grady's??).
So with renued vigor I really pressed Karen to focus on getting her fluids, trying new positions as often as possible and keep visualizing what was supposed to be happening in her body to give birth to this baby.Thankfully about this time Debbie and her son Jordan arrived, this was good time as I was wearing down (read: Had not had a smoke in awhile) and Debbie is a very assertive person (i don't think our nurse really appreciated how assertive).
I was able to convince Karen at this time that she needed the IV to maintain hydration so she would not burn out, so connected to an IV pole and hardwired into a baby monitor we continued on. Another side note to would be father's the monitor is an interesting connection for us to the actual labour. But it should not be used as a "early warning" device for announcing coming contractions, I learned this during Grady's birth and had to bite my tongue during this labor not to state what obviously is very obvious to the mother. Also here's a little trick for those who don't know their child's sex, a heartbeat over 135 during labor is two for two in announcing a boy is coming (not scientific but nurses use this as well...).
The baby monitor was yet again something Karen did not want but due to our first child having been born "C"-section the doctor insisted that the baby needed to be monitored, funny though cause like Grady this baby wanted no part of it and we kept losing the heartbeat which is a problem as the nurse and doctor use the read out from this to determine how the labour is going and if the mother can stay the course. So when they can't get a steady reading for an half-hour period they use a previous accounted half-hour period, which for Karen was some three hours earlier when contractions were alot weaker. Not a good indicator me thinks as it was very much evident that contractions were very strong and very painful for Karen and occurring now at 9pm at about 2-4 minute intervals. Seeing the pain that Karen was now experiencing, the talk turned to pain relief, gas was brought up but that was vetoed (Debbie and nurse butted heads... no gas), so epidermal was suggested. Karen was more than happy to agree to this which surprised me and gave me a clearer picture of the strength of the labour. So nurse Trenna sent for the cart and anaesthesiologist (I give up on how to spell it, my Dad will probably chastise me and give the real spellin anyways), which we we're told would be by once they had finished with another mother (another crazy day in the maternity ward, much like with Grady's birth alot of babies were sharing this B-day. I think I counted at least 4 newborn cries while in the ward).
Here's where the real fun begins, Dr. Ange comes by for another check and things after an two hour window have not progressed and she actually mouths this to me and I've got every indication that after her break she will insist on another "C"-section, she doesn't say this to Karen which I'm glad but she agrees that the big Horse needle with the "good" stuff might help relax Karen, whose jaw is starting to lock up and I can hear her teeth grinding with each contraction. So I resign myself to the impending surgery and just try to comfort Karen and try to get her to visualize those contractions moving the baby and all that other stuff that's needed for birth to happen. So with Dr. Ange going for a break (later we talked with her and found out she was to work for an 36hour shift that day... wow), and Nurse Trena going on a break as well our world suddenly took a 360 degree turn. Just before Trena left Karen experienced a contraction that was followed by a strong urge to push plus a daemonic grunt, I have to say I was looking for a priest after hearing this from her, but also curious as this had not happened during Grady's. Nurse Trena told Karen not to push and to breath it out, which Karen did, then left us in the care of Nurse Cheryl (I think??). In the next ten minutes Karen had some doozy contractions and was grunting with every one of them, this sent alarm bells running in the nurses head obviously cause she sent for Dr. Ange and really focused in on Karen breathing her HEE-HEE-HAWWWS and NO PUSHING. When Dr. Ange arrived and checked Karen out (only 35minutes from the last time), I saw her face show surprise followed by these words. "Okay Dear, your fully dilated and this baby's ready to come but I need you not to push, just breath, were not ready dear!". So from 5cm to fully dilated in under 45min., Karen was ready to push and no one was ready... Great (I really think it had been decided that this was going to end with a "C"-section). Here's a theory we came up with on this sudden change for the better
(at least I came up with this theory so laugh if you will... I think it merits a scientific study :) ). Karen had been using the birthing ball for a good long time prior to these "grunting" contractions and in this position your straddling the ball while gently bouncing and rocking, perhaps this was acting as a cork and preventing further progress until Karen shifted to a laying down position in her bed and we all know what happens if you shake something then release the cork..... POP!
And POP! it did, After a frantic few minutes of Dr and Nurse scrambling to prepare everything, Debbie holding one of Karen's legs back and me holding the other, while Jordan wormed in underneath the Dr. at the foot of the bed for a front row seat (still unbelievable to see) Karen pushed hard for 10mins (I got to hand it to her, she was scary strong at this point) and gave birth to a baby GIRL.... wait a minute SAY what? Let me explain, as soon as Karen started pushing and the babies head began to crown HIS aunt began to refer to the baby as a girl, (the Dr. even looked at me and asked if we knew and I said no, but Deb was adamant about it being a Girl, I'll have to remember to get Deb to pay for the counselling I'll need if he indeed decides later he's a Girl). This soon to be discovered mistake led everyone to refer to the baby as SHE for the next 20min. despite the obvious protrusion between HIS legs that was not his umbilical cord.
With some confusion concerning his sex from his Aunt, it was indeed determined that SHE was a HE and Karen, Grady and I were now joined by a beautiful baby BOY, one Cole "something, something" Humphries (we are still throwing middle names around but CASH will most likely be his initials).
I'm going to end the story here and let Karen fill in the next 24hours since she will probably be able to remember this part as a Watermelon wasn't trying to get out of her during this period.
I'll have another Blog up in the coming days to update how our new family fared at home one week after Cole's birth.
I left off with us settling into the dreaded room No.8, with Karen now having contractions almost like clockwork at 5 minutes and their strength getting stronger. No more chit-chat when they started now it was all about the breathing and visualization. side note:Visualization was important to us during Grady's birth, and Karen got some really good advice on meditation and visualization from a psychologist at her work for this birth so we keyed in on these to try to get past the hard moments (anytime you see me leaning into Karen's ear during the labor videos I was probably giving her a cue for visualization or asking if I could go for a smoke). For this birth Karen's trips to Wikenish Beach in Tofino would be the main focus and waves specifically due to their similarities to labour. I really think this helped and recommend it to anybody who's going to have a baby... go see a shrink (there's a joke in there somewhere I'm sure).
So with the ipod hooked up to radio ready to play 1.6 days worth of music, we set about getting this baby moving in the right direction. To make this happen the books all say that a good relationship and bond with your nurse is vital. So when Trish our first nurse told Karen that she needed an IV (which happened to be no.4 on Karens "Do Not" list) and Karen balked at this idea, I cringed in horror as the next words out of nurse Trish's mouth were "if you don't get an IV your baby might die"; Oh God I thought we got Dr. House as our nurse. I was a little stunned by this and I'm sure Karen was too and thankfully Trish left the room right after this to go confer with Dr. Ange to see if we could hold off on the IV. (Which in the end they did, only giving Karen a IV lock).
Great... lets go thru the checklist- Room 8, IV and death Nurse this is not a good start.
Well things turned for the better shortly after. It turns out Trish was a good nurse in the end and we all connected really well for the next four hours (if you are ever in Richmond on N0.12 road by the airport and there's a women in a nurses uniform watching 747s come in over her head that's Trish...).
From Grady's birth experience we all learned that during labor Karen once in a position is not likely to change that position so for this birth I was to insist that she keep moving and changing positions (see Birthing Handbook for John- section 129, paragraph 10). A lot easier said than done but with the help of the nurses we moved her around. One such position involved the "birthing ball" (just one of those exercises balls that were all the rage in fitness 5 years ago, much like yoga and boot camps are now...) which funny enough in the end may have had an effect on the dramatic end to this adventure but more on that later. Anyways Karen quite enjoyed this position and so spent the next 3 hours shifting between this and standing at the end of the bed slouched over during contractions to sitting in the labor chair until 7:30pm which was shift change for the nurses, so bye-bye nurse Trish, and hello nurse Trena.
So how to introduce yourself to a new nurse you ask? Well Karen found it perfectly acceptable to projectile vomit green bile all over her and herself as well as Dr. Ange. Hello Nurse, welcome to room 8. After this nice greeting it was deemed Karen better start getting more fluids in her or the dreaded IV would come into play. The doctors examination at 7:30 revealed that Karen's water needed to be broken (see Do Not list... again), Dr. Ange reassured Karen that this would help things progress as she was still at 4cm (although the baby had shifted lower and was fully engaged). I want to say at this point I was having a strong Deja Vu experience, everything was almost exactly the same as Grady's labour and I feared that the "C"-word would soon be brought up. (it was eerie how similar everything went during this labour to Grady's, makes me wonder if what happened during this labor in it's late stages would've happened for Grady's??).
So with renued vigor I really pressed Karen to focus on getting her fluids, trying new positions as often as possible and keep visualizing what was supposed to be happening in her body to give birth to this baby.Thankfully about this time Debbie and her son Jordan arrived, this was good time as I was wearing down (read: Had not had a smoke in awhile) and Debbie is a very assertive person (i don't think our nurse really appreciated how assertive).
I was able to convince Karen at this time that she needed the IV to maintain hydration so she would not burn out, so connected to an IV pole and hardwired into a baby monitor we continued on. Another side note to would be father's the monitor is an interesting connection for us to the actual labour. But it should not be used as a "early warning" device for announcing coming contractions, I learned this during Grady's birth and had to bite my tongue during this labor not to state what obviously is very obvious to the mother. Also here's a little trick for those who don't know their child's sex, a heartbeat over 135 during labor is two for two in announcing a boy is coming (not scientific but nurses use this as well...).
The baby monitor was yet again something Karen did not want but due to our first child having been born "C"-section the doctor insisted that the baby needed to be monitored, funny though cause like Grady this baby wanted no part of it and we kept losing the heartbeat which is a problem as the nurse and doctor use the read out from this to determine how the labour is going and if the mother can stay the course. So when they can't get a steady reading for an half-hour period they use a previous accounted half-hour period, which for Karen was some three hours earlier when contractions were alot weaker. Not a good indicator me thinks as it was very much evident that contractions were very strong and very painful for Karen and occurring now at 9pm at about 2-4 minute intervals. Seeing the pain that Karen was now experiencing, the talk turned to pain relief, gas was brought up but that was vetoed (Debbie and nurse butted heads... no gas), so epidermal was suggested. Karen was more than happy to agree to this which surprised me and gave me a clearer picture of the strength of the labour. So nurse Trenna sent for the cart and anaesthesiologist (I give up on how to spell it, my Dad will probably chastise me and give the real spellin anyways), which we we're told would be by once they had finished with another mother (another crazy day in the maternity ward, much like with Grady's birth alot of babies were sharing this B-day. I think I counted at least 4 newborn cries while in the ward).
Here's where the real fun begins, Dr. Ange comes by for another check and things after an two hour window have not progressed and she actually mouths this to me and I've got every indication that after her break she will insist on another "C"-section, she doesn't say this to Karen which I'm glad but she agrees that the big Horse needle with the "good" stuff might help relax Karen, whose jaw is starting to lock up and I can hear her teeth grinding with each contraction. So I resign myself to the impending surgery and just try to comfort Karen and try to get her to visualize those contractions moving the baby and all that other stuff that's needed for birth to happen. So with Dr. Ange going for a break (later we talked with her and found out she was to work for an 36hour shift that day... wow), and Nurse Trena going on a break as well our world suddenly took a 360 degree turn. Just before Trena left Karen experienced a contraction that was followed by a strong urge to push plus a daemonic grunt, I have to say I was looking for a priest after hearing this from her, but also curious as this had not happened during Grady's. Nurse Trena told Karen not to push and to breath it out, which Karen did, then left us in the care of Nurse Cheryl (I think??). In the next ten minutes Karen had some doozy contractions and was grunting with every one of them, this sent alarm bells running in the nurses head obviously cause she sent for Dr. Ange and really focused in on Karen breathing her HEE-HEE-HAWWWS and NO PUSHING. When Dr. Ange arrived and checked Karen out (only 35minutes from the last time), I saw her face show surprise followed by these words. "Okay Dear, your fully dilated and this baby's ready to come but I need you not to push, just breath, were not ready dear!". So from 5cm to fully dilated in under 45min., Karen was ready to push and no one was ready... Great (I really think it had been decided that this was going to end with a "C"-section). Here's a theory we came up with on this sudden change for the better
(at least I came up with this theory so laugh if you will... I think it merits a scientific study :) ). Karen had been using the birthing ball for a good long time prior to these "grunting" contractions and in this position your straddling the ball while gently bouncing and rocking, perhaps this was acting as a cork and preventing further progress until Karen shifted to a laying down position in her bed and we all know what happens if you shake something then release the cork..... POP!And POP! it did, After a frantic few minutes of Dr and Nurse scrambling to prepare everything, Debbie holding one of Karen's legs back and me holding the other, while Jordan wormed in underneath the Dr. at the foot of the bed for a front row seat (still unbelievable to see) Karen pushed hard for 10mins (I got to hand it to her, she was scary strong at this point) and gave birth to a baby GIRL.... wait a minute SAY what? Let me explain, as soon as Karen started pushing and the babies head began to crown HIS aunt began to refer to the baby as a girl, (the Dr. even looked at me and asked if we knew and I said no, but Deb was adamant about it being a Girl, I'll have to remember to get Deb to pay for the counselling I'll need if he indeed decides later he's a Girl). This soon to be discovered mistake led everyone to refer to the baby as SHE for the next 20min. despite the obvious protrusion between HIS legs that was not his umbilical cord.
With some confusion concerning his sex from his Aunt, it was indeed determined that SHE was a HE and Karen, Grady and I were now joined by a beautiful baby BOY, one Cole "something, something" Humphries (we are still throwing middle names around but CASH will most likely be his initials).
I'm going to end the story here and let Karen fill in the next 24hours since she will probably be able to remember this part as a Watermelon wasn't trying to get out of her during this period.
I'll have another Blog up in the coming days to update how our new family fared at home one week after Cole's birth.
Cheers John
Back at Home
Home Sweet Home.
It's good to back in our own oasis of tranquility (often interrupted by crying baby and dinosaur-roaring toddler). Well where to start....
First off I want to thank the following for their part in our special day, Rob Mathers for getting us to the hospital in one piece (I owe you a bottle for two taxi rides), KC Humphries, who without, we woulda been at a great disadvantage worrying about Grady, I know I piss her off alot but a big brother couldn't ask for a better little sis (much love Cathy), Debbie Krull, once again Deb pulled through for us and was an great anchor for Karen in the delivery room (thanks for the video shooting Deb, but I don't think that footage will ever see the light of day once your sister watches it) and too Deb's three old son Jordan who proved that birth is a beautiful thing and not something to be scared of, I'll never forget looking down from the head of the bed while in the final moments of
pushing and underneath the doctors arms was the wide-eyed Jordan absorbing it all and wanting to touch the babies head while still in Karen. And finally to all who have said a prayer, left a message, called to congratulate we really appreciate it.
I said finally, but there's one more person I have to thank and that's Karen, who proved again to me how strong and beautiful she is, I cannot thank God enough for bringing her into my life and her for delivering two precious little boys into our lives.
Here's our memories of the day in writing to perhaps fill-in what the videos don't...
Wednesday morning started as many do for me, with Karen waking me up at 6:45, only this time it was not to tell me I was going to be late for work. Half awake I heard that I might not have to go to work for the day, this cleared the cobwebs pretty fast for me.
Karen had been up with contractions for about three hours at this point (she did this with Grady as well- letting me sleep while she decided if this was really "it" and not just ghost labour). The contractions at this point were ten minutes apart and fairly strong.
Now our past experience with Grady's birth definitely paid off as both of us were pretty low key and just went about our morning as normally as we could, (never normal when every ten minutes a
loved one has to double over and grunt), but we managed and set-up a game plan. Called my sister KC to make sure she had no plans and to come out when should could, she responded quickly and was out at our place at 9am to be Grady keeper. Called the clinic and got an appointment to find out where we were, and called the grandparents to inform them that their wallets were going to get a little lighter after today. Packed up all the bags (more on our luggage later) and woke up Grady.
With my sister watching Grady, I decided that perhaps Karen and I
should have a nap and see where the contractions were when we woke, then head down to the clinic after lunch (once again, past experience wasn't sending us rushing to the hospital...). The nap was a good idea looking back on it, although it seemed to slow down things. When we got up contractions were down to about 8 minutes but intermediate in strength. So with a nap under our belts we could get back on the program and apparently that included going grocery shopping, filing EU papers and filling up the car with gas. I gotta say when Karen told me she wanted to accomplish all this I laughed pretty hard but it was her body giving the signals and if she felt up to all this I was not going to stand in her way so at 11:30 we went to the clinic to find out what we could then move on to these other tasks. At the clinic snow had slowed all appointments and we waited for an hour before we got to she Dr. Jones (the first doctor we saw at Grady's big day). Dr. Jones did her examine and told us what we wanted to hear, Karen was 3cm dilated and the membrane was bulging, and we could expect to have a baby in our arms before she started her shift at RCH. A side note here, Dr. Jones was excellent her up beat attitude to Karen trying VBAC was exactly what she need at this point it really put Karen in an good frame of mind. So we left the clinic with the orders to head to the hospital when the contractions were 5 minutes apart and no change in pain no matter what position Karen was in or the weather was deteriorating (sage words indeed). With this in mind we adjusted our timeline to go to the hospital at 3pm and with snow falling headed off on our tasks before getting home at 2:30.
Back at home I was getting anxious with every contraction very visibly getting stronger and getting closer (any where between 3 and 8 min.)and with snow falling for the last hour an half I did not want to be having to boil towels and play doctor so I called Rob to see if he was ready to go. I probably should have asked Karen this question as Rob was ready but Karen still wanted to wait... and wait we did I think me and Rob smoked half a deck, Rob shovelled the drive way and I paced around the house like a zoo animal (Okay, I thought, I've seen births on TV but I usually change the channel once or twice and probably miss some important steps so I really wasn't ready to be doctor and Rob would make a horrible nurse so ...)
Finally I was able to convince Karen it was time to go because dusk was close at hand and the snow was now rain a combination I assured her we didn't want if the temp suddenly dropped.
Roads were getting bad and thankfully Rob's a seasoned Ontario winter driver with a four X four got us there in good time... arrival at RCH 4:10pm (almost 12 hours from the first timed contraction).
Now at the hospital I'll go back to our luggage. Karen as most of you will know is probably the most prepared person in the world if she is given time, and nine months and twelve baby books later means PREPARED, I frantically was searching the ER for a wheelchair or cart to load the five bags I was carrying so I wouldn't be admitted myself with dislocated shoulders but none were available so I sucked it up (I figured if Karen was going to go into hard labour for who knows how long I could carry 5 bags up to the second floor, just thankful we had left two other bags at home for after the birth). The admitting lady had a good laugh at my expense plus a strange look at our food bag (another Karen trademark... never leave home without a treasure trove of eats). Our food bag
just happened to be a Molson Canadian soft cooler which got me looks from everyone we passed and had two gentlemen ask if they could have a cold one, I of course said "Hell No I only had twelve" (all our nurses also commented on this choice of luggage, on a side note no one actually checked it for beer so maybe next time...).
Off to the Delivery Ward we went, checked in and lead into the assessment room where Karen gave her sample and I was chatted up by an obviously very nervous and excited Chinese man who actually asked me if I was here to have a baby. (I really wanted to answer "no, just here to pick-up some ladies"). Doctor Ange (actually Dr. Hutchinson but she prefers using her first name, great doctor to-boot) was there to do the assessment and after checking out Karen got us quickly to a delivery room, all signs pointed at an advanced state of labour, this got my hopes up maybe all this patience was going to pay-off and we'd have the child in no time after arriving...
Now as stated previously Karen is a prepared person and had the "Birthing Handbook for John" ready for me to consult, this had phone numbers, visualization tools for her and most importantly her wishes for this birth. Now number 3 on the don't list was and I quote "NO to room number 8,
bathroom too small" (this is the room we had for Grady) now guess which room the nurse asked us to move too? Yup, dreaded no.8, Great I thought this hasn't started well but after I brought our concerns up about this room we were assured that all the rooms had similar sized potties (sure they do). Thankful this was good enough for Karen and so we settled into a very familiar room (DEJA VU... and not the only time I'd feel like this)....time 5:20pm Nov. 29/06
It's good to back in our own oasis of tranquility (often interrupted by crying baby and dinosaur-roaring toddler). Well where to start....
First off I want to thank the following for their part in our special day, Rob Mathers for getting us to the hospital in one piece (I owe you a bottle for two taxi rides), KC Humphries, who without, we woulda been at a great disadvantage worrying about Grady, I know I piss her off alot but a big brother couldn't ask for a better little sis (much love Cathy), Debbie Krull, once again Deb pulled through for us and was an great anchor for Karen in the delivery room (thanks for the video shooting Deb, but I don't think that footage will ever see the light of day once your sister watches it) and too Deb's three old son Jordan who proved that birth is a beautiful thing and not something to be scared of, I'll never forget looking down from the head of the bed while in the final moments of
pushing and underneath the doctors arms was the wide-eyed Jordan absorbing it all and wanting to touch the babies head while still in Karen. And finally to all who have said a prayer, left a message, called to congratulate we really appreciate it.I said finally, but there's one more person I have to thank and that's Karen, who proved again to me how strong and beautiful she is, I cannot thank God enough for bringing her into my life and her for delivering two precious little boys into our lives.
Here's our memories of the day in writing to perhaps fill-in what the videos don't...
Wednesday morning started as many do for me, with Karen waking me up at 6:45, only this time it was not to tell me I was going to be late for work. Half awake I heard that I might not have to go to work for the day, this cleared the cobwebs pretty fast for me.
Karen had been up with contractions for about three hours at this point (she did this with Grady as well- letting me sleep while she decided if this was really "it" and not just ghost labour). The contractions at this point were ten minutes apart and fairly strong.
Now our past experience with Grady's birth definitely paid off as both of us were pretty low key and just went about our morning as normally as we could, (never normal when every ten minutes a
loved one has to double over and grunt), but we managed and set-up a game plan. Called my sister KC to make sure she had no plans and to come out when should could, she responded quickly and was out at our place at 9am to be Grady keeper. Called the clinic and got an appointment to find out where we were, and called the grandparents to inform them that their wallets were going to get a little lighter after today. Packed up all the bags (more on our luggage later) and woke up Grady.With my sister watching Grady, I decided that perhaps Karen and I
should have a nap and see where the contractions were when we woke, then head down to the clinic after lunch (once again, past experience wasn't sending us rushing to the hospital...). The nap was a good idea looking back on it, although it seemed to slow down things. When we got up contractions were down to about 8 minutes but intermediate in strength. So with a nap under our belts we could get back on the program and apparently that included going grocery shopping, filing EU papers and filling up the car with gas. I gotta say when Karen told me she wanted to accomplish all this I laughed pretty hard but it was her body giving the signals and if she felt up to all this I was not going to stand in her way so at 11:30 we went to the clinic to find out what we could then move on to these other tasks. At the clinic snow had slowed all appointments and we waited for an hour before we got to she Dr. Jones (the first doctor we saw at Grady's big day). Dr. Jones did her examine and told us what we wanted to hear, Karen was 3cm dilated and the membrane was bulging, and we could expect to have a baby in our arms before she started her shift at RCH. A side note here, Dr. Jones was excellent her up beat attitude to Karen trying VBAC was exactly what she need at this point it really put Karen in an good frame of mind. So we left the clinic with the orders to head to the hospital when the contractions were 5 minutes apart and no change in pain no matter what position Karen was in or the weather was deteriorating (sage words indeed). With this in mind we adjusted our timeline to go to the hospital at 3pm and with snow falling headed off on our tasks before getting home at 2:30.Back at home I was getting anxious with every contraction very visibly getting stronger and getting closer (any where between 3 and 8 min.)and with snow falling for the last hour an half I did not want to be having to boil towels and play doctor so I called Rob to see if he was ready to go. I probably should have asked Karen this question as Rob was ready but Karen still wanted to wait... and wait we did I think me and Rob smoked half a deck, Rob shovelled the drive way and I paced around the house like a zoo animal (Okay, I thought, I've seen births on TV but I usually change the channel once or twice and probably miss some important steps so I really wasn't ready to be doctor and Rob would make a horrible nurse so ...)
Finally I was able to convince Karen it was time to go because dusk was close at hand and the snow was now rain a combination I assured her we didn't want if the temp suddenly dropped.
Roads were getting bad and thankfully Rob's a seasoned Ontario winter driver with a four X four got us there in good time... arrival at RCH 4:10pm (almost 12 hours from the first timed contraction).
Now at the hospital I'll go back to our luggage. Karen as most of you will know is probably the most prepared person in the world if she is given time, and nine months and twelve baby books later means PREPARED, I frantically was searching the ER for a wheelchair or cart to load the five bags I was carrying so I wouldn't be admitted myself with dislocated shoulders but none were available so I sucked it up (I figured if Karen was going to go into hard labour for who knows how long I could carry 5 bags up to the second floor, just thankful we had left two other bags at home for after the birth). The admitting lady had a good laugh at my expense plus a strange look at our food bag (another Karen trademark... never leave home without a treasure trove of eats). Our food bag
just happened to be a Molson Canadian soft cooler which got me looks from everyone we passed and had two gentlemen ask if they could have a cold one, I of course said "Hell No I only had twelve" (all our nurses also commented on this choice of luggage, on a side note no one actually checked it for beer so maybe next time...). Off to the Delivery Ward we went, checked in and lead into the assessment room where Karen gave her sample and I was chatted up by an obviously very nervous and excited Chinese man who actually asked me if I was here to have a baby. (I really wanted to answer "no, just here to pick-up some ladies"). Doctor Ange (actually Dr. Hutchinson but she prefers using her first name, great doctor to-boot) was there to do the assessment and after checking out Karen got us quickly to a delivery room, all signs pointed at an advanced state of labour, this got my hopes up maybe all this patience was going to pay-off and we'd have the child in no time after arriving...
Now as stated previously Karen is a prepared person and had the "Birthing Handbook for John" ready for me to consult, this had phone numbers, visualization tools for her and most importantly her wishes for this birth. Now number 3 on the don't list was and I quote "NO to room number 8,
bathroom too small" (this is the room we had for Grady) now guess which room the nurse asked us to move too? Yup, dreaded no.8, Great I thought this hasn't started well but after I brought our concerns up about this room we were assured that all the rooms had similar sized potties (sure they do). Thankful this was good enough for Karen and so we settled into a very familiar room (DEJA VU... and not the only time I'd feel like this)....time 5:20pm Nov. 29/06I'll stop here cause there's a crying baby to attend to and Karen's getting some shut eye. (She's on the 4am-8am shift) :)
Will continue our little adventure asap.
Cheers One Happy Dad
John
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Breaking News...
For the latest baby update also check out "our video" updates and "our pictures". Newest -Nov.30(11am)
Karen, John and Grady are proud to announce the birth of Cole Humphries (middle names yet to be decided). Born Nov.29 at 10:10pm at Royal Columbian Hospital. 7.98lbs 51.6cm long.
Mom and Baby are both doing well, Dad is one proud papa.
Will fill in details when I have time.
Cheers John
Karen, John and Grady are proud to announce the birth of Cole Humphries (middle names yet to be decided). Born Nov.29 at 10:10pm at Royal Columbian Hospital. 7.98lbs 51.6cm long.
Mom and Baby are both doing well, Dad is one proud papa.
Will fill in details when I have time.
Cheers John
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
It's too Cold to Come Out....
I don't blame our yet to be born child for staying put, I would have loved to find a nice warm womb to climb into today (man that sounds creepy-sorry). So we go to bed tonight on the babies due date awaiting his/her arrival.
Things are cold and clear here on the coast, making for a spectacular winter wonderland setting, I wish I had taken my camera to work today as it was incredible seeing the North Shore mountains bathed in bright winter sun under a blanket of snow (too bad my eyes were close to being frozen shut from the cold and wind or else I would have had a warm and fuzzy moment), thankfully Karen captured
some pics here at home and perhaps I will get some tomorrow, as the morning is supposed to be similar before more snow arrives. I'm not going to moan about our weather because it could be worse...like anywhere in the prairies. Yikes.In case you haven't checked out "Our Videos" recently, two more videos of our little "star"have been uploaded to YouTube for your viewing.
I'm going to keep it short and sweet, so keep tuning in ... as I turn out and head to bed too drem about a little baby girl. Yup I've flopped again, back to thinking it's a girl (maybe Karen swapped my coffee with Decaf....)
Cheers
John
Sunday, November 26, 2006
It's Been Awhile
Sorry for leaving everyone hanging for a week but I figured that a blog a day was a bit much....
A new video has been added to "Our Videos" along with some new photos.
Well the countdown is on for real now, only 29 days till Christmas... and 2 days till the "official" due date for our mystery baby.
can take the next two weeks off, as winter has hit the lower mainland in earnest and a cold air mass moving in behind looks to drop the temps (and some snow) down to "real" winter conditions (I can hear the Albertans saying that's not cold but unless you have actually been on the coast when the temp drops you don't realize how unpleasant it can be when the thermometer reads in minuses with humidity). I fondly remember making fun of Vancouverites whenever snow fell on the city and the chaos ensued on the roads but I now understand why it get this way. Today for example about 3 inches fell in the morning and by lunch was beginning to melt. Only problem was it continued to snow on top of it and then the temp started to drop and this slush level began to freeze while snow built up on it. By supper the roads were rinks with another 6 inches of snow covering it, not fun road conditions and when you factor in a city populace that only 1 in 10 have tires other than summer tires look out. Funny how all my posts start with weather updates...
I think that 1 in 10 is an overstatement. I for one hope that we don't have the baby tonight, although the snowplow has now made it up our hill, which means that we should get to the hospital safely if we need to go. Ironically, I just got new tires on Monday. I say ironically because I only got them because I also got a flat tire and HAD to! I do appreciate John's lack of enthusiasm for working outside in this, though. Hopefully it doesn't all melt tonight and we can go play in it tomorrow for a while.
Back to the anticipated birth of our second child, Karen had a doctors appointment on Wed. (and one every Wed. until birth) and things seem to be in a holding pattern and the doctor expects to see Karen again this Wed.(I'll allow Karen to fill in the details). Things around the house are in
full prep mode with all bags packed and ready to go, phone numbers on speed dial, and all those little details being completed. Karen has a binder full of the A to Z of birthing ready for me to peruse over, got hand it to her she is one prepared momma, unlike me who I think like most men looks at this day as something similar to going to a movie... wheres my popcorn?
In regards to the sex of the baby (for all those poolies), Karen has been getting some strong GIRL vibes this week. As for now, I'm still thinking my heavy coffee addiction will hold sway and Grady will have a little brother to pound on.
He's probably right. I had a vivid dream a few nights ago that I had a girl. Almost all of my dreams have been of a girl, and usually one who sleeps well. A newborn who sleeps well? I AM dreaming! Told John that I would be surprised if I have a boy. But that coffee thing holds sway with me...
Grady is, I believe, fully advanced into the terrible twos a month early as he seems to be getting
more unruly as the days pass (perfect timing). Hes still the most important thing in our lives but I think both of us have wondered what a blue eyed blond haired Caucasian is going for on the black market (funny you can't just google that...). Like everyone says and the books all tell you, your child is going to have a period where they seem to regress back to infant stage behaviour and that he has, especially with eating. No longer is time in the chair for eating but more a experiment in how far can I push mom and dads buttons.
Ladies, do you think he really GETS how much that back hurts?? This is from a newspaper clipping I found a long time ago...
IF MEN GOT PREGNANT
+Maternity leave would last two years, with full pay
+All methods of birth control would be 100% effective.
+Morning sickness would be the worlds no. 1 health problem.
+Natural childbirth would become obsolete.
+Children would be kept in hospitals until toilet trained.
+Sons would have to be home from dates by 10pm.
+There would be a cure for stretch marks.
+Paternity suits would be a fashion line of clothes.
+Men would be eager to talk about commitment.
+They wouldn't think twins are so cute.
+They would stay in bed during the entire pregnancy.
+Women would rule the world
Cheers John & Karen
A new video has been added to "Our Videos" along with some new photos.
Well the countdown is on for real now, only 29 days till Christmas... and 2 days till the "official" due date for our mystery baby.
I took this picture at work (the orange building in the background is the one I work in - for those of you who don't know, Riverview is HUGE, some 200 acres, with many buildings). The hospital is 
going through Accreditation, and has very wisely spent money on signs to post along the highway (beside the also 'wise' $30, 000 Riverview Hospital signs) to "tell the world" about it. Just so happens that my due date is the same week, so at least I get a kick out of it. Unfortunately for me, the snow today will let everyone know that I didn't actually take this picture today, but on Friday. Still, if I post it today, it's accurate, and no one will remember that it was snowing 'on this day in history' right? (maybe they will if they are reading this and look at the next picture which shows what today really looked like)
can take the next two weeks off, as winter has hit the lower mainland in earnest and a cold air mass moving in behind looks to drop the temps (and some snow) down to "real" winter conditions (I can hear the Albertans saying that's not cold but unless you have actually been on the coast when the temp drops you don't realize how unpleasant it can be when the thermometer reads in minuses with humidity). I fondly remember making fun of Vancouverites whenever snow fell on the city and the chaos ensued on the roads but I now understand why it get this way. Today for example about 3 inches fell in the morning and by lunch was beginning to melt. Only problem was it continued to snow on top of it and then the temp started to drop and this slush level began to freeze while snow built up on it. By supper the roads were rinks with another 6 inches of snow covering it, not fun road conditions and when you factor in a city populace that only 1 in 10 have tires other than summer tires look out. Funny how all my posts start with weather updates... I think that 1 in 10 is an overstatement. I for one hope that we don't have the baby tonight, although the snowplow has now made it up our hill, which means that we should get to the hospital safely if we need to go. Ironically, I just got new tires on Monday. I say ironically because I only got them because I also got a flat tire and HAD to! I do appreciate John's lack of enthusiasm for working outside in this, though. Hopefully it doesn't all melt tonight and we can go play in it tomorrow for a while.
Back to the anticipated birth of our second child, Karen had a doctors appointment on Wed. (and one every Wed. until birth) and things seem to be in a holding pattern and the doctor expects to see Karen again this Wed.(I'll allow Karen to fill in the details). Things around the house are in
full prep mode with all bags packed and ready to go, phone numbers on speed dial, and all those little details being completed. Karen has a binder full of the A to Z of birthing ready for me to peruse over, got hand it to her she is one prepared momma, unlike me who I think like most men looks at this day as something similar to going to a movie... wheres my popcorn? Yes, Doctor expects to see me on Wednesday in her office, which would make me one day overdue. Saturday held some promise, but ended up being NOT magic time. My doctor is on call this weekend, and then not again until December 4, so maybe baby will wait for her? Plans were fairly well set with John's parents scheduled to arrive today, and then, as you read John's weather update, all hell broke loose and they are forbidden to drive here for a few days anyways. So auntie KC is still on call, and will begin checking in daily with her location tomorrow (she's working for a temp agency right now, so is in different places daily).
As John said, I think we are officially as ready as we will ever be. I think I finished off the last of the packing and writing today, just some last minute items to add and we are off!
Truth be told I've reading some of the countless books Karen has around the house on the subject (can never have too many books beside the throne), and am pretty confident that I'll be as or more prepared for this birth as I was with Grady. I've just got to get Karen to relax and get her rest... but that ain't going to happen.In regards to the sex of the baby (for all those poolies), Karen has been getting some strong GIRL vibes this week. As for now, I'm still thinking my heavy coffee addiction will hold sway and Grady will have a little brother to pound on.
He's probably right. I had a vivid dream a few nights ago that I had a girl. Almost all of my dreams have been of a girl, and usually one who sleeps well. A newborn who sleeps well? I AM dreaming! Told John that I would be surprised if I have a boy. But that coffee thing holds sway with me...
Grady is, I believe, fully advanced into the terrible twos a month early as he seems to be getting
more unruly as the days pass (perfect timing). Hes still the most important thing in our lives but I think both of us have wondered what a blue eyed blond haired Caucasian is going for on the black market (funny you can't just google that...). Like everyone says and the books all tell you, your child is going to have a period where they seem to regress back to infant stage behaviour and that he has, especially with eating. No longer is time in the chair for eating but more a experiment in how far can I push mom and dads buttons. On a lighter Grady note, I have to write about his counting ability. Apparently traditional counting bores him and he has combined some numbers, as well as using words for more than one thing. His version goes like this "one, two-ee, four, fries, senen, eight, nine". Occasionally we get ten, but often skip right up into firteen, etc. It's so sweet, we can't really correct him yet, although we try to. Grady has also started saying his own name, something that melts my heart. We knew when we named him that he wouldn't be able to get it right at first, but it is still cute to hear him say "Gwady". We show him pictures of himself as a baby (also in preparation for the baby) and say "who's that?" just to hear him say it. He also seems to be very affectionate with me right now, and I am LOVING the kisses and "I love you"s that he is dishing out. maybe it's his way of saying "I know how difficult I can be sometimes, and I'm glad that you love me anyways". Now I just need to get John to do the same...
I'll finish this installment with another list....Ladies, do you think he really GETS how much that back hurts?? This is from a newspaper clipping I found a long time ago...
IF MEN GOT PREGNANT
+Maternity leave would last two years, with full pay
+All methods of birth control would be 100% effective.
+Morning sickness would be the worlds no. 1 health problem.
+Natural childbirth would become obsolete.
+Children would be kept in hospitals until toilet trained.
+Sons would have to be home from dates by 10pm.
+There would be a cure for stretch marks.
+Paternity suits would be a fashion line of clothes.
+Men would be eager to talk about commitment.
+They wouldn't think twins are so cute.
+They would stay in bed during the entire pregnancy.
+Women would rule the world
Cheers John & Karen
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Not Fit for Man or Beast
I've been informed that people have not been able to add comments this should be resolved now feel free to try again.
I think I'm growing gills, another three days of storms has got me closer to evolving to an amphibian.
Despite living on the coast for five years now, and working in the outdoors for all five I still am astonished by the amount of rain that can fall here when the winter storm season hits. Just when I think I've seen a heavy rain or wind storm the next day it rains harder and blows stronger. Today was a doozy, heavy rains combined with a cold wind blowing up to 70kmh out of the NW made for a miserable work day, thankfully I only had to endure 6hrs of it (poor Clint and Walter) as an appointment at the doctors office for Karen pulled me out of the maelstrom, normally you'd have to sedate me and tell me we're going to Gamesworkshop or the Pub to get me to the Doctors... not today, I was more than happy to flee the storm to go hear my unborn child's heartbeat. I feel guilty for not going with Karen to more of these appointments but I truly believe that her Pediatrician hates men, and nothing makes me more uncomfortable than somebody looking at me like I've committed a crime by impregnating the women I love (Karen
tells me I'm overreacting but I tell like I see it). Anyways the appointment went well, the baby's heart rate is strong and it was well worth the trip just too see Grady's face when we told him the sound he was hearing was the baby in his moms belly. He had been distracted by a balloon glove to that point, talking and not paying attention, but as soon as I whispered "whats that sound?" too him he froze in concentration and listened and when Dr. Buie said that's the baby a huge smile came across his face followed by his now famous "BAA...bby??" (I can thank Larry & Tina for their talking fridge magnet for this voice) complete with dog-trying-to-understand-his-master-head-tilt.
So all goes well on the pregnancy front with Karen to fill in the important details with a Blog of her own. Now back to me....(You got love yourself before others can love you right :) )
You ever have one of those days where you've planned to do something and events conspire to tell you it ain't going to happen?? Well I had one on Monday. As previously mentioned in my last blog, I had planned to go to White Rock to play in a poker tourney at the River Rock Casino with co-worker/poker buddy Clint. Everything was set, Clint to pick me up at 7:30am, drive to White Rock eat breakfast put on our poker faces (ever see "Blue Steel" from the movie Zoolander... that's my face) and register at 9am for the 10am tourney start. Solid game plan except Clints battery died 10mins into trip, that's alright as we ended up only a half block away from a Lordco (parts supplier), lost half an hour no problem breakfast at Ronnies drive-thru instead of IHOP would get us back on schedule. Back on the road making good time, traffic is light and we can see the casino as we cross the Knight street bridge. With 30 minutes to registration starts all good until Clint decides to take the back entrance to getting to the Casino. The River Rock is located in an industrial area of Richmond and the "shortcut" took us right into a backup of transports waiting to get into a freight off-loading dock, so for twenty minutes we sat talking strategy and what we were going to do with our winnings (throw in the odd profanity aimed at the semis blocking our path to glory). Finally we pulled into the parking lot of the palatial River Rock with ten minutes to spare. Thru the deserted lower gaming floors and up three flights of stairs to the largest poker room in Western Canada we marched our steps quickening in anticipation... WHAT THE.... what do mean 110 people are in line ahead of us and another 110 are seated its only five after 9 I ask the mafia member at the sign up desk.. but its my birthday... That was one quiet ride back to Port Moody.
That's $25 saved in entry fees (Clint is in the red with the cost of a new battery) and 3 hours of poker online later at home with Clint lead to a $75us profit. I guess some things are not meant to happen while others are. (Please don't try too sign me up for GA I've yet to put up Grady as collateral for a game....)
Final thoughts of the day concern my revelations as a parent after 23 months of experience, lessons learned from Grady to remember for our new one.
1. Despite the horror of the tar like substance found in newborns diapers its nothing compared to the toxic waste found after your toddler eats broccoli and beef (mental note find something to do in a hurry when you smell that stench).
2.Your time is really their time. No explanation needed.
3.Single parents should be awarded medals of honour like war vets and paid like pro athletes. This includes stay at home moms and daycare workers. Five hours alone with my little monster and I'm DONE! (I wouldn't give up that time for anything though)
4.Hearing your child's first words is amazing and motivating them to learn more is fun... until you hear certain words in public and they sound an awfully alot like other not so cute words. You can guess these words for yourself. (hint one is like a car but bigger and able to carry more)
5.Like first words, first steps are proud moments for parents, like first words first steps lead to other unforeseen problems namely parachute jumps from anything climbable minus the parachute and balance.
6.(This ones for parents of little boys, may have some relevance to girls but I haven't had that dilemma... yet) No matter how much you envision your son as a macho, sport loving oil rig working adult that all goes out the window when they take a greater interest in the barbie dolls at the Toys R Us over the dinosaurs and toy soldiers.
7.No matter how cute it is for your toddler to pretend to drink out of your beer, don't let your friends take pictures of it. Grandparents don't think its cute at all.
8. (This one goes with no.7) No matter how much you think the first taste of beer will cure your sons/daughters need to ever drink your unattended beer again, this is false they actually enjoy it.
9.Those raspberries your infant so cutely makes are far from cute later when as a toddler they do it again with their mouths full of milk or any other beverages.
10.Learn a real good poker face as you will need it when they start doing things they find funny which you don't find funny but can't help yourself from laughing. (do not teach your son the evil villain laugh it will come back to haunt you)
11.Regardless of how shitty ('cuse the language), angry, frustrated you are during your day with them, others and/or work a simply sneak into their room at night to watch them sleep will make
everything right.
Cheers John
I think I'm growing gills, another three days of storms has got me closer to evolving to an amphibian.
Despite living on the coast for five years now, and working in the outdoors for all five I still am astonished by the amount of rain that can fall here when the winter storm season hits. Just when I think I've seen a heavy rain or wind storm the next day it rains harder and blows stronger. Today was a doozy, heavy rains combined with a cold wind blowing up to 70kmh out of the NW made for a miserable work day, thankfully I only had to endure 6hrs of it (poor Clint and Walter) as an appointment at the doctors office for Karen pulled me out of the maelstrom, normally you'd have to sedate me and tell me we're going to Gamesworkshop or the Pub to get me to the Doctors... not today, I was more than happy to flee the storm to go hear my unborn child's heartbeat. I feel guilty for not going with Karen to more of these appointments but I truly believe that her Pediatrician hates men, and nothing makes me more uncomfortable than somebody looking at me like I've committed a crime by impregnating the women I love (Karen
tells me I'm overreacting but I tell like I see it). Anyways the appointment went well, the baby's heart rate is strong and it was well worth the trip just too see Grady's face when we told him the sound he was hearing was the baby in his moms belly. He had been distracted by a balloon glove to that point, talking and not paying attention, but as soon as I whispered "whats that sound?" too him he froze in concentration and listened and when Dr. Buie said that's the baby a huge smile came across his face followed by his now famous "BAA...bby??" (I can thank Larry & Tina for their talking fridge magnet for this voice) complete with dog-trying-to-understand-his-master-head-tilt.So all goes well on the pregnancy front with Karen to fill in the important details with a Blog of her own. Now back to me....(You got love yourself before others can love you right :) )
You ever have one of those days where you've planned to do something and events conspire to tell you it ain't going to happen?? Well I had one on Monday. As previously mentioned in my last blog, I had planned to go to White Rock to play in a poker tourney at the River Rock Casino with co-worker/poker buddy Clint. Everything was set, Clint to pick me up at 7:30am, drive to White Rock eat breakfast put on our poker faces (ever see "Blue Steel" from the movie Zoolander... that's my face) and register at 9am for the 10am tourney start. Solid game plan except Clints battery died 10mins into trip, that's alright as we ended up only a half block away from a Lordco (parts supplier), lost half an hour no problem breakfast at Ronnies drive-thru instead of IHOP would get us back on schedule. Back on the road making good time, traffic is light and we can see the casino as we cross the Knight street bridge. With 30 minutes to registration starts all good until Clint decides to take the back entrance to getting to the Casino. The River Rock is located in an industrial area of Richmond and the "shortcut" took us right into a backup of transports waiting to get into a freight off-loading dock, so for twenty minutes we sat talking strategy and what we were going to do with our winnings (throw in the odd profanity aimed at the semis blocking our path to glory). Finally we pulled into the parking lot of the palatial River Rock with ten minutes to spare. Thru the deserted lower gaming floors and up three flights of stairs to the largest poker room in Western Canada we marched our steps quickening in anticipation... WHAT THE.... what do mean 110 people are in line ahead of us and another 110 are seated its only five after 9 I ask the mafia member at the sign up desk.. but its my birthday... That was one quiet ride back to Port Moody.
That's $25 saved in entry fees (Clint is in the red with the cost of a new battery) and 3 hours of poker online later at home with Clint lead to a $75us profit. I guess some things are not meant to happen while others are. (Please don't try too sign me up for GA I've yet to put up Grady as collateral for a game....)
Final thoughts of the day concern my revelations as a parent after 23 months of experience, lessons learned from Grady to remember for our new one.
1. Despite the horror of the tar like substance found in newborns diapers its nothing compared to the toxic waste found after your toddler eats broccoli and beef (mental note find something to do in a hurry when you smell that stench).
2.Your time is really their time. No explanation needed.
3.Single parents should be awarded medals of honour like war vets and paid like pro athletes. This includes stay at home moms and daycare workers. Five hours alone with my little monster and I'm DONE! (I wouldn't give up that time for anything though)
4.Hearing your child's first words is amazing and motivating them to learn more is fun... until you hear certain words in public and they sound an awfully alot like other not so cute words. You can guess these words for yourself. (hint one is like a car but bigger and able to carry more)
5.Like first words, first steps are proud moments for parents, like first words first steps lead to other unforeseen problems namely parachute jumps from anything climbable minus the parachute and balance.
6.(This ones for parents of little boys, may have some relevance to girls but I haven't had that dilemma... yet) No matter how much you envision your son as a macho, sport loving oil rig working adult that all goes out the window when they take a greater interest in the barbie dolls at the Toys R Us over the dinosaurs and toy soldiers.
7.No matter how cute it is for your toddler to pretend to drink out of your beer, don't let your friends take pictures of it. Grandparents don't think its cute at all.
8. (This one goes with no.7) No matter how much you think the first taste of beer will cure your sons/daughters need to ever drink your unattended beer again, this is false they actually enjoy it.
9.Those raspberries your infant so cutely makes are far from cute later when as a toddler they do it again with their mouths full of milk or any other beverages.
10.Learn a real good poker face as you will need it when they start doing things they find funny which you don't find funny but can't help yourself from laughing. (do not teach your son the evil villain laugh it will come back to haunt you)
11.Regardless of how shitty ('cuse the language), angry, frustrated you are during your day with them, others and/or work a simply sneak into their room at night to watch them sleep will make
everything right.Cheers John
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