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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Friday, October 20, 2006
On Names
Prior to birth, when parents are doing the heady work of selecting baby names, there is always push and pull. Some think that you are not only selecting a name that your child will carry for life, but you are in no small way sealing the child's destiny. Parents come up with various strategies to push the hand of fate - crying, yelling, pouting. All can be effective.
My strategy was the biographical approach. When ever K- would come up with a name, I would come up with his life story. For example, Miles was a nerdy, Machiavellian that would make up for lost milk money with evil plans of world domination. Liam was a guitar-playing, Nobel-prize winning soccer player jet setter that was loved by women, respected by men, and loved his mother above all else. An easy choice if there ever was one.
Despite my best laid plans, however, I report with some consternation that I introduce his first nicknames - Wildcat and Rattlesnake. While from a fairly benign origin (as reported yesterday, he shakes his head like crazy when he is hungry), it fear that they are leading him on another life path. A life of a biker, escaped prisoner that enjoys pork rinds and who counts among his closest associates Icepick, Dagger, and Eddy. As you can see in the photo below, he is already exhibiting thuggish tendencies. Where have we gone wrong?
Prior to birth, when parents are doing the heady work of selecting baby names, there is always push and pull. Some think that you are not only selecting a name that your child will carry for life, but you are in no small way sealing the child's destiny. Parents come up with various strategies to push the hand of fate - crying, yelling, pouting. All can be effective.
My strategy was the biographical approach. When ever K- would come up with a name, I would come up with his life story. For example, Miles was a nerdy, Machiavellian that would make up for lost milk money with evil plans of world domination. Liam was a guitar-playing, Nobel-prize winning soccer player jet setter that was loved by women, respected by men, and loved his mother above all else. An easy choice if there ever was one.
Despite my best laid plans, however, I report with some consternation that I introduce his first nicknames - Wildcat and Rattlesnake. While from a fairly benign origin (as reported yesterday, he shakes his head like crazy when he is hungry), it fear that they are leading him on another life path. A life of a biker, escaped prisoner that enjoys pork rinds and who counts among his closest associates Icepick, Dagger, and Eddy. As you can see in the photo below, he is already exhibiting thuggish tendencies. Where have we gone wrong?
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| From Liam Birth |
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Isn't he just precious?
It occur ed to me this morning that I have been shirking my duty as a parent. As you likely know, it is the responsibility (Ney, requirement) of any new parents to keep the rest of the free world intimately informed of the minute details of their child's existence. For every detail, is a reminder of the gift of life. It is with this duty in mind that I submit you Liam's top 3 cute things he has done. Since I have yet to be able to capture these miracles on film, I will do my best to characterize them in words:
1. When hungry, Liam has a tendency to open his mouth and thrash his head about. Think a baby bird or a mental patient.
2. When not eating, thrashing, or sleeping, Liam has a tendency to purse his lips in mock thought. Think Donald Trump or Dr. Evil.
3. When not eating, thrashing, sleeping, or pursing, Liam likes to whistle Crimson and Clover by Tommy James & The Shondells. [Sorry, but embellishment is another requirement.]
So there you have it. It is not a large repertoire, but what do you want? He is only 12 days old. Critics . . .
It occur ed to me this morning that I have been shirking my duty as a parent. As you likely know, it is the responsibility (Ney, requirement) of any new parents to keep the rest of the free world intimately informed of the minute details of their child's existence. For every detail, is a reminder of the gift of life. It is with this duty in mind that I submit you Liam's top 3 cute things he has done. Since I have yet to be able to capture these miracles on film, I will do my best to characterize them in words:
1. When hungry, Liam has a tendency to open his mouth and thrash his head about. Think a baby bird or a mental patient.
2. When not eating, thrashing, or sleeping, Liam has a tendency to purse his lips in mock thought. Think Donald Trump or Dr. Evil.
3. When not eating, thrashing, sleeping, or pursing, Liam likes to whistle Crimson and Clover by Tommy James & The Shondells. [Sorry, but embellishment is another requirement.]
So there you have it. It is not a large repertoire, but what do you want? He is only 12 days old. Critics . . .
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Liam - 300th Million American
This morning the New York Times published A 300 Millionth American. Don’t Ask Who.
Since there is no clear winner, I would like to throw Liam's hat into the ring. I ask you, who would make a better symbol for the new America than Liam. Sure, by government estimates, he was more than a week late. But, if it is anything like the budget, there are likely to be a little off. Sure, I may be slightly bias. But, if the Times can't make a decision, then why not us, people.
Liam the symbol of a new America. Prepare your Presidential vote for somewhere around 2060.
This morning the New York Times published A 300 Millionth American. Don’t Ask Who.
Since there is no clear winner, I would like to throw Liam's hat into the ring. I ask you, who would make a better symbol for the new America than Liam. Sure, by government estimates, he was more than a week late. But, if it is anything like the budget, there are likely to be a little off. Sure, I may be slightly bias. But, if the Times can't make a decision, then why not us, people.
Liam the symbol of a new America. Prepare your Presidential vote for somewhere around 2060.
Monday, October 16, 2006
First Day Away
Yesterday, K- left the house for the first time since we had gotten home. She ran to Target for about an hour or two. When she got home, she mentioned how hard it was for her to be away that long. I was a little surprised, because it hadn't really bothered me that much when I went on my errands earlier that day. I might have driven a little faster, but only to get home to help K- faster.
Today, however, I started back to work after a week at home with K- and Liam and I am definitely feeling pangs. What is surprising is that I am not worried about anything happening to either of them (I am fairly sure they are safe). Instead, it is a feeling from childhood - missing out.
As a child, I would hate to go to bed. I wasn't afraid (well, except after I read Cujo. Then, I stared at the book jacket all night, fearing the dog would jump out of the pages). Instead, I didn't want to miss the best times - god forbid if someone was laughing downstairs.
Going to bed isn't a problem anymore(especially these days), but the feeling is still there. Even when now the variations in Liam's repertoire are eat, gas, other bodily functions, and sleep, I still can't wait to get home.
Yesterday, K- left the house for the first time since we had gotten home. She ran to Target for about an hour or two. When she got home, she mentioned how hard it was for her to be away that long. I was a little surprised, because it hadn't really bothered me that much when I went on my errands earlier that day. I might have driven a little faster, but only to get home to help K- faster.
Today, however, I started back to work after a week at home with K- and Liam and I am definitely feeling pangs. What is surprising is that I am not worried about anything happening to either of them (I am fairly sure they are safe). Instead, it is a feeling from childhood - missing out.
As a child, I would hate to go to bed. I wasn't afraid (well, except after I read Cujo. Then, I stared at the book jacket all night, fearing the dog would jump out of the pages). Instead, I didn't want to miss the best times - god forbid if someone was laughing downstairs.
Going to bed isn't a problem anymore(especially these days), but the feeling is still there. Even when now the variations in Liam's repertoire are eat, gas, other bodily functions, and sleep, I still can't wait to get home.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Economics of Advice
When K- and I first learned that Liam was coming, we were surprised to learn that he came with a membership in the Baby Club. If you are not familiar, the moment you are going to have a child you are inducted into a semi-secret club of other parents and honorary members. One of the perks of belonging to the club is that other people take a surprising interest in your mundane day-to-day activities. Another perk is advice.
In economics, everything is supposed to follow the law of supply and demand. It would seem that advice follows this law perfectly - everyone has advice and therefore no one takes it.
However, a wrinkle comes in when you bring in questions of value - not all advice is created equal. Economics says, if someone wanted to give you a 42 inch plasma TV (instead of your 13 inch B/W), you would take it. However, with advice (especially with new parents), this doesn't seem to be the case. Even when people want advice, an impervious force field seems to go up. Over a bottle last night, Liam has offered a couple of hypotheses:
1. The advice simply isn't good. For example, when K- was told by a Lactation Consultant that she should breast feed, because formula makes babies stink more and it is hard to love a crying, stinky baby.
I told Liam that this really doesn't violate any ideas of value. He cried like a baby and then offered . . .
2. Another hypothesis is that the advisee is not ready. In the case of new parents, the fog (a cocktail of crying baby, lack of sleep, and daytime TV) blocks all words except your,baby,is,perfect or any permutations. In other words, context creates value.
Liam sucked a little more on his bottle, getting sleepy, and then bolted up . . .
3. Another possibility is that the advisee doesn't want to admit they don't have all the answers. In the case of new parents, Liam offered, this is all the more relevant, because who wants the connotations of being (at the very least) an unfit parent and (at the very worst) being Micheal Keaton in Mr. Mom. In other words, motivation creates value.
I know the Nobel Prize in Economics was annonced last week and Liam was only 5 days old, but I really think the committee should reconsider Phelps' prize. Liam . . . Nobel Laureate, it has a lovely ring.
When K- and I first learned that Liam was coming, we were surprised to learn that he came with a membership in the Baby Club. If you are not familiar, the moment you are going to have a child you are inducted into a semi-secret club of other parents and honorary members. One of the perks of belonging to the club is that other people take a surprising interest in your mundane day-to-day activities. Another perk is advice.
In economics, everything is supposed to follow the law of supply and demand. It would seem that advice follows this law perfectly - everyone has advice and therefore no one takes it.
However, a wrinkle comes in when you bring in questions of value - not all advice is created equal. Economics says, if someone wanted to give you a 42 inch plasma TV (instead of your 13 inch B/W), you would take it. However, with advice (especially with new parents), this doesn't seem to be the case. Even when people want advice, an impervious force field seems to go up. Over a bottle last night, Liam has offered a couple of hypotheses:
1. The advice simply isn't good. For example, when K- was told by a Lactation Consultant that she should breast feed, because formula makes babies stink more and it is hard to love a crying, stinky baby.
I told Liam that this really doesn't violate any ideas of value. He cried like a baby and then offered . . .
2. Another hypothesis is that the advisee is not ready. In the case of new parents, the fog (a cocktail of crying baby, lack of sleep, and daytime TV) blocks all words except your,baby,is,perfect or any permutations. In other words, context creates value.
Liam sucked a little more on his bottle, getting sleepy, and then bolted up . . .
3. Another possibility is that the advisee doesn't want to admit they don't have all the answers. In the case of new parents, Liam offered, this is all the more relevant, because who wants the connotations of being (at the very least) an unfit parent and (at the very worst) being Micheal Keaton in Mr. Mom. In other words, motivation creates value.
I know the Nobel Prize in Economics was annonced last week and Liam was only 5 days old, but I really think the committee should reconsider Phelps' prize. Liam . . . Nobel Laureate, it has a lovely ring.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
First Moments of Liam
Here are some of the photos from Liam's first few minutes in the world:
Here are some of the photos from Liam's first few minutes in the world:
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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Words are weak.
After 5 days of Liam, I feel now that the universe has opened itself up and all mysteries have been revealed.
Actually, in all seriousness, I am surprised at how very little myth and magic there has been to having Liam. Watching sit-coms and Hollywood movies for my queues (where I always go to learn life lessons), you get the sense that having a child plunges you into constant (and often hilarious) crisis or stupefying wonder. The same is true of the stories that are offered by your loved friends and family and the random person in line at the supermarket. However, these magical myths haven't seemed to fit the past days. Just like Hollywood childbirth is only a blur of fast-driving, heavy-panting, screaming, and then crying baby, these stories seem to cut out the long, quiet (some might say boring bits).
You can't fault the storyteller (no one likes a boring story). You really can't fault the stories either (you can only do so much with words). Stories really don't give the experience of time justice. It is terribly confounding and also delightful to live something that doesn't (because it can't) be put into words. All we can do is take a page from Liam and watch what is going on around us - with or without fireworks.
In a constant effort to bring you Liam in all forms (and to give you something to watch). Here is video of Liam as he tries to master the power of the pacifier:
[The video seemed to render a little dark on You Tube. Sorry in advance if it is dark on your computer.]
After 5 days of Liam, I feel now that the universe has opened itself up and all mysteries have been revealed.
Actually, in all seriousness, I am surprised at how very little myth and magic there has been to having Liam. Watching sit-coms and Hollywood movies for my queues (where I always go to learn life lessons), you get the sense that having a child plunges you into constant (and often hilarious) crisis or stupefying wonder. The same is true of the stories that are offered by your loved friends and family and the random person in line at the supermarket. However, these magical myths haven't seemed to fit the past days. Just like Hollywood childbirth is only a blur of fast-driving, heavy-panting, screaming, and then crying baby, these stories seem to cut out the long, quiet (some might say boring bits).
You can't fault the storyteller (no one likes a boring story). You really can't fault the stories either (you can only do so much with words). Stories really don't give the experience of time justice. It is terribly confounding and also delightful to live something that doesn't (because it can't) be put into words. All we can do is take a page from Liam and watch what is going on around us - with or without fireworks.
In a constant effort to bring you Liam in all forms (and to give you something to watch). Here is video of Liam as he tries to master the power of the pacifier:
[The video seemed to render a little dark on You Tube. Sorry in advance if it is dark on your computer.]
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
On perspective
One of the primary themes of all the conversations I had during the past 9 months is how everything changes when you have a child. I have to admit that (as a hold out from more idealistic and more cavalier times) my inner voice said throughout these conversations, "no joke." However, nothing illustrated that theme better than today.
As I mentioned in my last post, Liam had a rough night last night. Come to find out that it was due to the problems he has had with feeding (this is your time to say, "no joke.") After a morning of more of the same, K-'s excellent intuition had her call the doctor and they asked us to come in. Long story short, they gave us some much better strategies for feeding and gave us a focus - a wet diaper.
While this was already a goal we were discharged from the hospital, today it became our soul focus. When I watched TV, it was like it wasn't on. I went to Target and can't remember what I bought for us. On the way back from Target, I stopped at a stop light where the Lincoln next to me had an older woman at the wheel and a 3-4 foot Iguana on the dash - okay, that got my attention. When the wet diaper happened around 6, it was like winning the war, the world series, and the Oscars all at the same time. Strong work, Liam.
New pictures - Proud parents, this time.
One of the primary themes of all the conversations I had during the past 9 months is how everything changes when you have a child. I have to admit that (as a hold out from more idealistic and more cavalier times) my inner voice said throughout these conversations, "no joke." However, nothing illustrated that theme better than today.
As I mentioned in my last post, Liam had a rough night last night. Come to find out that it was due to the problems he has had with feeding (this is your time to say, "no joke.") After a morning of more of the same, K-'s excellent intuition had her call the doctor and they asked us to come in. Long story short, they gave us some much better strategies for feeding and gave us a focus - a wet diaper.
While this was already a goal we were discharged from the hospital, today it became our soul focus. When I watched TV, it was like it wasn't on. I went to Target and can't remember what I bought for us. On the way back from Target, I stopped at a stop light where the Lincoln next to me had an older woman at the wheel and a 3-4 foot Iguana on the dash - okay, that got my attention. When the wet diaper happened around 6, it was like winning the war, the world series, and the Oscars all at the same time. Strong work, Liam.
New pictures - Proud parents, this time.
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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
First night at home.
Our first night at home is finishing up and I would be lying if I said it was easy. K- and I had it fairly good at the hospital. The first night Liam was quiet all night. The second night we had a very nice nurse that took care of Liam in the nursery and brought him back for feedings. We offered to take her home with Liam, but she demurred.
Despite Liam's problems with sleeping, K- and I are starting to get a rhythm going, so that we can both get some sleep. It should only get better today. If you talk to K-, first tell her she is beautiful (anyone who says different is fixing for a fight), that she is the best Mom in the world (or fight again), and then tell her to take a nap.
As promised, here is the next installment of photos - the first, much appreciated visit at the hospital by Meemaw, Peepaw, Aunt L, Aunt J, and Uncle D.
Our first night at home is finishing up and I would be lying if I said it was easy. K- and I had it fairly good at the hospital. The first night Liam was quiet all night. The second night we had a very nice nurse that took care of Liam in the nursery and brought him back for feedings. We offered to take her home with Liam, but she demurred.
Despite Liam's problems with sleeping, K- and I are starting to get a rhythm going, so that we can both get some sleep. It should only get better today. If you talk to K-, first tell her she is beautiful (anyone who says different is fixing for a fight), that she is the best Mom in the world (or fight again), and then tell her to take a nap.
As promised, here is the next installment of photos - the first, much appreciated visit at the hospital by Meemaw, Peepaw, Aunt L, Aunt J, and Uncle D.
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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
Monday, October 09, 2006
We're Home!
It is with great pleasure that I can tell you that K-, Liam, and I are home. L.V. is of course ecstatic to have a new friend and Liam is happy with his new digs (despite the face he is making in the photos below - its only gas).
All is well and K- and Liam are doing great. However, we are still getting sorted out. More pictures are coming as promised.
It is with great pleasure that I can tell you that K-, Liam, and I are home. L.V. is of course ecstatic to have a new friend and Liam is happy with his new digs (despite the face he is making in the photos below - its only gas).
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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
All is well and K- and Liam are doing great. However, we are still getting sorted out. More pictures are coming as promised.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Liam is here!
Short and sweet, because I have to get back to the hospital.
After 24 hours of labor and earning a lifetime of my respect, Kate gave birth to Liam at 9:20 Saturday, October 7th. He was 7 pounds, 3 ounces and 19 inches long. All are well and beautiful. Here are two pictures - more coming.
Short and sweet, because I have to get back to the hospital.
After 24 hours of labor and earning a lifetime of my respect, Kate gave birth to Liam at 9:20 Saturday, October 7th. He was 7 pounds, 3 ounces and 19 inches long. All are well and beautiful. Here are two pictures - more coming.
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| From Liam Birth |
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| From Liam Birth |
6 hours until Liam . . .
Reverse Psychology, Raspberry Leave tea, and the Full Moon all worked together to create a night of contractions for K-. It is 14 hours later, we are in the hospital and Liam is still holding on to the womb, but we are getting much closer. K- has been amazing, bearing some terrible pain and exhaustion with as much grace as is possible under the circumstances.
It has been a trying half-a-day for K, but K- now has the help of the epidermal and is able to sleep for an hour or two.
It is something that no one can prepare you for and that you can never really get used to - seeing a loved one feeling pain (even for a good cause) when you can do very little about. I think Stravinsky was right - birth is one of the most horrible and beautiful things.
Reverse Psychology, Raspberry Leave tea, and the Full Moon all worked together to create a night of contractions for K-. It is 14 hours later, we are in the hospital and Liam is still holding on to the womb, but we are getting much closer. K- has been amazing, bearing some terrible pain and exhaustion with as much grace as is possible under the circumstances.
It has been a trying half-a-day for K, but K- now has the help of the epidermal and is able to sleep for an hour or two.
It is something that no one can prepare you for and that you can never really get used to - seeing a loved one feeling pain (even for a good cause) when you can do very little about. I think Stravinsky was right - birth is one of the most horrible and beautiful things.
Friday, October 06, 2006
6 days until Liam . . .
I know, I know, today is the due date. Forget about that. We got a call from the doctor today. If Liam doesn't get with the get go, then medical science will. In the mean time, K- and I have began an additional tact - reverse psychology. K- has been asking Liam not to come this weekend, because we have a big vacation to Vegas. Whatever he does, Liam, well, you should hold off until we play the slots at The Venetian. The only wrinkle is if he can hear us or if he has a GPS in there. Nonetheless, we are running out of rabbits in this hat.
I know, I know, today is the due date. Forget about that. We got a call from the doctor today. If Liam doesn't get with the get go, then medical science will. In the mean time, K- and I have began an additional tact - reverse psychology. K- has been asking Liam not to come this weekend, because we have a big vacation to Vegas. Whatever he does, Liam, well, you should hold off until we play the slots at The Venetian. The only wrinkle is if he can hear us or if he has a GPS in there. Nonetheless, we are running out of rabbits in this hat.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Best laid plans . . .
K- had a doctor's appointment and, despite our best-laid plans, she did not have Liam. Our plan was that she was going to walk into her appointment today. After one look, the mid-wife was going to say, "You're ready." Upon which, K- was going to call me, walk across the street to Lakewood Hospital, wait approximately 30 minutes for me to get across town, and then have Lima. Instead, K- made a another appointment and we are back to the drawing board. One early favorite is K- drinking her weight in raspberry leave tea.
K- had a doctor's appointment and, despite our best-laid plans, she did not have Liam. Our plan was that she was going to walk into her appointment today. After one look, the mid-wife was going to say, "You're ready." Upon which, K- was going to call me, walk across the street to Lakewood Hospital, wait approximately 30 minutes for me to get across town, and then have Lima. Instead, K- made a another appointment and we are back to the drawing board. One early favorite is K- drinking her weight in raspberry leave tea.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Liam isn't here, but already improvements to the nursery
Liam is one lucky kid. Already, before his arrival, K- and I have taken it upon ourselves to make his stay even more comfortable. Last night, Kate and I got this amazing new material we ordered off the TV (Fed Ex is fantastic. We ordered it on Monday and it was already here on Tuesday.) The materials is meant to help Liam grow bigger by focusing energy into his rapidly growing new cells. We laid the material last night in his crib (see below), his carseat, and the changing table. We are just waiting for him to see how well it works. Liam is obviously not coming Fed Ex. He would have already been here.
Disclaimer: We don't actually believe in the energy-focusing powers of aluminum foil. We were more hoping it had cat-frightening qualities. I can sadly report that L.V. was comfortable sleeping and rustling in the car seat. L.V. is no fraidy-cat. I do believe he is slightly larger than yesterday. Maybe there is something to this. . .
Liam is one lucky kid. Already, before his arrival, K- and I have taken it upon ourselves to make his stay even more comfortable. Last night, Kate and I got this amazing new material we ordered off the TV (Fed Ex is fantastic. We ordered it on Monday and it was already here on Tuesday.) The materials is meant to help Liam grow bigger by focusing energy into his rapidly growing new cells. We laid the material last night in his crib (see below), his carseat, and the changing table. We are just waiting for him to see how well it works. Liam is obviously not coming Fed Ex. He would have already been here.
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| From Nursery |
Disclaimer: We don't actually believe in the energy-focusing powers of aluminum foil. We were more hoping it had cat-frightening qualities. I can sadly report that L.V. was comfortable sleeping and rustling in the car seat. L.V. is no fraidy-cat. I do believe he is slightly larger than yesterday. Maybe there is something to this. . .
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Pic of the nursery
Here it is - Hotel Liam. Open to the public for only a couple of more days.
Here it is - Hotel Liam. Open to the public for only a couple of more days.
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| From Nursery |
3 days before Liam . . .
And still no joy. Much to K-'s confusion, I have taken to yelling at her belly, "you get out of there" and shaking her up and down like you would a stocking on Christmas day. Some might argue that this is trauma more than encouragement, however, I would suggest a different take. Tomorrow is K- and mine's wedding anniversary and I believe (due to the lack of shopping in K-'s stomach) that Liam is a little embarrassed that he doesn't have anything for us. Either that or the little man is very cheap. In either case, we are rapidly approaching the land of late.
And still no joy. Much to K-'s confusion, I have taken to yelling at her belly, "you get out of there" and shaking her up and down like you would a stocking on Christmas day. Some might argue that this is trauma more than encouragement, however, I would suggest a different take. Tomorrow is K- and mine's wedding anniversary and I believe (due to the lack of shopping in K-'s stomach) that Liam is a little embarrassed that he doesn't have anything for us. Either that or the little man is very cheap. In either case, we are rapidly approaching the land of late.
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