William was happy to see me when I came home Tuesday. Diana way playing Mulan, but he wasn't into it and eventually put in a Teletubies DVD which he has been watching a lot all day.
Cliff called. He's on vacation and wants to read more blog. I tried to update him. Andrew cheesed on me, and I had to go after a while, but we got to talk a little.
Wednesday night I took William to Barnes and Noble to get some more books. He fell asleep, and did not wake up after quite a while at the book store. So I got the books I picked out and took him home. He woke up 2 blocks from home. It's like he never went there. But he's got some cool new books.
Diana took William to the doctor Thursday. William weighs 30 lbs, and is 33 inches long (which is in the 75th percentile). Since he doesn't have 10 words nor can he name body parts, the doctor referred him to a speech pathologist, just to rule out problems. Cliff says it's not a real red flag, when children begin to speak, there is variation.
At first I felt very upset. But it's just ruling out, and Cliff said many children speak later, with no ill effects. A woman in the pediatrician's office said that her son who took longer to talk seemed smarter. The doctor denied a bilingual delay effect, but I've seen studies that show that. I'm sure everything will be OK, and being assessed will not be problematic, he might enjoy it.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Monday, October 24, 2005
338. Father and sons.
I had a nightmare where William fell, and hurt himself. I've heard the sickening thud twice, when he's hit the wood floor from a distance. My dream was an anxiety dream about it, but it's also suppressed negative thoughts, I think to be overly anxious. I have negative thoughts that are unacceptable, but they rattle around in my subterranean mind, and what is spit out is acceptable, worry about William, but it's worry about my negative thoughts that are unacceptable. Diana even agree to that interpretation. It's not experience near, which I prefer, but it sounds true.
Driving back to NYC last night, William was awake in the car. Gone are the days when he automatically falls asleep in the car.
I don't know how Diana does it. I fall asleep, but she keeps on going.
The older kids at Ava's party were nice to William, playing with him.
Andrew's doctor appointment, yielded the fact that he's 11 lbs, 4 oz. He's gained more than 2 pounds since the last doctor appointment. He's 22 inches long. The doctor says the constipation is not a problem. Only when it goes for 3 days, and he's only gone a day. The doctor says he has a gassy stomach, but that that's OK. It's probably from the thrush that Andrew has on his tongue, and Diana probably has on her nipples. She got medication for both.
Diana went out for 2 hours, to get the medication and drop off paperwork at her friend's house. I can't believe you have to do all this annoying paperwork to be pregnant and get 12 weeks off from work. It's stupid. It went smoothly, but I over-fed Andrew, in my efforts to quiet him, which I was trying to juggle him and William, and he threw up. That was the tipping point for me feeling overwhelmed. Of course the second Diana got home, he fell asleep. William get so sad sometimes when he's not got the ability to play with the adult, the adult is only in the background, supervising, but more connected to Andrew. He gave me the look he gives Diana.
Driving back to NYC last night, William was awake in the car. Gone are the days when he automatically falls asleep in the car.
I don't know how Diana does it. I fall asleep, but she keeps on going.
The older kids at Ava's party were nice to William, playing with him.
Andrew's doctor appointment, yielded the fact that he's 11 lbs, 4 oz. He's gained more than 2 pounds since the last doctor appointment. He's 22 inches long. The doctor says the constipation is not a problem. Only when it goes for 3 days, and he's only gone a day. The doctor says he has a gassy stomach, but that that's OK. It's probably from the thrush that Andrew has on his tongue, and Diana probably has on her nipples. She got medication for both.
Diana went out for 2 hours, to get the medication and drop off paperwork at her friend's house. I can't believe you have to do all this annoying paperwork to be pregnant and get 12 weeks off from work. It's stupid. It went smoothly, but I over-fed Andrew, in my efforts to quiet him, which I was trying to juggle him and William, and he threw up. That was the tipping point for me feeling overwhelmed. Of course the second Diana got home, he fell asleep. William get so sad sometimes when he's not got the ability to play with the adult, the adult is only in the background, supervising, but more connected to Andrew. He gave me the look he gives Diana.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
337. Ava
Wewent to Ava Olivia's first birthday party Saturday. Andrew was he youngest there. Today he is a month old. The party had older kids. William got a little tussled in the rough housing. We came to Virginia's to sleep. William slept with Virginia last night. I've been running up and downstairs all day.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
336. Christian is born
Jacky had her son, Christian. Thursday/Friday night was a rough night. It's the end of the week, and we're tired, and the boys decided to wake up a lot in the night. William woke up at 6:45 am.
Aida and Natasia watched William and Andrew so Diana and I could go out for dinner. We went to a new Japanese and Thai place, that was good, though Diana likes Narita in Forest Hills better. The web site for the Kyoto is:
http://www.kyotosushinyc.com/
Instantly our favorite restaurant to walk to. I want to go out
On Thursday Andrew did a poop squirt at Diana. The mailman delivered a package of DVDs I ordered, and Diana had quite a trial with Andrew, William and Emma, to get the package.
Friday morning Nora Jones was on Sesame Street 4098. She sang a song called, "Don't know why, Y didn't come." The new DVDs I got were not as good as the other ones. I was hoping Big Bird Goes to China, and Big Bird Goes to Japan would be more interesting. They are kind of weird. The new numbers one is good. Diana doesn't like Alphabet Jungle. Diana shops at Target and I shop at Amazon. He has a stack of DVDs. I guess it's also for Andrew when he grows older. Our little Grunty.
Friday morning when I left, a maintenance worker informed us we can't store our strollers in the well below the stairs. That evoked anger in me. Diana wants to follow the rule, but she hasn't done anything. I don't want to follow the rule and want to petition the board. Maybe run to be on the board.
Thursday night I completely space therapy. I'm so tired. William took to throwing blocks at Andrew. He's displaying lots of anger and aggression towards Andrew. We have to watch him carefully. When my mother told me she tried to kill Celeste, when she was little, I thought that was an aberration. Now I think it's normal.
Aida and Natasia watched William and Andrew so Diana and I could go out for dinner. We went to a new Japanese and Thai place, that was good, though Diana likes Narita in Forest Hills better. The web site for the Kyoto is:
http://www.kyotosushinyc.com/
Instantly our favorite restaurant to walk to. I want to go out
On Thursday Andrew did a poop squirt at Diana. The mailman delivered a package of DVDs I ordered, and Diana had quite a trial with Andrew, William and Emma, to get the package.
Friday morning Nora Jones was on Sesame Street 4098. She sang a song called, "Don't know why, Y didn't come." The new DVDs I got were not as good as the other ones. I was hoping Big Bird Goes to China, and Big Bird Goes to Japan would be more interesting. They are kind of weird. The new numbers one is good. Diana doesn't like Alphabet Jungle. Diana shops at Target and I shop at Amazon. He has a stack of DVDs. I guess it's also for Andrew when he grows older. Our little Grunty.
Friday morning when I left, a maintenance worker informed us we can't store our strollers in the well below the stairs. That evoked anger in me. Diana wants to follow the rule, but she hasn't done anything. I don't want to follow the rule and want to petition the board. Maybe run to be on the board.
Thursday night I completely space therapy. I'm so tired. William took to throwing blocks at Andrew. He's displaying lots of anger and aggression towards Andrew. We have to watch him carefully. When my mother told me she tried to kill Celeste, when she was little, I thought that was an aberration. Now I think it's normal.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
335. Diana's Grace
I left before William woke up on Monday. He was happy to see me when I came home from work. I took him to the park. No kids were there, rather only adolescents were there. We found a ball though, which William liked.
Tuesday Diana and Abuela gave Andrew a bath. He's got the crazy hair to prove it. I spent a lot of time with Andrew that night, I felt more bonded to him after that. Diana went out food shopping and I fed him a bottle and he did not throw up. I spent a lot of time with him in my arms. He's a sweety.
Wednesday William threw a tantrum because Diana would not let him drink the hot dog juice.
Natasia spent the day with Emma and William because she twisted her ankle. Then Angie went to the emergency room with a rash, so she dropped off AJ and Venus. Diana handled it well, I was not so graceful.
Tuesday Diana and Abuela gave Andrew a bath. He's got the crazy hair to prove it. I spent a lot of time with Andrew that night, I felt more bonded to him after that. Diana went out food shopping and I fed him a bottle and he did not throw up. I spent a lot of time with him in my arms. He's a sweety.
Wednesday William threw a tantrum because Diana would not let him drink the hot dog juice.
Natasia spent the day with Emma and William because she twisted her ankle. Then Angie went to the emergency room with a rash, so she dropped off AJ and Venus. Diana handled it well, I was not so graceful.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
334. Rugby
Very tired Friday night. I was going to commit to staying up with William to 3, but Diana let me go to bed. William is a little tired of home, but it continues to rain.
I think the week off has helped for the responsibilities and what I've gotten myself into, to really sink in. It's quite a big project to have two little children. It gives me a greater appreciation for Diana and all her hard work.
Andrew took two doses of baby formula Friday night and did not puke. This is very good news. Same with Saturday night. But he's not gone to the bathroom. Number two.
Saturday William, aunt Di and I, went to poughkeepsie to see Will play rugby. It was a beautiful drive up, the leaves are just beginning to turn. Vassar seems like a lovely college. William got to go into his first dorm room. Will seemed very good at rugby, I don't doubt he will be moved up to the A team soon. It's an interesting game. I've seen a lot of rugby when I lived in England, but never fully understood the game. Will got a tries? A try? A goal? What ever, he took the ball past the goal and put it down (which completes the scoring). One person, I overheard say, "I love Will!" because he's quite tenacious, active. Di overheard someone say, "I call Will bat shit, because he's plays like a bat out of hell." The other person said, "I hope his mother doesn't hear that, they'll make him leave Vassar." Di piped up and said, "I'm his mother, and I'm not too bothered by it, Will is tough." He later came over and apologized, "I meant no disrespect." The Vassar web site wrote, "Will Thanhauser ran well in support for his score and he was also in the build-up to John Scotts try."
William played on the bleachers and in a puddle. He charmed one of the women, who picked him up. She said, "he's wet." I said, "don't worry, that's puddle water, not urine."
William got to pet dogs, handle the rugby ball, be in the great outdoors. He generally charmed the woman and worried his dad.
He slept on the way up and the way down. Will came back with us, and we dropped him off in the city. Will is a good guy and I like him very much. He's on fall break now, he has a week off from classes, though he has a paper due when he gets back. Sounds like he's got interesting classes, and has adjusted well to college life.
I think the week off has helped for the responsibilities and what I've gotten myself into, to really sink in. It's quite a big project to have two little children. It gives me a greater appreciation for Diana and all her hard work.
Andrew took two doses of baby formula Friday night and did not puke. This is very good news. Same with Saturday night. But he's not gone to the bathroom. Number two.
Saturday William, aunt Di and I, went to poughkeepsie to see Will play rugby. It was a beautiful drive up, the leaves are just beginning to turn. Vassar seems like a lovely college. William got to go into his first dorm room. Will seemed very good at rugby, I don't doubt he will be moved up to the A team soon. It's an interesting game. I've seen a lot of rugby when I lived in England, but never fully understood the game. Will got a tries? A try? A goal? What ever, he took the ball past the goal and put it down (which completes the scoring). One person, I overheard say, "I love Will!" because he's quite tenacious, active. Di overheard someone say, "I call Will bat shit, because he's plays like a bat out of hell." The other person said, "I hope his mother doesn't hear that, they'll make him leave Vassar." Di piped up and said, "I'm his mother, and I'm not too bothered by it, Will is tough." He later came over and apologized, "I meant no disrespect." The Vassar web site wrote, "Will Thanhauser ran well in support for his score and he was also in the build-up to John Scotts try."
William played on the bleachers and in a puddle. He charmed one of the women, who picked him up. She said, "he's wet." I said, "don't worry, that's puddle water, not urine."
William got to pet dogs, handle the rugby ball, be in the great outdoors. He generally charmed the woman and worried his dad.
He slept on the way up and the way down. Will came back with us, and we dropped him off in the city. Will is a good guy and I like him very much. He's on fall break now, he has a week off from classes, though he has a paper due when he gets back. Sounds like he's got interesting classes, and has adjusted well to college life.
Friday, October 14, 2005
333. Milestones
Willliam is officially one and a half years old today. Andrew is three weeks old today (a fortnight and a half).
William has begun to use his voice, yelling. He's woken up Andrew. It's been the rainiest October in NYC history. It's rained for 8 days.
The two doulas came over. They have a web site:
http://coasttocoastdoulas.bravehost.com/
I'll put the doula's birth story on if she sends it to me. Anyway, I recommend the doulas and you can get their numbers if you need a doula.
I took William to the store. He pulled the rain cover off, and I held the umbrella, but it was difficult. It always seems like such a struggle to get home and put all the food away.
William has begun to use his voice, yelling. He's woken up Andrew. It's been the rainiest October in NYC history. It's rained for 8 days.
The two doulas came over. They have a web site:
http://coasttocoastdoulas.bravehost.com/
I'll put the doula's birth story on if she sends it to me. Anyway, I recommend the doulas and you can get their numbers if you need a doula.
I took William to the store. He pulled the rain cover off, and I held the umbrella, but it was difficult. It always seems like such a struggle to get home and put all the food away.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
332. Groundhog day
Emma came over William fell asleep Wednesday night. Emma plays by herself pretty well. She's into the baby. She keeps saying "baby". Angie picked up Emma eventually. She had to change her shift because Harry went off for a week of training. I fell asleep when it got late. Diana ended up staying up till 3.
Thursday I took William out into the rain. It's not as fun if you've got the rain thing over the stroller, it cuts down the visibility. William fought me every time I put him back into the stroller. I got Indian food for me, and pizza for Diana.
Diana's mom brought Emma back. Groundhog day here with the rain and the children.
Bill's Suzanne is 4cm dilated and 70% effaced, getting close to pop.
I ordered some more DVDs.
Thursday I took William out into the rain. It's not as fun if you've got the rain thing over the stroller, it cuts down the visibility. William fought me every time I put him back into the stroller. I got Indian food for me, and pizza for Diana.
Diana's mom brought Emma back. Groundhog day here with the rain and the children.
Bill's Suzanne is 4cm dilated and 70% effaced, getting close to pop.
I ordered some more DVDs.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
331. Breastfeeding
Andrew threw up Tuesday, even with the new milk we got him from the pediatrician. It's got to be over feeding, but he's not been given that much.
William has been wild at times in the house. Emma came over Tuesday, and she fell asleep. He woke her up with his noises. Those two fight over things, but I know William likes her around.
When ever I get to the end of my rope, Diana's right there telling me, "imagine what it's like if you're alone," or, "you're overwhelmed?!" as if to say, "don't even think it." I wonder sometimes if my presence here is even helpful, there's so much need.
I watched Robots. William isn't into a feature length films.
From 8am to 11pm, with one small nap, and William was up, and I was at the end of my rope. I fell asleep, Diana stayed up with them. William didn't stay up much longer, but Diana reports little grunty did stay up. William woke up a paragraph into my morning reading. I doggedly kept reading after I brought him into bed, with the unfortunate consequence that Diana woke up.
It's raining like the dickens here. I went out and got Diana some more breast milk helping tea. I went to get a bagel, but forgot it was Yom Kippur, and the bagel store was packed. William has been fussy, perhaps he's teething, or sleep deprived.
Been reading up on putting the baby on a schedule. There seems to be information on both sides. I don't think it's cruel to put Andrew on a schedule, and it will help me to interact more with him. But we're also not very strict disciplinarians, so we're not going to go to that extreme. Diana feels like feeding him when he's hungry and can't stand it when he's crying.
The doctor says to give him more time, on the new formula. It will take a while for the other formulas to get out of his system. Diana needs a break, I hope that works.
William has been wild at times in the house. Emma came over Tuesday, and she fell asleep. He woke her up with his noises. Those two fight over things, but I know William likes her around.
When ever I get to the end of my rope, Diana's right there telling me, "imagine what it's like if you're alone," or, "you're overwhelmed?!" as if to say, "don't even think it." I wonder sometimes if my presence here is even helpful, there's so much need.
I watched Robots. William isn't into a feature length films.
From 8am to 11pm, with one small nap, and William was up, and I was at the end of my rope. I fell asleep, Diana stayed up with them. William didn't stay up much longer, but Diana reports little grunty did stay up. William woke up a paragraph into my morning reading. I doggedly kept reading after I brought him into bed, with the unfortunate consequence that Diana woke up.
It's raining like the dickens here. I went out and got Diana some more breast milk helping tea. I went to get a bagel, but forgot it was Yom Kippur, and the bagel store was packed. William has been fussy, perhaps he's teething, or sleep deprived.
Been reading up on putting the baby on a schedule. There seems to be information on both sides. I don't think it's cruel to put Andrew on a schedule, and it will help me to interact more with him. But we're also not very strict disciplinarians, so we're not going to go to that extreme. Diana feels like feeding him when he's hungry and can't stand it when he's crying.
The doctor says to give him more time, on the new formula. It will take a while for the other formulas to get out of his system. Diana needs a break, I hope that works.
Monday, October 10, 2005
330. Indigenous Peoples Day
Saturday morning, I played with William a little bit before I went off to meet with my friends in Bay Ridge. I spent a lot of time there, and did not see William until the late afternoon. Then we went to Jacky's baby shower, which turned out to be an adult party with children and presents for the son in her very large belly. William got to play with some kids, but he also got his hand caught in a door, which greatly upset us. I told Zsolt having two little children is easy. Jacky has scheduled her c-section, she doesn't want to try for a V-Bac. Jacky is going to have a son and they're naming him Christian.
I'm not sure where the next child is coming from after that. Maybe Harry will make sergeant and Angie will want another one. My Buddhist friends suggest I get fixed, and Virginia said, "strap one on," indicating she thought we should wait. I go back and forth, and unfortunately give Diana mixed messages at time. I guess I'm torn between 2 and 3 really. A woman at work has 10, and another there has 9. The woman who has 10 is always talking about limits. Here's a limit for you, don't have twelve. I don't say that to her though, it's just a joke. She's really good at figuring out the heart of a problem, asses what she can do, and does it quickly. It's really quite amazing to watch. My grandma says my cousin Benjamin is shopping for a ring, so maybe he's going to get married soon, maybe he will have children. Or Morris could have another one. My friend Bill and his wife Suzanne are due any minute. I want to call him, Paul gave me their new number.
It took us a long time to get home in the rain that night, and William was asleep when we got home. He woke up a lot in the night, and Virginia gave him to me, while I was meditating. She's so generous. She was apologetic for interrupting my meditation, but it was as long as I've been able to meditate recently.
Sunday I went into the city and met Bart at the Ruben Museum of Himalayan Art. Bart says Charles knows Mr. Ruben. He was impressed with the artwork and Buddhism. Faye's daughter is taking a Buddhism class, and she's really grooving to read the stuff, that her mother practices. I wonder if Bart will every have the time to study some Buddhism. Anyway, it was free, they were having some promotion in NYC, "open house NYC" or something like that so it was free. I ran into Vajramti and Barbara. William took a shine to Barbara after a while, she was very sweet with him. Her son has just gone off to Syracuse, near by where Bart goes to school at Cornell.
Bart suggested a Cuban place, and we had some lunch. I got to see where Charles lives, and the boys, and I met Bart's girlfriend, Leah. She seems sweet and intelligent. William was shocked by a loud bark from Etta, and cried, but otherwise he was OK there. He hugged Leah, which was sweet. William is a real flirt and a lady's man.
William slept on the way into Manhattan and on the way back. He napped a little when we got to Gigi's, and woke up clapping, which I thought was cut and funny. By the time Diana et al came home, I was pretty tired, but I lugged the stuff Virginia is graciously letting us store up to our room, and into the basement. My back is killing me today, and every time I pick up William it pains me.
William like to walk on the pool table. Gigi really has a sweet house, inviting to youngesters. My bicepts are sore, and my back is out. But I've gotten some good sleep while here (crazy dreams too, I should have written them down). Natasia is playing with him now, giving me time to write. Last night Diana said, "you got exhausted with only one?!" I guess she takes 2 sometimes, and is very exhausted. I hope to let her get some sleep time today.
I've been so chatty since Andrew was born. I talked to, or called so many people over the weekend. I love unlimited calling on weekends.
I'm not sure where the next child is coming from after that. Maybe Harry will make sergeant and Angie will want another one. My Buddhist friends suggest I get fixed, and Virginia said, "strap one on," indicating she thought we should wait. I go back and forth, and unfortunately give Diana mixed messages at time. I guess I'm torn between 2 and 3 really. A woman at work has 10, and another there has 9. The woman who has 10 is always talking about limits. Here's a limit for you, don't have twelve. I don't say that to her though, it's just a joke. She's really good at figuring out the heart of a problem, asses what she can do, and does it quickly. It's really quite amazing to watch. My grandma says my cousin Benjamin is shopping for a ring, so maybe he's going to get married soon, maybe he will have children. Or Morris could have another one. My friend Bill and his wife Suzanne are due any minute. I want to call him, Paul gave me their new number.
It took us a long time to get home in the rain that night, and William was asleep when we got home. He woke up a lot in the night, and Virginia gave him to me, while I was meditating. She's so generous. She was apologetic for interrupting my meditation, but it was as long as I've been able to meditate recently.
Sunday I went into the city and met Bart at the Ruben Museum of Himalayan Art. Bart says Charles knows Mr. Ruben. He was impressed with the artwork and Buddhism. Faye's daughter is taking a Buddhism class, and she's really grooving to read the stuff, that her mother practices. I wonder if Bart will every have the time to study some Buddhism. Anyway, it was free, they were having some promotion in NYC, "open house NYC" or something like that so it was free. I ran into Vajramti and Barbara. William took a shine to Barbara after a while, she was very sweet with him. Her son has just gone off to Syracuse, near by where Bart goes to school at Cornell.
Bart suggested a Cuban place, and we had some lunch. I got to see where Charles lives, and the boys, and I met Bart's girlfriend, Leah. She seems sweet and intelligent. William was shocked by a loud bark from Etta, and cried, but otherwise he was OK there. He hugged Leah, which was sweet. William is a real flirt and a lady's man.
William slept on the way into Manhattan and on the way back. He napped a little when we got to Gigi's, and woke up clapping, which I thought was cut and funny. By the time Diana et al came home, I was pretty tired, but I lugged the stuff Virginia is graciously letting us store up to our room, and into the basement. My back is killing me today, and every time I pick up William it pains me.
William like to walk on the pool table. Gigi really has a sweet house, inviting to youngesters. My bicepts are sore, and my back is out. But I've gotten some good sleep while here (crazy dreams too, I should have written them down). Natasia is playing with him now, giving me time to write. Last night Diana said, "you got exhausted with only one?!" I guess she takes 2 sometimes, and is very exhausted. I hope to let her get some sleep time today.
I've been so chatty since Andrew was born. I talked to, or called so many people over the weekend. I love unlimited calling on weekends.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
329. Umbilical by a thread
Virginia is the last to have her naming ceremony thread come off.
I came home Wednesday evening and Emma, AJ and Venus were here. The house was in disarray, William was a little wild. Diana think I wish they were not here, but I'm just stressed out, everything overwhelms me at the time. I wish it were not so. It's a readjustment for us all. I vacuumed. I must have been craving order. I see now why parents are so uptight about keeping things clean.
Diana report William threw up this morning. He's been drinking juice all day, but he's just switched to milk. Andrew is gassy too, he lets these loud ones rip.
Andrew is a fortnight old tomorrow at 5:54pm. (William was born at 2:46pm.) I got home Thursday, and thought Andrew looked more like William when he was a baby. Diana took him to the doctor because he throws up the formula, and he gave her some samples of a soy one. My son is going to be a vegan, I'm so proud. Well, maybe just lactose intolerant. Diana enjoyed being out and about with him in the snuggly.
I see the finish line up ahead. Friday at 5 begins my week off from work. I am looking forward to it. I'm so tired. I don't expect to get rest, but at least I'll be around my wonderful sons and wife. We're heading off to NJ now. Virginia has just one meeting in New Jersey tomorrow, so she's going to be able to spend much of the day with Diana. We haven't been out there since Andrew was born, and some weeks before that.
William said, "ball" and "dada" and "baby" yesterday. He spent the day with his cousins at his abuela's.
Diana just told me Andrew's umbilical remains are hanging by a thread.
I came home Wednesday evening and Emma, AJ and Venus were here. The house was in disarray, William was a little wild. Diana think I wish they were not here, but I'm just stressed out, everything overwhelms me at the time. I wish it were not so. It's a readjustment for us all. I vacuumed. I must have been craving order. I see now why parents are so uptight about keeping things clean.
Diana report William threw up this morning. He's been drinking juice all day, but he's just switched to milk. Andrew is gassy too, he lets these loud ones rip.
Andrew is a fortnight old tomorrow at 5:54pm. (William was born at 2:46pm.) I got home Thursday, and thought Andrew looked more like William when he was a baby. Diana took him to the doctor because he throws up the formula, and he gave her some samples of a soy one. My son is going to be a vegan, I'm so proud. Well, maybe just lactose intolerant. Diana enjoyed being out and about with him in the snuggly.
I see the finish line up ahead. Friday at 5 begins my week off from work. I am looking forward to it. I'm so tired. I don't expect to get rest, but at least I'll be around my wonderful sons and wife. We're heading off to NJ now. Virginia has just one meeting in New Jersey tomorrow, so she's going to be able to spend much of the day with Diana. We haven't been out there since Andrew was born, and some weeks before that.
William said, "ball" and "dada" and "baby" yesterday. He spent the day with his cousins at his abuela's.
Diana just told me Andrew's umbilical remains are hanging by a thread.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
328. Frazzled father
Our nickname for Andrew is Grunty. He doesn't cry, but he grunts a lot. Diana said once that he's a noisy baby. Not so much when he sleeps on you. Andrew wakes up three times in the night. He generally pukes up the formula, so there's not much incentive for me to get up and feed him.
I think William is getting some more teeth. I think I saw a tooth under the skin when he was howling yesterday. He feel down and scraped his knee on the way to the park yesterday. He wants to be held more, and he's crawling more at the park. Last night the park was as crowded as I've seen it. He likes to walk back and forth across the bridge, which is pretty firm and does not give much. A little fellow was made to share his ball by his mother. There was this impossibly thin woman that disturbed me. I could not imagine she didn't have anorexia, but then again, she could just be really thin. Perhaps she was just the baby sitter of the little fellow she had going down the slide. The cacophony of languages is wonderful.
My aunt Celeste sent a piggy bank for Andrew, which is very sweet. When I came home on Tuesday, he didn't hear me, and was wrapped in the TV. I felt a loss, something was taking his attention from me. Then he saw me, and got very excited. I live for those looks when I come home. Then he didn't seem so concerned about going to the park, and he went to bed early. But he woke up, and my dreams of a relatively free night were dashed. I love these guys so much, but my exhaustion is palpable, a 5th member of the family. And yet last night, I read a little, and I've woken up early today.
I am very much looking forward to getting off next week, to spend time with the boys and my strong devoted wife. I want to get up in the night. I would be useless at work, I know that, if I get up too much at night. I'm giving my wife and my job everything I have, and what's left over, I'm giving to the buddha, the dharma and the sangha.
I was telling my boss last night, I can't take it up a notch to spoil William through this time. There's no higher gear to shift into. I was giving him everything, and now it's been divided. Diana more so. You hear these horrible stories, a 4 year old was found on the street the other day. Turns out the boyfriend of the mother, put her there, to save her life, because he killed the mother. How horrible. Everyone at work comments on my anger, they see me as an angry man. I think a lot of it is crankiness, not enough sleep, and still giving it my all. There's bound to be cracks in the facade under those circumstances. And my insurance company is cutting off therapy, they say I don't need it now. I wonder if I'm regressing to try and keep my therapist. I'm not consciously doing it. My good friend Alyssa is teaching anger management. She says she feeds off the group's energy, she is really enjoying it. Anger and anxiety are energy giving emotions, I think that is part of it, I need energy. Although not from food, I seem to be gaining a little weight. Maybe I'll take William for a run tonight. Maybe I need to go back on my SSRI, which I've been off for about a month. Maybe a week off will help.
I think William is getting some more teeth. I think I saw a tooth under the skin when he was howling yesterday. He feel down and scraped his knee on the way to the park yesterday. He wants to be held more, and he's crawling more at the park. Last night the park was as crowded as I've seen it. He likes to walk back and forth across the bridge, which is pretty firm and does not give much. A little fellow was made to share his ball by his mother. There was this impossibly thin woman that disturbed me. I could not imagine she didn't have anorexia, but then again, she could just be really thin. Perhaps she was just the baby sitter of the little fellow she had going down the slide. The cacophony of languages is wonderful.
My aunt Celeste sent a piggy bank for Andrew, which is very sweet. When I came home on Tuesday, he didn't hear me, and was wrapped in the TV. I felt a loss, something was taking his attention from me. Then he saw me, and got very excited. I live for those looks when I come home. Then he didn't seem so concerned about going to the park, and he went to bed early. But he woke up, and my dreams of a relatively free night were dashed. I love these guys so much, but my exhaustion is palpable, a 5th member of the family. And yet last night, I read a little, and I've woken up early today.
I am very much looking forward to getting off next week, to spend time with the boys and my strong devoted wife. I want to get up in the night. I would be useless at work, I know that, if I get up too much at night. I'm giving my wife and my job everything I have, and what's left over, I'm giving to the buddha, the dharma and the sangha.
I was telling my boss last night, I can't take it up a notch to spoil William through this time. There's no higher gear to shift into. I was giving him everything, and now it's been divided. Diana more so. You hear these horrible stories, a 4 year old was found on the street the other day. Turns out the boyfriend of the mother, put her there, to save her life, because he killed the mother. How horrible. Everyone at work comments on my anger, they see me as an angry man. I think a lot of it is crankiness, not enough sleep, and still giving it my all. There's bound to be cracks in the facade under those circumstances. And my insurance company is cutting off therapy, they say I don't need it now. I wonder if I'm regressing to try and keep my therapist. I'm not consciously doing it. My good friend Alyssa is teaching anger management. She says she feeds off the group's energy, she is really enjoying it. Anger and anxiety are energy giving emotions, I think that is part of it, I need energy. Although not from food, I seem to be gaining a little weight. Maybe I'll take William for a run tonight. Maybe I need to go back on my SSRI, which I've been off for about a month. Maybe a week off will help.
Monday, October 03, 2005
327. Busy Weekend
Andrew was awake when I got home at 2am. I left the party at 12:30, which was much later than I wanted to say, but there was such good conversation. So I ended up giving Amaradeva a ride to where he's staying, and then there was a traffic jam on the 59th street bridge. Andrew makes a lot of noise, and Diana was sleeping, so I fed him. William woke up later and so did Andrew, so it was a difficult night.
Diana let me sleep late. I took William and Natasia to the park. Harry came over and got Natasia. I took William back to the park later when he got up from his long nap. He went to the door. That's his signal to go out, but he doesn't like to get dressed, so it's a bit traumatic. When we got back, he wanted to go out again, so I went to get a Curry. William was fussy, and it was difficult waiting for the food.
When we got home Abuela and Abuelo were there. I took my chance, and went to bed.
When I got home Sunday from my meditation day and Seth mitra ceremony, and held Andrew, it seemed like he'd grown a lot.
William went to the fridge and got some leftover chinese noodles last night. He likes to play in the refrigerator, but getting food is something else.
We had many visitors yesterday: Alba, Veronica, Aida, Natasia, Venus, Emma, AJ, Harry, Josephine Michael, Evan, Ava, Virginia. William had lots of fun. I took a zillion pictures.
Diana let me sleep late. I took William and Natasia to the park. Harry came over and got Natasia. I took William back to the park later when he got up from his long nap. He went to the door. That's his signal to go out, but he doesn't like to get dressed, so it's a bit traumatic. When we got back, he wanted to go out again, so I went to get a Curry. William was fussy, and it was difficult waiting for the food.
When we got home Abuela and Abuelo were there. I took my chance, and went to bed.
When I got home Sunday from my meditation day and Seth mitra ceremony, and held Andrew, it seemed like he'd grown a lot.
William went to the fridge and got some leftover chinese noodles last night. He likes to play in the refrigerator, but getting food is something else.
We had many visitors yesterday: Alba, Veronica, Aida, Natasia, Venus, Emma, AJ, Harry, Josephine Michael, Evan, Ava, Virginia. William had lots of fun. I took a zillion pictures.
Friday, September 30, 2005
226. A new cry
William said, "duck" after he heard it on the TV yesterday. We hugged him and jumped around. I'm trying specially hard to give him attention and support through this difficult transition. So is Diana, but he's more angry with her. He's shown his anger, and regressed, and my heart goes out to him. He slept from 1-7 two nights ago, and was cranky, but slept during the day. I collapsed last night, I can't say when they went to bed. Diana hopes to sleep early tonight, with Virginia coming over.
On Tuesday when Andrew came home, I was holding him. I beckoned for William to come over. He walked backwards towards me, he could not look at me when I was holding the baby. He has a new anguished cry. He used to just have three cries. A light pain, a high pain, and a pleading pain. Now he has an anguished pain one, that breaks my heart.
Last night when we came home from Andrew's appointment, William wanted to go upstairs with Aminta and Steve. He would not go to his mother, but he went to me. I can only imagine how bad Diana feels, but she's doing her best considering the different demands.
On Tuesday when Andrew came home, I was holding him. I beckoned for William to come over. He walked backwards towards me, he could not look at me when I was holding the baby. He has a new anguished cry. He used to just have three cries. A light pain, a high pain, and a pleading pain. Now he has an anguished pain one, that breaks my heart.
Last night when we came home from Andrew's appointment, William wanted to go upstairs with Aminta and Steve. He would not go to his mother, but he went to me. I can only imagine how bad Diana feels, but she's doing her best considering the different demands.
325. A's Dr. Visit
Dr. Reischer says that Andrew has no evidence of Erb's Palsy, which is the name the call permanent nerve damage from shoulder dystocia. He's not ever going to refer us to a physical therapist, he sees it as unnecessary. We might ask to go to a pediatric neurologist just to make sure. His reflexes were normal.
Andrew weighs 9 lbs. 3 oz. He's gained 2 ounces in what has been 6 days outside the womb. He's still the same height.
We saw in the paperwork that his billyrubens peaked at 13.7 on the 3rd day. Dr. Reischer said he's seen them in the 20's with out any problems, and he thinks the dangers are over exaggerated.
He gave him his hepatitis B inoculation.
I also gave him Diana's family of thyroid problems: Diana's mother, sister and aunt have all had surgery to varying degrees. He said that tends to bother men less somehow.
I've noticed his cone head is going away, his skull is reforming after it's trip through the narrow birth canal.
I haven't mentioned it, but he has the werewolf ears that William had when he was born. Harry ears. It goes away, but is hardly noticeable.
So everything is fine, we return in 2 weeks.
We had a nice conversation with a woman who is about 6 months behind us in the project to have 2 babies close together, in the waiting room. She seemed so curious about our experience.
Andrew weighs 9 lbs. 3 oz. He's gained 2 ounces in what has been 6 days outside the womb. He's still the same height.
We saw in the paperwork that his billyrubens peaked at 13.7 on the 3rd day. Dr. Reischer said he's seen them in the 20's with out any problems, and he thinks the dangers are over exaggerated.
He gave him his hepatitis B inoculation.
I also gave him Diana's family of thyroid problems: Diana's mother, sister and aunt have all had surgery to varying degrees. He said that tends to bother men less somehow.
I've noticed his cone head is going away, his skull is reforming after it's trip through the narrow birth canal.
I haven't mentioned it, but he has the werewolf ears that William had when he was born. Harry ears. It goes away, but is hardly noticeable.
So everything is fine, we return in 2 weeks.
We had a nice conversation with a woman who is about 6 months behind us in the project to have 2 babies close together, in the waiting room. She seemed so curious about our experience.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
324. Home
Andres/Andrew came home today! Harry helped to get him home. I came home for lunch. Work sent us a wonderful flower and plant, plus a teddy bear. I went home for lunch, but it turns out they had planned to celebrate my fatherhood and got a cake.
I was holding Andrew, and asked William to come over to me. He walked backwards, he could not handle my holding Andrew. He's more fussy, quick to cry and demand attention.
I took him to the park after I got home. He can't really join in with others, but he did interact with Pedro a little bit. The park is always different. Today it seemed more Hispanic, not as Indian/Bangladeshi/Pakistan or Jewish as it sometimes can be. Sometimes it's more diverse. Sometimes it's dominated by one group. Or also age groups. There were middle schooler types today. One little girl said, "I hate Russian."
Aminta and Steven were visiting when I got home. Aminta held Andrew. Aminta wants Steven to play with William.
I was holding Andrew, and asked William to come over to me. He walked backwards, he could not handle my holding Andrew. He's more fussy, quick to cry and demand attention.
I took him to the park after I got home. He can't really join in with others, but he did interact with Pedro a little bit. The park is always different. Today it seemed more Hispanic, not as Indian/Bangladeshi/Pakistan or Jewish as it sometimes can be. Sometimes it's more diverse. Sometimes it's dominated by one group. Or also age groups. There were middle schooler types today. One little girl said, "I hate Russian."
Aminta and Steven were visiting when I got home. Aminta held Andrew. Aminta wants Steven to play with William.
323. Billyrubens down
There's an article in the Times on doulas. There's going to be a documentary on PBS this month. The link for the Times article is:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/25/national/25doula.html?incamp=article_popular
William has gotten into his Elmo DVD. And his Teletubbies DVD. And his Sesame Street video. I ordered a bunch more Sesame Street DVDs, since he's into it.
His dystocia seems to be going away. Not completely yet, but there's been improvements and there's no reason to think he won't continue to progress
Diana called me at work, the first day back at work, to inform me that his billyrubens were still to high and they wanted to put him under the light for one more day. Diana called last night and his billyrubens are down. We're supposed to call today at 8. Most likely, though I don't want to get my hopes up too hight to be crushed, he will come home today.
William is as cute as ever. Cliff wants to teach him mammography because it's very hard to learn for a radiologist because the level of pattern recognition is very complex, and you either call for a biopsy, and there's nothing, which is a scary painful hassle, or you miss it, and it comes back to you that you missed it. He thinks if we start William now on mammography, he has a good chance of being good at it.
Hopefully Andrew comes home today while I'm at work. Diana's brother Harry will drive Diana to the hospital. We found the little book about being a big brother for William, so we can read that to him. I've gotten some good nights sleep, which has been the only positive thing I can think about Andrew staying in the hospital so long, except tonight. William woke up just before dawn, and somehow I woke up. Thought I'd do something useful and blog it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/25/national/25doula.html?incamp=article_popular
William has gotten into his Elmo DVD. And his Teletubbies DVD. And his Sesame Street video. I ordered a bunch more Sesame Street DVDs, since he's into it.
His dystocia seems to be going away. Not completely yet, but there's been improvements and there's no reason to think he won't continue to progress
Diana called me at work, the first day back at work, to inform me that his billyrubens were still to high and they wanted to put him under the light for one more day. Diana called last night and his billyrubens are down. We're supposed to call today at 8. Most likely, though I don't want to get my hopes up too hight to be crushed, he will come home today.
William is as cute as ever. Cliff wants to teach him mammography because it's very hard to learn for a radiologist because the level of pattern recognition is very complex, and you either call for a biopsy, and there's nothing, which is a scary painful hassle, or you miss it, and it comes back to you that you missed it. He thinks if we start William now on mammography, he has a good chance of being good at it.
Hopefully Andrew comes home today while I'm at work. Diana's brother Harry will drive Diana to the hospital. We found the little book about being a big brother for William, so we can read that to him. I've gotten some good nights sleep, which has been the only positive thing I can think about Andrew staying in the hospital so long, except tonight. William woke up just before dawn, and somehow I woke up. Thought I'd do something useful and blog it.
Monday, September 26, 2005
322. Setback
I went over to Abuela's to get Diana and take her and William to the hospital. We went there and he had not urinated, which he needs to do to leave the hospital, and it took a while for the physical therapy people to come. Diana breast fed, and then she fed him the bottle hoping he would urinate, so we could take him home. He puked all over the place. We're back to burping and trying to be in tune with the baby so we don't over feed him.
I took William outside for some lunch, and then Diana took him for some lunch. That was a little preview of the juggling act we're going to have to have.
Andrew's billyrubens were too high (12), he's getting jaundice. So we decided to be safe and keep him in the hospital. If untreated and it goes up, he could have hearing problems and learning disabilities. If they go up, then he'll need the light for 12 hours, that breaks them down, and they will test him more, monitor him more closely. Otherwise it will go down or stay the same, in which case, being older by a day, his liver will be able to handle it. We were very disappointed. I got a chance to meditate, so I had more resources to handle this setback. And it's not serious, it's just a matter of taking time.
The physcial therapist gave us some exercise for Andy's dystocia in his left shoulder. The following link is a informative site about dystocia. Seems it's rare, and most of the time the nerves regenerate.
http://shoulderdystociainfo.com/
No photos today, but I took the video camera.
We watched Land Before Time, and then William wanted a Sesame Street DVD. I'm going to choose the Spanish language option in the future for DVDs. I think he's going to learn English, that will be the dominant language. But I want him to be exposed to Spanish as much as possible to give him a chance to be bilingual. We got an extra DVD for Emma.
I took William outside for some lunch, and then Diana took him for some lunch. That was a little preview of the juggling act we're going to have to have.
Andrew's billyrubens were too high (12), he's getting jaundice. So we decided to be safe and keep him in the hospital. If untreated and it goes up, he could have hearing problems and learning disabilities. If they go up, then he'll need the light for 12 hours, that breaks them down, and they will test him more, monitor him more closely. Otherwise it will go down or stay the same, in which case, being older by a day, his liver will be able to handle it. We were very disappointed. I got a chance to meditate, so I had more resources to handle this setback. And it's not serious, it's just a matter of taking time.
The physcial therapist gave us some exercise for Andy's dystocia in his left shoulder. The following link is a informative site about dystocia. Seems it's rare, and most of the time the nerves regenerate.
http://shoulderdystociainfo.com/
No photos today, but I took the video camera.
We watched Land Before Time, and then William wanted a Sesame Street DVD. I'm going to choose the Spanish language option in the future for DVDs. I think he's going to learn English, that will be the dominant language. But I want him to be exposed to Spanish as much as possible to give him a chance to be bilingual. We got an extra DVD for Emma.
321. Uterus Contractions
Diana had a hard time leaving Andres last night. She went to visit him at the nursery, where the hospital insists he remain.
William fell asleep at his Abuela's, so Diana left him there. We had a good night sleep, and Abuela called up saying William was crying for his mother, so she rushed over, after a leisurely wake up. I'm going to be up against it starting tonight. I look forward to the challenge.
Diana says Andy passed his hearing test. Diana is doing well, but she's getting uterus contractions, as her uterus tries to shrink back to it's regular size.
I thank Virginia, Abuela, Aida and Abuelo for all the support they have given. I can't imagine getting through these past days without them. Extremely generous.
I thank everyone for their well wishes.
I called up the nursery at 9:30, and the circumcision had not been performed, nor had the physical therapist doctor come. Surely tonight he will come home, and we'll have the whole family together in our home tonight.
William fell asleep at his Abuela's, so Diana left him there. We had a good night sleep, and Abuela called up saying William was crying for his mother, so she rushed over, after a leisurely wake up. I'm going to be up against it starting tonight. I look forward to the challenge.
Diana says Andy passed his hearing test. Diana is doing well, but she's getting uterus contractions, as her uterus tries to shrink back to it's regular size.
I thank Virginia, Abuela, Aida and Abuelo for all the support they have given. I can't imagine getting through these past days without them. Extremely generous.
I thank everyone for their well wishes.
I called up the nursery at 9:30, and the circumcision had not been performed, nor had the physical therapist doctor come. Surely tonight he will come home, and we'll have the whole family together in our home tonight.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
320. Andres not Andrew
Andrew turns out to be named Andres. I saw the birth certificate and she wrote "Andres Wyatt Bell". Turns out she wanted Andres all along. I couldn't convince her the other way.
I'm going to call him Andrew. Andrew has a shoulder dystocia. As he was coming out of Diana, his left shoulder got caught on Diana's pelvis. There might be nerve damage. Because North Shore at Forest Hills Hospital doesn't have a pediatrics clinic, we can't check out and come back tomorrow. Once you're discharged, you can't come back. Thanks so much. Paperwork rules mean we can't have Andrew home today.
And the gynecologist who was going to do the circumcision heard this, and postponed her work, so we couldn't take him out and bring him home, and go somewhere else later. She never asked us what we wanted, like her brief work in the labor room, when she came in to break her water, without even discussing it. She was offended when, counter to the patient's bill of rights, we asked her to explain what she wanted to do and why. I think she's the main directly unpleasing person. The others are insurance and administrators who make rules.
Anyway, I'm looking into the dystocia to learn more about it. I think it's all right, but he might not be a referee in the NFL because he can't get his left hand up all the way, right now. They say it will probably go away. I was lifting it up and rotating it today.
The first doula called Diana to tell her that her story is the talk of the doulas. To be such a trooper, to stick it out and have a V-Bac.
Diana checked out reluctantly, and I stayed with Andrew and watched the Jets game. He guzzled down some formula, and then puked. I gave him less, and burped him successfully later, and he kept it down. I took some photos. I've taken almost 200 photos over the past few days, I think I need to cool my jets.
Virginia, Aida, Natasia and her father are fixing up the place, getting it ready for Andrew. William probably thinks Andrew was nothing but a bad dream. I wonder how he's going to take it tomorrow when Andrew comes home. He's had a few tastes, and has done quite well.
I'm going to call him Andrew. Andrew has a shoulder dystocia. As he was coming out of Diana, his left shoulder got caught on Diana's pelvis. There might be nerve damage. Because North Shore at Forest Hills Hospital doesn't have a pediatrics clinic, we can't check out and come back tomorrow. Once you're discharged, you can't come back. Thanks so much. Paperwork rules mean we can't have Andrew home today.
And the gynecologist who was going to do the circumcision heard this, and postponed her work, so we couldn't take him out and bring him home, and go somewhere else later. She never asked us what we wanted, like her brief work in the labor room, when she came in to break her water, without even discussing it. She was offended when, counter to the patient's bill of rights, we asked her to explain what she wanted to do and why. I think she's the main directly unpleasing person. The others are insurance and administrators who make rules.
Anyway, I'm looking into the dystocia to learn more about it. I think it's all right, but he might not be a referee in the NFL because he can't get his left hand up all the way, right now. They say it will probably go away. I was lifting it up and rotating it today.
The first doula called Diana to tell her that her story is the talk of the doulas. To be such a trooper, to stick it out and have a V-Bac.
Diana checked out reluctantly, and I stayed with Andrew and watched the Jets game. He guzzled down some formula, and then puked. I gave him less, and burped him successfully later, and he kept it down. I took some photos. I've taken almost 200 photos over the past few days, I think I need to cool my jets.
Virginia, Aida, Natasia and her father are fixing up the place, getting it ready for Andrew. William probably thinks Andrew was nothing but a bad dream. I wonder how he's going to take it tomorrow when Andrew comes home. He's had a few tastes, and has done quite well.
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