Okay Dad. You have my attention. Bring the funny.
HaHa. That was a good one, Dad.
Psst. Hey you out there. It really wasn't that funny. I hate it when Dad laughs at his own jokes.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Dad Tells Wynn a Joke
Hey Wynn. I want to tell you a joke.
As the guy from RULES OF ENGAGEMENT WOULD SAY...
"NIIIICE SNAPBACK."
MOM DRESSED FOR THE PARTY - YOU WERE 9 DAYS OLD.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!
WILEY AND DAYNA BLANKENSHIP host a pumpkin carving party every year complete with hayride, many wonderful snacks and beverages. We put Wynn in his Halloween outfit and took him for his first stroller ride down Sherman Street.
Wynn, you were a big hit and did really well for your first social outing. Mom ducked out with you to provide you a mid party snack. Your BeBe and Pops stopped by afterwards and below is a picture of you enjoying your very first Halloween.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
THE MOMENT KATE FIRST MET WYNN
Wynn was crying up a storm and then the nurse brought him to his Mom. I guess it is instinct, nature, or the mother son bond or all of the above. Wynn stopped crying as soon as they placed him cheek to cheek with his Mom.
IT WAS JUST THE GREATEST THING I'VE EVER SEEN.
MYSTERY SOLVED
IN THE OPERATING/DELIVERY ROOM BEBE AND I BOTH THOUGHT WE HEARD THAT WYNN WAS 7 POUNDS 8 OUNCES AND 19 1/2 INCHES LONG.
LATER IN THE NURSERY WHEN THEY WERE TRANSFERRING INFORMATION FROM ONE PAPER TO ANOTHER THEY SAID 7 POUNDS 4 OUNCES.
I WAS TOO CAUGHT UP IN THE MOMENT TO QUESTION IT AND HONESTLY DIDN'T CARE. THE MOST IMPORTANT NUMBERS WERE TWO EYES, TWO EARS, TEN FINGERS, TEN TOES AND ONE HEALTHY HEARTBEAT.
LATER FLIPPING THROUGH THE GOOD CAMERA PICTURES, I CAME ACROSS THIS ONE.
LATER IN THE NURSERY WHEN THEY WERE TRANSFERRING INFORMATION FROM ONE PAPER TO ANOTHER THEY SAID 7 POUNDS 4 OUNCES.
I WAS TOO CAUGHT UP IN THE MOMENT TO QUESTION IT AND HONESTLY DIDN'T CARE. THE MOST IMPORTANT NUMBERS WERE TWO EYES, TWO EARS, TEN FINGERS, TEN TOES AND ONE HEALTHY HEARTBEAT.
LATER FLIPPING THROUGH THE GOOD CAMERA PICTURES, I CAME ACROSS THIS ONE.
IT SAYS 7 POUNDS. 8.4 OUNCES.
I THINK THAT'S WHERE THE "4" CAME FROM. MYSTERY SOLVED.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
HOME FROM WORK
I'm used to coming home from work and being greeted by our puppies, Bogey and Buffett. Today I had to work late and I got home well past dark. I was exhausted, but here came the puppies to the back door. I could hear them scratching the door. They were excited I was home and I was excited to see them. Then Mom came around the corner holding you. It was a whole new level of excitement. I was thrilled to see you.
Then something really stranged happened. Bogey completely left me and went back to Mom. He was trying to climb up her leg. We expected Buffett to be kind of aloof towards you. He's the most laid back, gentle dog I've ever known. He doesn't get excited about much of anything - except when someone first comes through the door. Then he settles down. We were a little worried about Bogey. Bogey has always had to have attention. He insists you play with him. He brings the ball and drops it. If you don't pick it up and throw it he barks and nudges the ball closer. When he's tired he comes and snuggles up as close as he can get.
We thought he'd be jealous.
Instead, he's turned into your protector. He's always investigating you. Anytime you sneeze or cough or cry he comes right to you. He likes to lick your toes when we're not looking. When Buffett started to hop onto the couch a little to close to you, Bogey jumped in the way and growled at him. Bogey has never growled at Buffett for anything. He was just letting him know to be careful around you.
You've got two really great pals in Bogey and Buffett. They're loving dogs and every boy needs a dog. Or two.
Then we put you in your car seat for a little nap and this is what we found when we woke up:
Bogey standing guard over you while you slept. Then, later that night, when we tried to put you in your crib for the night, Bogey wouldn't leave the nursery.
Monday, October 25, 2010
DOOR DECOR
Also on the day you came home from the hospital, these wonderful little treats were placed on our house in your honor. Billy Speegle did the flowers for the door. Jennie-Marie McMasters did the blue bow and banner. You are going to get to grow up in a great little town filled with good people who care about you.
Wynn, as you get older you've got a duty to be a good citizen, help your neighbors and make Decatur a better place. I know you will. And if you're reading this now and think you haven't been doing that up to this point... fix it. Dad says so.
WARRRRR WYNN HEY!!
On the day we brought you home from the hospital, Auburn beat LSU to become the number one team in the land. Some guy named Cam Newton became the leading contender for the Heisman Trophy. Mom put you in your best Auburn Gameday gear. You watched the entire first half laying in Papa Cole's arms. Next Saturday, you wear your TROY outfit.
AUNT & UNCLE UPDATE 10/23, 10/24
IN HIS COMING HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL GOWN. IT DIDN'T LAST LONG. BUT IT IS VERY NICE.
AUNT CARRIE AND UNCLE CALEB'S DAILY PICTURE UPDATE
While you have many many aunts and uncles of the friend variety, you only have one biological aunt and one biological uncle (of the non great variety - although my brother Caleb and sister Carrie are great by any definition except the biological relative degree one.) Uncle Caleb is living the life and seeing the world. He's in Taiwan teaching, playing music and traveling. Aunt Carrie drove all the way from Auburn to see you on the day you were born, but she can't be around you every day and asked that we post a Wynn pic every day (or every other day). So here we go. I'm going to play catch up with these posts and hopefully I can keep Aunt and Uncle up to date as you grow.
Wynn, I forgot to mention someone else that came to see you the day you were born. Aunt Carrie's boyfriend Uncle-in-waiting (no pressure and no rush) Doug Hunter was there. Hopefully you'll be able to go see him play basketball for UNA this year.
So that takes care of your birthday - 10/20.
Here's one from 10/21.
In the Big Room...
I think I've covered the organized chaos that was the announcement of the C-section and the following moments.
After catching up with the gurney, I prepped for surgery. (As a big MASH fan I've always wanted to say that.)
Flattering isn't it. I actually had to put those shoe covers over my flip flops too. It is like one of those big Samoan women on the Price of Right that used to crush Bob Barker when they won (the dress) mixed with a little Billy the Kid (the mask) with a dash of the girl at Burger King working on fries (nice hair net).
Sunday, October 24, 2010
LIVEBLOG
Some of these posts are going to be reflective and comment after some time has passed. Others are going to be contemporaneous as events occur-the so called "liveblog." This one is kind of a combination of the two. Kate and I have developed a pretty good diaper changing system . We kind of resemble a NASCAR pit crew. I shudder to think when one of us has to take on the challenge alone. (I had the first diaper while Kate was recovering - you know, the meconium one - but I had a helpful nurse to guide me through it. ) We just added a member to the pit crew. Bogey, the Wonder Yorkie, is more than just a pretty face. We don't have to wonder anymore if Wynn needs a diaper change. Bogey comes over and gives a lingering sniff in the diaper region and then looks up at us. Another sniff confirms it.
Then Mom and Dad take over. Dad grabs the changing pad and cover. Mom brings over the diapers, wipes, alcohol (for cord), gel (for Wynn's snipped area), and new clothes. Then we're off. I haven't timed it yet, but I know we're getting better with each pit stop. And since Mom just informed me that her book just informed her that we'll be changing over 5,000 diapers by the time he is potty trained, we will be having plenty of practice.
Poop Detector
MeMe (your great grandmother) and BeBe (your grandmother) waited in the room along with my Mom (the grandmother to be named later -I'm voting for GiGi, because it fits with the rhyme scheme, stands for Gramma Gayla, and is what Kate called her great grandmother - try it on and see if it fits. If its not we can trade it in later.) My Grandaddy (Grandaddy to you too) was there along with your Grandaddy Steve who you were named after. He's "Pops" to you.
That's Pops on the right.
IN THE ROOM...
This was the room that you were supposed to have been born in. Not too shabby. Lots of room and cabinet space. Basic cable.
You went to Huntsville Hospital on Tuesday night at 9 pm. We were a little late. You will notice that this will be a pattern in your life as long as your mother is involved in transporting you places. I'll be in charge of getting you to the 4 things you're not allowed to be late for: dinner, church, practice and work. Mom's temporarily in charge of the first one and the last two will wait for awhile.
They did something to get your mom ready for the next day. I won't go into detail, but is reason number 134 to love your Mom. Then we settled in for the night. Mom in her big comfy delivery bed with IV's and monitors hooked up to her. Dad on his narrow and hard couch. We didn't get a lot of sleep because of how excited we were to meet you the next day. When we did go to sleep we drifted off listening to your heartbeat through the speakers of the heart monitor. 5:30 would come early the next morning.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
WYNN COMES HOME
Wynn, you came home from Huntsville Hospital around noon on October 23, 2010. There was a gorgeous flower arrangement on the door by our friend, Billy Speegle. Margret Ann and John Templeton were outside when you came home and were the first neighbors you met.
Nurse Heym from Hartselle walked you and Mom out while I pulled the car around. She couldn't get over how beautiful you are and also... she couldn't get over your "home from the hospital gown." Or your Mom's shoes. You weren't much into the car seat at first. (The acquisition of the car seat is a story for another time). After we got rolling down the street you settled in. Since Dad had been listening to Michelle Malone from the football game the night before, the CD was still in. Mom chose "Marked" from the CD and that was the first song you ever listened to. You must have liked it because you were asleep before we got off of Governor's Drive.
Our life on 507 8th Avenue SE has begun.
Friday, October 22, 2010
This was your very first picture as a real live out of the womb person. You were less than a minute old. You also had kind of a pointy head (that was attributed to a lot of effort on your part). You smelled funny but they took care of that right away.
They also gave you your very own Lindsay Lohan SCRAM bracelet as soon as you came out. You can't see that in the photo, but it was to make sure no one could steal you. Of course the white clamp is on what is left of the umbilical cord that connected you and Mom for the last 40 weeks.
Obviously you were crying, but it was the sweetest sound I had ever heard.
Wynn's blonde locks
Wynn, your blonde hair is quite the story with the nurses. We've probably had six different ones come in and out since 5 am today and everyone of them comments on your hair... and how cute you are. A couple of them haven't even really seemed to have any purpose for coming in. I think they were making excuses to check out all this blonde hair on your head.
That was the first thing we saw when you were emerging from your Mom's stomach in Doctor Spangler's hands. Head of full of blonde hair. Someone, maybe even Spangler himself, said look at the blonde hair before you were even out.
It may not stay that way forever. Your Dad's was blonde up unti he was three or four. Your Mom's was blonder when she was younger.
Your eyes look really blue right now, but we think that's the case with most babies. Your skin is soft and you've tested great on vision and hearing and even your oxygen test. No doubt your lungs (and vocal chords) work well when you choose to use them. Thankfully, that hasn't been very often. It is usually when you're diaper is being changed or somebody takes you off your Mom's shoulder.
Your Mom's shoulder is definitely your favorite place to be. You are there now. It is where they put you briefly within 5 minutes of being born. You immediately quit crying when the nurse put you cheek to cheek. I'm already jealous of my little Momma's boy.
That was the first thing we saw when you were emerging from your Mom's stomach in Doctor Spangler's hands. Head of full of blonde hair. Someone, maybe even Spangler himself, said look at the blonde hair before you were even out.
It may not stay that way forever. Your Dad's was blonde up unti he was three or four. Your Mom's was blonder when she was younger.
Your eyes look really blue right now, but we think that's the case with most babies. Your skin is soft and you've tested great on vision and hearing and even your oxygen test. No doubt your lungs (and vocal chords) work well when you choose to use them. Thankfully, that hasn't been very often. It is usually when you're diaper is being changed or somebody takes you off your Mom's shoulder.
Your Mom's shoulder is definitely your favorite place to be. You are there now. It is where they put you briefly within 5 minutes of being born. You immediately quit crying when the nurse put you cheek to cheek. I'm already jealous of my little Momma's boy.
My View From Our Room
I've been getting to look at this for the last couple of hours. Best view in the world.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
KATE'S OPERATING ROOM COMMENT
Lot's of questions about Momma in the operating room. Some people caught the reference to her comment in the room. Here's the setting. The organized chaos of the move from hospital room to operating room and the frantic scrubbing in and dressing for the operating room followed by walking in to see Kate already on the table and being cut. (Big knife Wynn. Huge.) Kate through a fog of drugs and tears says, "If you want to you can just go ahead and do a tummy tuck down there when you're done."
I was crying tears of awesome.
I was crying tears of awesome.
WYNN's First Bath (music credits to John Lennon)
Blogspot only allows video of 100MB or less so this is the abridged version.
Mom was still in recovery after delivery. So we recorded this to share with her.
Good Appetite
Wynn has his first meal last night around nine or ten. Thank the Lord for Ginny Vick who was here to give Kate a tutorial and some helpful hints she's picked up along the way. Whatever the tricks and method (and Wynn prefers the "football method" of being held during nursing time) it is working. He latches on almost right away and has been eating for up to 25 minutes.
I did notice that about the time Wynn was finishing up his first meal that Ginny Vick started gathering her things. Obviously she is experience with newborns. My first ever diaper change followed and it was a doozy. How so much stuff can come out of something so small defies the laws of physics and math. And here I am with Wynn's stuff all over my hand just rocking along getting a lesson in Advanced Diapering from the nurses. Loved every minute of it. And thankfully at about 2:30 in the morning when it seemed time to change the second diaper of mine and Wynn's life, the deposit was not so overwhelming.
Kate had to remind me to wash my hands after both. she's really getting the hang of this mothering thing.
I did notice that about the time Wynn was finishing up his first meal that Ginny Vick started gathering her things. Obviously she is experience with newborns. My first ever diaper change followed and it was a doozy. How so much stuff can come out of something so small defies the laws of physics and math. And here I am with Wynn's stuff all over my hand just rocking along getting a lesson in Advanced Diapering from the nurses. Loved every minute of it. And thankfully at about 2:30 in the morning when it seemed time to change the second diaper of mine and Wynn's life, the deposit was not so overwhelming.
Kate had to remind me to wash my hands after both. she's really getting the hang of this mothering thing.
Don't think. You can only hurt the team.
I remember a junior high football coach telling our offensive line, "Don't think. It can only hurt the team." That's kind of what it was like for the blur that was the period between Doctor Spangler calling for the C-Section to the point Wynn was behind the glass in the "Well Child Nursery."
After determining that Kate wasn't progressing, all "Doc S" said was, "You about tired of this." Kate was and he said, "Let's go have this baby." I confirmed this meant C-section and flip-flopped out to the waiting area to relay that information. By the time I got back to the room which could not have been more than two minutes, they were already prepping Kate for the bed ride down the hall to the operating room.
As I was gathering the camera and recorder, the lead nurse announced we would not be returning to lucky labor delivery room 13 and we had to get all of our things and take them to the waiting area until we were placed in a 5th floor room. Some of you that know Kate can probably tell where this story is going.
Kate isn't what I would call a "light packer." When we went on our honeymoon, we travelled with 7 large bags/suitcases. My things took up about 3/4 of one bag. Moving our things to the waiting area wasn't going to be an expeditious thing. It took me three trips alone to get our things into the room Tuesday night. Then the nurse says, "They can get those things. You don't have time. You're with us." The "they" the nurse was speaking of was my 77 year old grandmother and my mother. To their credit, everything got moved and nothing seems to be missing.
When the decision was made and the wheels of motion started turning, there wasn't time to think. Kate's mom and I were basically chasing Kate's bed down the hall. They stopped us next to some disposable scrubs, masks and footies and we had a 30 second tutorial on donning the outfit. If not for Wynn, I probably would have never had the joy of wearing a hair net. And the cloth footie things don't really work with flip flops - just in case you ever find yourself in this situation. (When I get to a point that I can download pics from the good camera, you'll all want to check out my scrubs pic - it explains why medical school was never an option for me.) The German train precision stopped just long enough for one of the nurses to offer to take pictures of Barbara and I in our scrubs.
Then we were ushered into the operating room where Kate was already under anesthesia. We were directed to a position at Kate's head. She couldn't see over the sheet in front of her head from her supine position. We could. Whether we wanted to or not. It was equal parts "E.R.," a Discovery Channel surgical special and 80's slasher flick. The wildest part is not the cutting or the blood or the view of innards. It is just before the baby comes into view. The doctor and someone giving an assist put a lot of pressure on the Mom's upper torso. They are basically forcing the baby towards the newly created baby escape hatch. Then, in one smooth motion, the baby's head appears, he's scooped out and the cord is severed. A nurse takes him directly to a station about six feet away from where his Mom is spewing blood and does a quick wipe down. After removal from Mom's belly but before he makes his way to the cleansing area, no less than three of the medical team are basically implying I'm already derelict in my Daddy duty by not having a camera in hand. So about thirty seconds after breathing real air for the first time, Wynn is having his picture taken. I'm taking pictures of our new son while two steps away their clamping a bleed and then stitching up an eight inch hole in Kate's stomach.
And it all seems so completely normal. Just as matter of fact and thank you very much as can be. That's really Spangler's gift I had noticed throughout the whole pregnancy. Early on Kate compared it to when I go to court. It is my comfort zone so while I'm telling jokes or whistling, my client is sweating bullets and trying to figure out where he can get a lawyer that will at least act concerned. Same here. This very professional team of doctors and nurses has probably done this a few thousand times. They've got this. Spangler made everything seem so casual and routine it was no big deal Kate at one point had blood spurting out like a water fountain. The way he does it, there is absolutely no anxiety. I highly recommend his method and him.
The only hesitancy I had was when they announced they were taking Wynn to the nursery to be checked out further and I had to go with him. Kate's still on the table. I asked, "Don't I need to stay with Kate?" The answer had something to do with the bracelets that Wynn and I were both wearing and making sure he didn't get lost. I hesitated, but the nurse carrying Wynn was already out the door. I ran up and kissed Kate and followed my son. I hadn't done any critical thinking up to that point. Why ruin the streak? After all, it would have only hurt the team.
When you've got a good coach, which Doc Spangler was, just run the play. Just like novacaine, give it time. It always works.
After determining that Kate wasn't progressing, all "Doc S" said was, "You about tired of this." Kate was and he said, "Let's go have this baby." I confirmed this meant C-section and flip-flopped out to the waiting area to relay that information. By the time I got back to the room which could not have been more than two minutes, they were already prepping Kate for the bed ride down the hall to the operating room.
As I was gathering the camera and recorder, the lead nurse announced we would not be returning to lucky labor delivery room 13 and we had to get all of our things and take them to the waiting area until we were placed in a 5th floor room. Some of you that know Kate can probably tell where this story is going.
Kate isn't what I would call a "light packer." When we went on our honeymoon, we travelled with 7 large bags/suitcases. My things took up about 3/4 of one bag. Moving our things to the waiting area wasn't going to be an expeditious thing. It took me three trips alone to get our things into the room Tuesday night. Then the nurse says, "They can get those things. You don't have time. You're with us." The "they" the nurse was speaking of was my 77 year old grandmother and my mother. To their credit, everything got moved and nothing seems to be missing.
When the decision was made and the wheels of motion started turning, there wasn't time to think. Kate's mom and I were basically chasing Kate's bed down the hall. They stopped us next to some disposable scrubs, masks and footies and we had a 30 second tutorial on donning the outfit. If not for Wynn, I probably would have never had the joy of wearing a hair net. And the cloth footie things don't really work with flip flops - just in case you ever find yourself in this situation. (When I get to a point that I can download pics from the good camera, you'll all want to check out my scrubs pic - it explains why medical school was never an option for me.) The German train precision stopped just long enough for one of the nurses to offer to take pictures of Barbara and I in our scrubs.
Then we were ushered into the operating room where Kate was already under anesthesia. We were directed to a position at Kate's head. She couldn't see over the sheet in front of her head from her supine position. We could. Whether we wanted to or not. It was equal parts "E.R.," a Discovery Channel surgical special and 80's slasher flick. The wildest part is not the cutting or the blood or the view of innards. It is just before the baby comes into view. The doctor and someone giving an assist put a lot of pressure on the Mom's upper torso. They are basically forcing the baby towards the newly created baby escape hatch. Then, in one smooth motion, the baby's head appears, he's scooped out and the cord is severed. A nurse takes him directly to a station about six feet away from where his Mom is spewing blood and does a quick wipe down. After removal from Mom's belly but before he makes his way to the cleansing area, no less than three of the medical team are basically implying I'm already derelict in my Daddy duty by not having a camera in hand. So about thirty seconds after breathing real air for the first time, Wynn is having his picture taken. I'm taking pictures of our new son while two steps away their clamping a bleed and then stitching up an eight inch hole in Kate's stomach.
And it all seems so completely normal. Just as matter of fact and thank you very much as can be. That's really Spangler's gift I had noticed throughout the whole pregnancy. Early on Kate compared it to when I go to court. It is my comfort zone so while I'm telling jokes or whistling, my client is sweating bullets and trying to figure out where he can get a lawyer that will at least act concerned. Same here. This very professional team of doctors and nurses has probably done this a few thousand times. They've got this. Spangler made everything seem so casual and routine it was no big deal Kate at one point had blood spurting out like a water fountain. The way he does it, there is absolutely no anxiety. I highly recommend his method and him.
The only hesitancy I had was when they announced they were taking Wynn to the nursery to be checked out further and I had to go with him. Kate's still on the table. I asked, "Don't I need to stay with Kate?" The answer had something to do with the bracelets that Wynn and I were both wearing and making sure he didn't get lost. I hesitated, but the nurse carrying Wynn was already out the door. I ran up and kissed Kate and followed my son. I hadn't done any critical thinking up to that point. Why ruin the streak? After all, it would have only hurt the team.
When you've got a good coach, which Doc Spangler was, just run the play. Just like novacaine, give it time. It always works.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
WELL...
Wynn is here. Stephen Wynn Cole was born at 6:13 pm, on 10-20-2010. He weighed 7 pounds and 4 (or 8) ounces at birth and was 19 1/2 inches long. He has blonde hair and what appear to be blue eyes. APGAR score was a 9. Mother and son are resting comfortably.
There is plenty more to tell and since when Wynn is older and mouthy to his mother I really want Wynn to know what his Mom went through, I'm going to tell the stories of today that occurred after it was determined it was time for a C-section. But I'm going to tell them later. I'm tired (though not as tired as Kate) and the one o'clock feeding will be here shortly.
Suffice to say, being in the room, Kate's comment during the procedure, Wynn's first bath, where is Kate, Kate meets Wynn, Kate feeds Wynn, (thank you Ginny Vick!), Carl changes a poopy diaper, Carl rocks Wynn to sleep, SUSHI!... all will make great story fodder. But not until I get my nap. But first, I'm going to check in at the nursery on my son.
There is plenty more to tell and since when Wynn is older and mouthy to his mother I really want Wynn to know what his Mom went through, I'm going to tell the stories of today that occurred after it was determined it was time for a C-section. But I'm going to tell them later. I'm tired (though not as tired as Kate) and the one o'clock feeding will be here shortly.
Suffice to say, being in the room, Kate's comment during the procedure, Wynn's first bath, where is Kate, Kate meets Wynn, Kate feeds Wynn, (thank you Ginny Vick!), Carl changes a poopy diaper, Carl rocks Wynn to sleep, SUSHI!... all will make great story fodder. But not until I get my nap. But first, I'm going to check in at the nursery on my son.
DOCTOR HAS CALLED FOR
a C-Section. Nurses are prepping her right now. Still only about 3-4 centimeters. Would appreciate prayers, thoughts, energy, whatever you do. Thanks
Carl, Kate and Wynn
Carl, Kate and Wynn
Update
Kate's Dad (soon to be Pops) has gone back to Decatur to check on dogs and such. He's coming back soon. BeBe (Barbara) is on the couch. She and Kate are trying to doze. My Mom and Grandparents are patiently waiting in the waiting area. Nobody seems to be in a big rush... especially Wynn.
He is so his Mother's child.
Wynn just kicked right where the heartbeat monitor is on Kate's stomach. It's hilarious. You can hear his kick magnified.
In the next couple of hours, we'll be on our third shift of nurses. They've all been really great thus far. Not a lot of bells and whistles, just very smooth and competent.
Oh... and Kate is hungry.
He is so his Mother's child.
Wynn just kicked right where the heartbeat monitor is on Kate's stomach. It's hilarious. You can hear his kick magnified.
In the next couple of hours, we'll be on our third shift of nurses. They've all been really great thus far. Not a lot of bells and whistles, just very smooth and competent.
Oh... and Kate is hungry.
Still 3 CM
Doctor seems pleased. Kate is not uncomfortable. Anticipate things moving a little quicker from here on out.
Family in waiting area
So Kate can rest it is just the two of us in the room. Family is in waiting area. For anyone that is coming over, call me or even better text me before you come in. I don't want her to wake up if she's sleeping.
3 CM
Nurse just left. We're at three centimeters. The goal is ten. Heartbeat is louder and stronger than ever. Kate is going to try and take a nap for a couple of hours.
I'm going to continue to look out the window.
I'm going to continue to look out the window.
YEAH...
Okay, there's apparently some post epidural action that I'd rather not be a part of or describe.
I'm going to stand over here and look out the window for a while.
I'm going to stand over here and look out the window for a while.
Lots of family Lots of friends
Lots of phone calls, texts, emails, Facebook posts. Kate is getting word of everyone and thanks all of you so much. It really means a lot.
She just finished getting the epidural. Like everything else throughout the pregnancy she handled it like a trooper.
Just me, her and my Grandmother (MeMe) right now. Lunch rush is on.
Just heard a newborn crying down the hall. That makes it a little more real.
She just finished getting the epidural. Like everything else throughout the pregnancy she handled it like a trooper.
Just me, her and my Grandmother (MeMe) right now. Lunch rush is on.
Just heard a newborn crying down the hall. That makes it a little more real.
UPDATE
Doctor Spangler came in and in his calm, cool and collected manner just broke Kate's water. Seriously, if that guy was more laid back he'd be a reggae musician. Like him a lot.
I asked about the time frame and his response was, "Long."
Kate's Mom and Dad (to be known as BeBe and Pops) have been here for a while.
"It's all happening." - Almost Famous
I asked about the time frame and his response was, "Long."
Kate's Mom and Dad (to be known as BeBe and Pops) have been here for a while.
"It's all happening." - Almost Famous
Nurse visit
A new nurse just came in and bumped up the ' tussin and changed around the monitors.
It was three minutes ago and Kate is already back asleep.
Rest up, Mom.
It was three minutes ago and Kate is already back asleep.
Rest up, Mom.
MeMe, Granddaddy and Mom
The putative Great Grandparents and paternal grandmother have arrived. Kate's sleeping so they are in the waiting area.
Time...
I've always said the second longest period of time is the time that elapses from the point the jury knocks on the door saying they have a verdict until the time you actually find out what that verdict is. The only period of time longer is the split second between when the jury foreman says, "We find in favor of... " and when he completes the sentence.
I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to modify that. The last nine hours have taken longer than the last nine months. And I'm fairly certain that the brief pause between birth until Wynn cries for the first time will seem infinite.
Just soaking it in.
And just for the record, the time stamp on this blog is about two hours behind.
I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to modify that. The last nine hours have taken longer than the last nine months. And I'm fairly certain that the brief pause between birth until Wynn cries for the first time will seem infinite.
Just soaking it in.
And just for the record, the time stamp on this blog is about two hours behind.
Lucky TROY sweat shirt.
I broke out the lucky TROY sweatshirt to balance out the fact we are in room 13. Good thing neither of us is superstitous.
To Wynn...
When you're old enough to revisit this site that last post probably won't make much sense. Trust me. It was hysterical. Your Dad is funny. Despite what your mother tells you. Kate is still snoring.
Dos Equis
In anticipation of his birth, the old man from the Dos Equis commercials dropped in and has decreed Wynn "the most interesting baby in the world."
They then shared an awkward moment... just to see what it felt like.
Stay thirsty my friends.
They then shared an awkward moment... just to see what it felt like.
Stay thirsty my friends.
Cafeteria
Decent cafeteria breakfast. Good choices. Ate light because of nerves I think. No fridge so I'm drinking spicy hot v-8 over ice. Between the food and Wynn's little hypnotic heartbeat, I could easily sleep through the next couple of hours. Doubtful though as the first family will probably be arriving in around an hour.
Wynn's heartbeat is steady between the red lines (120-180 beats per minute). Got as high as 160 bpm and as low as 120. Don't really see any pattern to it. I guess it is more about what is going on in there than out here.
The bottom graph (not sure what it is) is almost a straight line. 19-20 whatevers. I'll ask.
Right now, pretty much like every other morning of our wedded bliss - Kate is sleeping through SportsCenter.
Wynn's heartbeat is steady between the red lines (120-180 beats per minute). Got as high as 160 bpm and as low as 120. Don't really see any pattern to it. I guess it is more about what is going on in there than out here.
The bottom graph (not sure what it is) is almost a straight line. 19-20 whatevers. I'll ask.
Right now, pretty much like every other morning of our wedded bliss - Kate is sleeping through SportsCenter.
Heartbeat
The rhythm of Wynn's heartbeat is hypnotic. They should make one of those sleep sound machines with that. Forget about thunderstorms and waves crashing. Kate is snoring. I'd like her to get a few more hours sleep. I'm going in search of food.
BABIES
I forgot to mention I went exploring last night while Mom was getting hooked up to something. Around midnight I stumbled across the nursery. There was a baby there that was a little less than an hour old. That's the youngest baby I've ever seen. He was surprisingly cute and animated. He didn't look as fragile as I imagined one would be so soon after delivery. That was an adrenaline rush and confidence boost.
There were about 12-15 babies in the nurseries. Based solely on the ultrasound picture, Wynn is cuter than all of them.
There were about 12-15 babies in the nurseries. Based solely on the ultrasound picture, Wynn is cuter than all of them.
Marcus Earl Wynn
Today is Marcus Earl Wynn's 78th birthday. Kate and I decided to get him a great grandson. Hopefully, Fed Ex is on time.
10-20-2010
5:30 came right on time. We've both showered. Kate's nibbling ice chips and checking Facebook. Dr. Spangler has already been in and reported that Kate's "not close yet."
She's hooked up to the drip.
Interestingly, the childhood cure all for sorethroats, fever, chicken pox, broken legs and gunshot wounds, 'Tussin, is what they use to induce labor. Seriously, we put 'Tussin on gunshot wounds in Sardis. Tough neighborhood.
Okay, so maybe it is not the same ' Tussin. But it sounds close so I'm sticking with it.
She's hooked up to the drip.
Interestingly, the childhood cure all for sorethroats, fever, chicken pox, broken legs and gunshot wounds, 'Tussin, is what they use to induce labor. Seriously, we put 'Tussin on gunshot wounds in Sardis. Tough neighborhood.
Okay, so maybe it is not the same ' Tussin. But it sounds close so I'm sticking with it.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
KATE'S VIEW
It has already been a long night, but we are excited and ready for tomorrow. This is a video of Kate's view of the world right now.
SETTLING IN
Kate's up and moving around. She gets to clean up, wash her face, brush her teeth etcetera, all before getting hooked back up and getting something to help her relax for the night. After Ashley puts her back in bed, that will probably be it for Kate until 5:30 am. That's when they'll come in and start the drip to induce.
I've got a narrow couch, but since I love sleeping on the couch it is no problem. Kate's bed doesn't look so comfy. I haven't tried it out. The happy pill will probably make the comfort level of the bed irrelevant. I didn't ask for one. I doubt I need it... until showtime tomorrow.
I brought a lot of work to do, but can't concentrate long enough to string two sentences together.
It is all exciting. But not yet real. Surreal, but not real.
I've got a narrow couch, but since I love sleeping on the couch it is no problem. Kate's bed doesn't look so comfy. I haven't tried it out. The happy pill will probably make the comfort level of the bed irrelevant. I didn't ask for one. I doubt I need it... until showtime tomorrow.
I brought a lot of work to do, but can't concentrate long enough to string two sentences together.
It is all exciting. But not yet real. Surreal, but not real.
DINNER
Kate had her last meal until Wynn gets here. Diet Mt. Dew, chips and a turkey sandwich. She was told about 8 months ago to stay away from lunch meat, but tonight they offered it and she didn't question it. I think it was the best turkey sandwich she's ever had.
One centimeter
Kate is one centimeter dilated. Nurse Ashley was actually able to feel Wynn's head. Which is unbelievably cool and awesome and weird all at the same time. Most importantly, it means he is in good position for delivery.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
YOUR FIRST PICTURE
This is you Wynn. You were about 4 weeks conceived and kind of look like a Gummy Bear. You were about two centimeters long. We couldn't really tell much about you except you were beautiful and wonderful and we loved you already.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
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