Oliver Days Pt. I

August 27th, Going Home

It is 0600 in the morning and Oliver is on his regular feeding routine. Today is "discharge" day from the hospital. Getting a little cabin fever but the feeling is quickly relieved by Olivers presence.

Oliver-John Augustine

He's here...7 pounds 11 ounces at 1056am, August 25th.

August 24th

We had our Antenatal testing at 1:45pm. Since we are a week over due, Heddy scheduled her induction for tonight. Our appointment at UCSF was set for 8:00pm. We arrived at the hospital and was graciously escorted to our Labor and Delivery suite. Heddys cervix was ready for the next stage in the induction process and she is now recieving "Pitocin" through an intravenous catheter. Contractions have been getting shorter through the morning and the pain has been increasing.
She recieved an optimal dose of pain medicine and to buffer the pain as well she can take a puff or two of Nitric Oxide "laughing gas" which was prescribed. Heddys water just broke. I am out of here.

Still Waitin'

Oliver has not made his final approach/touchdown/delivery/arrival. As you can see Heddy and I are still combing through the streets and living life as usual. We are one day past estimated time.
I really think Oliver likes the warm space in her belly and the fine meals Heddy eats day after day.

August 18th +/-10days

The count down is starting...Here are some pics of Olivers room in the finally stages of completion...

33 and 1/2 Weeks

Hello there folks. It's been a while since our last posting. We have a few minor updates.
1) I'm currently weighing in at a healthy 148 pounds...held together by a 38 inch waist that appears to have an atmosphere and ozone layer of its own.
2) Our doctor has confirmed that our little Oliver will have Daniel's chin as the split chin is about as dominant a gene as brown eyes. Sadly, my recessive mono-chin doesn't have a fighting chance.
3) We have been dutifully attending our birthing classes where I had an embarrassing experience last night. Let me count the ways that birthing classes could be embarrassing...we discuss perineal massage, the elimination of fecal matter during delivery, breastfeeding, etc.
Thus, you'd think that spouses would refrain from further embarrassment in the company of 15 strangers. Daniel, however, felt that it was necessary to raise his hand and ask a rather personal and revealing question of our German midwife instructor.
Daniel: So this is a little off topic but I was wondering...how should I put this? When should pregnant women stop getting Brazilian waxes?
The whole group: silent
Me: Hhhhypothetically of course
The whole group: nervous laughter
Midwife: There is an answer to that question...whenever your wife wants to stop getting Brazilian waxes.
Daniel: OK
4) So we're eating, pulling Oliver's bedroom together, feeling him kick, and eating some more. Please excuse me while I go get waxed.

Las Vegas Buffet, May 5th

Heddy: Daniel, seriously, what do we do here?
Daniel: What are you talking about?
Heddy: I mean, I've never done this before. It's all a bit...overwhelming.
Daniel: What are you talking about? Just last week, we attacked the golf club buffet!
Heddy: That was child's play compared to this. What do I do? Where do I begin?
Daniel: Rule No. 1, never stack too much on your plate on the first run. Rule No.2, diversify...sample as much as possible on the first round. This serving will serve as a guide for later rounds.
Rule No. 3, leave some food on your plate if necessary...don't eat anything that will keep you from eating something else that's better. Rule No. 4, get you moneys worth...if you see lobster stuffed with foie gras stuffed with duck-fed goose carpaccio, take enough to feed the UNLV football team.
Heddy: Okay.
Daniel: Pile it on for the little "huevo." But remember there's dessert and don't forget Rule No. 3.

Maysagne Extravagane Part I

Maysagne Extravagane Part II

A little wikipedia knowledge for the lay people...But, first, I would have to say it was an intense night at the lasagna cook off. We had some name calling and possibility of recipe sabotage earlier this week. Doors and windows were locked. A guard dog was rented for the week to protect the age old recipes.
Second, we came together with a peaceful attitude and ceased the intense aggressiveness which was brought on earlier this past week. The portions were stacked and the eating commenced. I loved it. And now wikipedia...
The word "lasagna" is derived from the Greek word "lasanon" meaning chamber pot. The word was later borrowed by the Romans as "lasanum" to mean cooking pot. The Italians then used the word to refer to the dish in which what is now known as lasagna is made. The word lasagna or lasagne (plural) now simply applies to the food itself.[4] The British (and Italians) generally use the plural "lasagne" to mean both the dish and the pasta while the Americans commonly use the singular "lasagna".