Today our son is 24 weeks old. And this is his last day of 2004. I'm still sick and I have no intention of going outside, even though it's not too cold today. i would still prefer to recuperate a little more.
I have a bad infection in my lungs and my sinuses. If I'm not careful I could end up in the hospital with pneumonia. It's happened twice before.
This is will be our first New Year's as a family. Although I'm just gonna be resting for the most part.
It's a bit disheartening to learn that Dick Clark is still only human.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Yet one more sick day
I called in sick today because last night I spent way too much time coughing and way too little time sleeping.
I spent alot of my day sleeping. Nyquil just knocks me out. My wife went out to a family friend to help her with her computer. Unfortunately I had to go pick her up and I had to go out. It wasn't very cold but cold enough to make me uncomfortable.
I got them home and I went straight to sleep.
I spent alot of my day sleeping. Nyquil just knocks me out. My wife went out to a family friend to help her with her computer. Unfortunately I had to go pick her up and I had to go out. It wasn't very cold but cold enough to make me uncomfortable.
I got them home and I went straight to sleep.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
I dropped off my wife at our friends home home to help watch the babies (ours and theirs) and I went to work.
I'm still very sick and decided to go home early. I took a half day. I got as much accomplished as I could and came home.
My wife got a lift home from our friends since I preferred to stay home, she had dinner there and I slept. Our son had a good time anyways, he likes playing with the other kids.
I'm still very sick and decided to go home early. I took a half day. I got as much accomplished as I could and came home.
My wife got a lift home from our friends since I preferred to stay home, she had dinner there and I slept. Our son had a good time anyways, he likes playing with the other kids.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
It's freezing out there
I'm still sick but I went into the office today. I dropped off my wife after I cleaned off the car from the little snow that accumulated. It wasn't much but it was 16 degrees out and I felt miserable.
I learned that not much happened at the office on Friday and Monday. I managed to get some work done and I left early and picked up my wife from our friends house.
We managed to hit the highway just as more snow came down. Oh Yippee...
I learned that not much happened at the office on Friday and Monday. I managed to get some work done and I left early and picked up my wife from our friends house.
We managed to hit the highway just as more snow came down. Oh Yippee...
Monday, December 27, 2004
Sick day
I took the day off today because I still feel sick. I don't feel like doing anything today except veg out. Maybe it's the Nyquil and the Theraflu talking.
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Let it snow.
Sunday is my lazy day. I don't like to do much of anything on Sundays and today is no different. I watched television and watched it snow a little. The snow really didn't pick up until 4:00 or so in the afternoon.
I like snow but not so much when I have to drive. People seem to lose their sense when driving in adverse conditions.
I like snow but not so much when I have to drive. People seem to lose their sense when driving in adverse conditions.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Christmas Day
We went to my sister's place this Christmas, we had a nice day but we were very tired by the end of the day. We went home relatively early and went to sleep early.
We weren't going to impose on my sister to cook and we didn't feel like cooking at home so we ordered some Chinese food and watched A Christmas Story. It was running for 24 hours on TNT so watching it once wasn't such a bad thing.
Since I am still sick I'm crashing out early.
We weren't going to impose on my sister to cook and we didn't feel like cooking at home so we ordered some Chinese food and watched A Christmas Story. It was running for 24 hours on TNT so watching it once wasn't such a bad thing.
Since I am still sick I'm crashing out early.
Friday, December 24, 2004
Baby dates
On this Christmas Eve we look back to see our son is now 23 weeks old.
My how he has grown. He rolls around in bed while he sleeps. In the course of his sleep he will turn himself around 180 degrees with his head at the same position his feet were at the onset.
My how he has grown. He rolls around in bed while he sleeps. In the course of his sleep he will turn himself around 180 degrees with his head at the same position his feet were at the onset.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Anniversary of sorts
A year ago today, my wife had walked into the hospital for removal of cancerous tissue. She was sent home on Christmas Day.
I'm glad she had no complications and she is clear of any cancer. It was during this time that she was at her most vulnerable but she was also at her strongest.
I'm glad she had no complications and she is clear of any cancer. It was during this time that she was at her most vulnerable but she was also at her strongest.
Kids.com follow-up
I confirmed with Kids.com my letter has been received. They advised me they will return 2 pictures of our son they retained. They also advised our credit card will not be charged the $595.00 cost.
So far my credit card does not show the charge but it still remains as approved pending posting.
So far my credit card does not show the charge but it still remains as approved pending posting.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Finishing the tree
Tonight we finished ornamenting the tree. We topped it off with the angel.
I was stunned by my son. We held him up to the angel so he can get a good look at the tree and angel. Once he got a good look at the angel he was terrified by it. He clutched his hands in fists and shook all over as he shrieked.
That was the first time I ever saw him afraid of anything.
I was stunned by my son. We held him up to the angel so he can get a good look at the tree and angel. Once he got a good look at the angel he was terrified by it. He clutched his hands in fists and shook all over as he shrieked.
That was the first time I ever saw him afraid of anything.
Kids.com follow-up
Today my wife sent out the letter to Kids.Com announcing we will terminate our contract.
So far I have confirmed with our credit card company the charge is approved but not processed. Once it gets into the books I can fight it.
So far I have confirmed with our credit card company the charge is approved but not processed. Once it gets into the books I can fight it.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Our son the model?
About 3 or so months ago, we received a letter from a company called Kids.com. This letter was just a notice advising us they were notified about our son for modeling. We hemmed and hawed over it for some time.
I personally was concerned that it might be some scam. I did some online searches trying to see what they're really about. Their website looks genuine, but I really couldn't find out much about them, good or bad. We eventually called them and made an appointment to see them.
They gave us a soft sell, but a sell nonetheless. The bottom line is they wanted $595.00 for a five year deal of pictures, which breaks down to $119.00 a year for photos, not including a $20.00 seating fee which is not part of the $595.00, so the cost comes out to $159.00 a year for biannual photos.
When painted in that manner it seems rather reasonable. We gave them our credit card info for the payment. Everything is great.
On the way home, I'm feeling a little funny about the whole deal. Everyone thinks their kid is beautiful. I'm not gonna sit there and say that our son is head and shoulders above the other kids. I was just wondering did I just make a mistake? All I was thinking about is eventually scratching some funds together to send our son to college someday.
After we got home and situated I was e-mailed a website (Rip-off Report, something like that) link which basically had a long string of parents that paid money to Kids.com and got nothing for it, not one phone call.
I decided to enforce my cancellation option immediately. Per the contract we signed (1 page, no small print) we have 3 days to change our minds. We will send the letter tomorrow via next day mail.
I personally was concerned that it might be some scam. I did some online searches trying to see what they're really about. Their website looks genuine, but I really couldn't find out much about them, good or bad. We eventually called them and made an appointment to see them.
They gave us a soft sell, but a sell nonetheless. The bottom line is they wanted $595.00 for a five year deal of pictures, which breaks down to $119.00 a year for photos, not including a $20.00 seating fee which is not part of the $595.00, so the cost comes out to $159.00 a year for biannual photos.
When painted in that manner it seems rather reasonable. We gave them our credit card info for the payment. Everything is great.
On the way home, I'm feeling a little funny about the whole deal. Everyone thinks their kid is beautiful. I'm not gonna sit there and say that our son is head and shoulders above the other kids. I was just wondering did I just make a mistake? All I was thinking about is eventually scratching some funds together to send our son to college someday.
After we got home and situated I was e-mailed a website (Rip-off Report, something like that) link which basically had a long string of parents that paid money to Kids.com and got nothing for it, not one phone call.
I decided to enforce my cancellation option immediately. Per the contract we signed (1 page, no small print) we have 3 days to change our minds. We will send the letter tomorrow via next day mail.
Monday, December 20, 2004
Oh tannenbaum
Today we picked up a tree. Not a real one, mind you.
There wasn't a small enough tree available so we sprung for a small 6 foot tree. Originally my intention was to get a small 1 foot ceramic tree that we could place on the dinner table and that's that, but it didn't quite work out that way.
We got all the essentials: glass balls, ornaments, garland, lights and a angel to top off the tree instead of a star.
It took me about one and a half hours to put the tree together. I left the rest of the accessories for my wife to do. I have no patience for it.
There wasn't a small enough tree available so we sprung for a small 6 foot tree. Originally my intention was to get a small 1 foot ceramic tree that we could place on the dinner table and that's that, but it didn't quite work out that way.
We got all the essentials: glass balls, ornaments, garland, lights and a angel to top off the tree instead of a star.
It took me about one and a half hours to put the tree together. I left the rest of the accessories for my wife to do. I have no patience for it.
Amazon
On Friday, I ordered Original Series Star Trek season two and Lord of the Rings: Return of the King as well as two CD's, a Christmas disc and a Sting disc. I placed the order late that night so I didn't expect the package until Wednesday.
It came today. I was very surprised considering the volume of packages that must be delivered throughout this season.
Pleasant surprise.
It came today. I was very surprised considering the volume of packages that must be delivered throughout this season.
Pleasant surprise.
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Sunday visit
We stepped out to my wife's half-sister's mother (Wife #1 in her father's family tree). It was slightly raining when we got to her house. After a few hours there her house warmed up considerably. I was wearing a fleece shirt and the sweat was just pouring off me.
My wife's oldest half-sister and her daughter stopped by to see us, or rather see the baby and see us. She gave our son a Baby Einstein puppet and he loved it. After about an hour the two left.
We had a great Roast Beef dinner and enjoyed a tasty Italian Cheesecake we brought over for dessert.
When we left six hours later it was snowing and very cold. With the heat of the house baking me the cold was VERY cold. I don't usually run the heat in the car at full blast but I had no choice, I was freezing.
Our son slept throughout the car ride and was so tired he slept through my taking him out of the car seat and placing him in the stroller once we got home.
My wife's oldest half-sister and her daughter stopped by to see us, or rather see the baby and see us. She gave our son a Baby Einstein puppet and he loved it. After about an hour the two left.
We had a great Roast Beef dinner and enjoyed a tasty Italian Cheesecake we brought over for dessert.
When we left six hours later it was snowing and very cold. With the heat of the house baking me the cold was VERY cold. I don't usually run the heat in the car at full blast but I had no choice, I was freezing.
Our son slept throughout the car ride and was so tired he slept through my taking him out of the car seat and placing him in the stroller once we got home.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Saturday
We went out to Babies R Us to pick up a new Snuggly for the baby since he quickly outgrew his first one. We picked up a different brand name, of course it was the most expensive one they carried since it was the only one to provide lumbar back support. My wife is very happy with the purchase.
Also today, we went out to pick up the blinds that my wife and her mother ordered last week. They were a set for the bathroom, a set for the kitchen and as replacement set of vanes for the living room blinds. It was pretty quick and easy to install. Once we installed them my wife felt relief since she wanted to replace those blinds for some time.
Also today, we went out to pick up the blinds that my wife and her mother ordered last week. They were a set for the bathroom, a set for the kitchen and as replacement set of vanes for the living room blinds. It was pretty quick and easy to install. Once we installed them my wife felt relief since she wanted to replace those blinds for some time.
Friday, December 17, 2004
Baby dates
Today he is 22 weeks old. I'll be much more happier when I can refer to my son in years and months rather than weeks. I don't know when that line is crossed but I'll have to keep an eye out for it.
He's really teething alot too, drool everywhere. He's been particularly cranky lately. It must be the gums.
He's really teething alot too, drool everywhere. He's been particularly cranky lately. It must be the gums.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Doctor Visit
We took our son for a follow up visit with a different Neurologist since we did not like the first one we consulted. Plus this is three months later.
We had a 2:30 appointment. I got us to the office by 2:15. I filled out the required paperwork and paid my insurance co-pay and sat and waited. And waited. And waited.
After 1 hour I have had enough and talk to the receptionists. They were not very interested in easing my stress levels and frankly they couldn't care less. I got them to give my my co-pay back and told my wife, "Let's get out of here, this is ridiculous!". My main point of contention is, if I make an appointment for 2:30 I expect to be seen at 2:30, not 3:30. Why bother to make appointments if you end up sitting around anyways!!!
My wife, of course is alot more easy going than I am. She calmed me down and made me wait. Another 15 minutes passed and we eventually saw the Neurologist. She seemed like a pleasant person, it's just that I wasn't.
After a brief interview and examination of our son she determined that our son did not require physical therapy let alone a helmet.
We kept our son sleeping on his left side instead of his right side and I have to admit that I have seen a noticable difference. I'm not saying the first Neurologist was wrong, but I am saying that he was taking an aggressive and immediate approach to the process. I felt too rushed, which made me feel there was something not right in the decision of a helmet and therapy.
My thinking is since the baby was only a few months old, there wasn't a significant portion of data to base a decision on. It's hard to make a decision on something that will affect a child long-term if you only have 3 months of data to base it on.
On the other hand, if it didn't work out, I'd be the bad guy since I chose to take a slower, less restrictive, more pedestrian method to help my son.
We had a 2:30 appointment. I got us to the office by 2:15. I filled out the required paperwork and paid my insurance co-pay and sat and waited. And waited. And waited.
After 1 hour I have had enough and talk to the receptionists. They were not very interested in easing my stress levels and frankly they couldn't care less. I got them to give my my co-pay back and told my wife, "Let's get out of here, this is ridiculous!". My main point of contention is, if I make an appointment for 2:30 I expect to be seen at 2:30, not 3:30. Why bother to make appointments if you end up sitting around anyways!!!
My wife, of course is alot more easy going than I am. She calmed me down and made me wait. Another 15 minutes passed and we eventually saw the Neurologist. She seemed like a pleasant person, it's just that I wasn't.
After a brief interview and examination of our son she determined that our son did not require physical therapy let alone a helmet.
We kept our son sleeping on his left side instead of his right side and I have to admit that I have seen a noticable difference. I'm not saying the first Neurologist was wrong, but I am saying that he was taking an aggressive and immediate approach to the process. I felt too rushed, which made me feel there was something not right in the decision of a helmet and therapy.
My thinking is since the baby was only a few months old, there wasn't a significant portion of data to base a decision on. It's hard to make a decision on something that will affect a child long-term if you only have 3 months of data to base it on.
On the other hand, if it didn't work out, I'd be the bad guy since I chose to take a slower, less restrictive, more pedestrian method to help my son.
Mom goes home
My mother-in-law goes home today. I tried to get everyone to get their act together so we have no last minute scrambling since there will be a car waiting for her downstairs.
We have no room in the car to drop her off, the new car seat we picked up for the baby requires me to push up the front passenger seat to the point no one can fit in. That coupled with the stroller occupying the majority of the trunk space does not look good for offering people rides.
Mom-in-law will call us when she lands, we figure with the holidays security will be somewhat tight.
We have no room in the car to drop her off, the new car seat we picked up for the baby requires me to push up the front passenger seat to the point no one can fit in. That coupled with the stroller occupying the majority of the trunk space does not look good for offering people rides.
Mom-in-law will call us when she lands, we figure with the holidays security will be somewhat tight.
Post Office
I went to the post office to pick up stamps and a package that was waiting for us.
You can imagine my frustration when I walked into the post office. A line of approximately 25 people filled the sizable room and a bank of 8 windoss only had 2 postal workers addressing everyone's needs.
An hour later I walk out of the post office with 1 roll of stamps. 5 books of holiday stamps and a package from my wife's sister to her.
Last time I needed stamps and ordered them online and received them within 3 days. I think I will stick to that method, it certainly kept my stress levels low.
You can imagine my frustration when I walked into the post office. A line of approximately 25 people filled the sizable room and a bank of 8 windoss only had 2 postal workers addressing everyone's needs.
An hour later I walk out of the post office with 1 roll of stamps. 5 books of holiday stamps and a package from my wife's sister to her.
Last time I needed stamps and ordered them online and received them within 3 days. I think I will stick to that method, it certainly kept my stress levels low.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Last night of trip
This is my mother-in-law's last day of her visit with us. She helped out quite a bit. While she helped out last time, my wife and her mother had a bit of a confrontational time her last visit.
There was a little stress on this visit but nowhere near the last time. We had a salad with chicken for dinner. We were concerned throughout this visit on her mom's diet since she is limited on what she can eat. She does however, seem to be able to eat anything she wants.
There was a little stress on this visit but nowhere near the last time. We had a salad with chicken for dinner. We were concerned throughout this visit on her mom's diet since she is limited on what she can eat. She does however, seem to be able to eat anything she wants.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Nice Sunday revisited
My wife's mom joined us today in church. She is a Mormon and we're Catholic so she noticed a difference in how the faiths function. She seemed interested, I'm not certain since we didn't really discuss it.
After church my wife and her mom went out for brunch and I took the baby home. After that we just cleaned around the house a bit and had a little Chinese food for dinner.
After church my wife and her mom went out for brunch and I took the baby home. After that we just cleaned around the house a bit and had a little Chinese food for dinner.
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Saturday
We made our weekly trip to Babies R Us, and stopped off at Old Navy and picked up a few things. One of the few times we actually got something that wasn't for the baby. Makes me laugh that we have totally changed our frame of thinking instantaneously since the baby came about.
My wife and her mom went out today and ordered new blinds for our kitchen, bathroom and living room. We were told that the blinds would be ready for pick-up next week.
It's interesting to stop and see that time flies by so fast when you take care of a baby. We went to Babies R Us in the morning and the girls went for blinds in the evening and I can't remember what we did in between.
My wife and her mom went out today and ordered new blinds for our kitchen, bathroom and living room. We were told that the blinds would be ready for pick-up next week.
It's interesting to stop and see that time flies by so fast when you take care of a baby. We went to Babies R Us in the morning and the girls went for blinds in the evening and I can't remember what we did in between.
Friday, December 10, 2004
Baby dates
Today our son is 21 weeks old. He now holds his chest up when he's on his stomach. He also has started reaching for his bottle when you hold it out.
The biggest change we've noticed is that he reaches out for us when he needs to be held.
The biggest change we've noticed is that he reaches out for us when he needs to be held.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Mom stops by
My mother-in-law has come in for a week to spend time with us and the baby. She flew in late last night, got to us at about 11:30 p.m.
Doctor Visit
My wife has another chiropractor visit today. She's feeling a little better but it's been several weeks now and I'm starting to feel that the doctor's may be doing more harm than good.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Doctor Visit
I had a doctor's appointment today, he took blood to check my A1C levels.
I stopped taking my diabetes medication a couple of months ago because my blood sugar levels were running about 50 or so with the medication. Now I've been running 130 to 150 without the medication.
My doctor thinks that perhaps stress had affected me, we'll find out.
I stopped taking my diabetes medication a couple of months ago because my blood sugar levels were running about 50 or so with the medication. Now I've been running 130 to 150 without the medication.
My doctor thinks that perhaps stress had affected me, we'll find out.
Monday, December 06, 2004
Doctor Visit
We had an emergency visit with my wife's OB/GYN today, she started having her period again over the weekend and she was nervous because the coloring was extremely dark.
Some friends she called told her it was fine but she felt more comfortable after seeing the doctor and knowing for certain that there is nothing wrong.
We have dinner with family friends tonight. Hopefully we won't get home too late, I too need sleep.
Some friends she called told her it was fine but she felt more comfortable after seeing the doctor and knowing for certain that there is nothing wrong.
We have dinner with family friends tonight. Hopefully we won't get home too late, I too need sleep.
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Her friend returns
It looks like my wife has started menstruating again, she's nervous because the coloration is very dark.
She's called a few female friends that have had about 8 children between them and they assure her that everything is normal.
She's worried that she's not breastfeeding our son enough and will slowly cease to create breastmilk.
She's called a few female friends that have had about 8 children between them and they assure her that everything is normal.
She's worried that she's not breastfeeding our son enough and will slowly cease to create breastmilk.
Dad takes over today
My wife is still experiencing pain and since this is a Saturday I took over on baby duty so my wife can rest.
Our son was particularly cranky today. I went through my mental checklist of what might be wrong and it eventually turned out he was hungry.
I fed him and then helped him get to sleep so he can nap. Our son is constantly fighting his need for sleep. I hold him in my arms and pat and rub his butt until he nods off. It usually works within five minutes and today was no different.
He's sleeping soundly right now.
Our son was particularly cranky today. I went through my mental checklist of what might be wrong and it eventually turned out he was hungry.
I fed him and then helped him get to sleep so he can nap. Our son is constantly fighting his need for sleep. I hold him in my arms and pat and rub his butt until he nods off. It usually works within five minutes and today was no different.
He's sleeping soundly right now.
Friday, December 03, 2004
Baby dates
Our son is now 20 weeks old. He has grown quite a bit, seeing his pictures over time it's amazing to see. He's almost sitting up on his own.
He still doesn't like laying down on his stomach though. I think he needs to work that out in order to crawl and build his neck strength.
He still doesn't like laying down on his stomach though. I think he needs to work that out in order to crawl and build his neck strength.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Long way from home
Today was a horror show in getting home. Traffic everywhere. The heavy rains from the morning turned to heavy winds in the evening. My normal 45 minute ride turned into an hour and 40 minutes.
I picked up my wife and we had a nice beef stew dinner at our friends home. We headed home shortly after dinner since everyone was tired.
I picked up my wife and we had a nice beef stew dinner at our friends home. We headed home shortly after dinner since everyone was tired.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Hold off
My wife didn't go to Mommy & Me yesterday or today. Yesterday because of her chiropractor's appointment and today because she's helping out our friend at home, her kids are sick and she can use a hand.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Update
My wife called me, she went to see a doctor around the corner from the chiropractor who prescribed her anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers. He pointed out to her the chiropractor's work will be for nothing if she doesn't allieviate the swelling of the trapezius muscle.
I'm not sure about the spelling on trapezius but I don't bother with small things like dictionaries.
She feels better about seeing a doctor since she is getting desperate about getting the pain to subside.
I'm not sure about the spelling on trapezius but I don't bother with small things like dictionaries.
She feels better about seeing a doctor since she is getting desperate about getting the pain to subside.
Still there is pain
My wife is still in pain. She has a 3rd chiropractor appointment, she is very upset now since she is receiving little relief.
Monday, November 29, 2004
Monday back
We had a busy day at the office since it was our first day back from the holiday weekend.
My wife had another appointment with the chiropractor and hopefully she'll start feeling much better soon.
We're so tired that we had a simple dinner: salad with roasted chicken and rolls.
My wife had another appointment with the chiropractor and hopefully she'll start feeling much better soon.
We're so tired that we had a simple dinner: salad with roasted chicken and rolls.
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Lazy Sunday
My wife and son did not wake up until 2:00 p.m. today. They both slept for some time. I just let them sleep since I had some time to do some bookkeeping and check writing.
She's back
My wife got home about 2:00 a.m. and she was tired. Our son was asleep and woke up as soon as she walked in the door. He didn't fall back asleep until 5:00 a.m.
My wife took over watching our son since I was so tired I was falling asleep on the couch.
My wife had a good time out but didn't drink as much. I guess guys do the hanging out thing differently. If my friends and I were out at a bar for 3 or 4 hours we would have been slightly hammered, well, probably more than slightly.
My wife took over watching our son since I was so tired I was falling asleep on the couch.
My wife had a good time out but didn't drink as much. I guess guys do the hanging out thing differently. If my friends and I were out at a bar for 3 or 4 hours we would have been slightly hammered, well, probably more than slightly.
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Girls night out
My wife went with some friends for girls night out. This is her first night with friends partying since having the baby. She's hoping that it will help her loosen up the muscles in her neck.
I just want her to have a good night out with friends.
I just want her to have a good night out with friends.
Friday, November 26, 2004
The day after
My wife is has been experiencing sharp pains in her neck on her right hand side for some time. I took her to the emergency ward on Wednesday night. The doctor gave her an anti-inflammatory - Toradol to help but it didn't do much for her. She went to a Chiropractor today to see if he can do anything to ease her pain. She can't really move much right now.
I think it will take some time before she can feel any results. The chiropractor said she should get several treatments over the next two or three months.
I think it will take some time before she can feel any results. The chiropractor said she should get several treatments over the next two or three months.
Baby dates
Today our son is 19 weeks old. The doctor is qualifying him as 4 1/2 months old. I would have figured he'd be 5 months next week but I don't know much nowadays. My wife needs to see a doctor, she's in pain, her neck and back are really hurting her. At the hospital the doctor said it's her trapezius muscle that's aggravating her.
Holding the baby while she's breastfeeding is causing her the most pain lately.
Holding the baby while she's breastfeeding is causing her the most pain lately.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Thanksgiving
We had dinner at a family friend of my wife's family. I was worried about the roads because it was raining pretty much the entire day but by the time we left the rain tapered off and the cold weather came in.
Our son was the main event. Everyone there just loved our son. Our son does well with strangers, he doesn’t get terrified and always smiles.He was well behaved and slept on and off.
We had a great traditional meal – turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potato mash, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie. All the stuff that makes the holiday.
We had a great time and left somewhat early to get home before we hit any major traffic. It turned out to be a nice easy ride.
Our son was the main event. Everyone there just loved our son. Our son does well with strangers, he doesn’t get terrified and always smiles.He was well behaved and slept on and off.
We had a great traditional meal – turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potato mash, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie. All the stuff that makes the holiday.
We had a great time and left somewhat early to get home before we hit any major traffic. It turned out to be a nice easy ride.
Baby's First Thanksgiving
On this day we have much to be thankful for.
I'm thankful for...........:
my wife is free of cancer.
we have a healthy baby boy.
I am still employed through all the time I had to take off to take my wife to doctors and care for her.
my diabetes is under control through diet and I don't require insulin shots.
we have a home.
I'm thankful for...........:
my wife is free of cancer.
we have a healthy baby boy.
I am still employed through all the time I had to take off to take my wife to doctors and care for her.
my diabetes is under control through diet and I don't require insulin shots.
we have a home.
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Dan Rather to sign off
Dan Rather announced yesterday he is retiring as TV newscaster for CBS. This morning's NYC Daily News and NYC Post seems to attribute this to the forged documents dealing with President Bush's National Guard service.
Rather was scheduled to retire in 2006 when his contract was complete with a 25 year tenure, this early departure cuts reduces this count to 24. If indeed CBS had a hand in this decision due to integrity of the story as the Republican juggernaut bore down on the case with a ton a bricks it would be a shame to end his career in this manner.
There is one thing that was totally ignored throughout the entire forged documents hysteria: The documents were false but the story was true!!! The White House never denied the facts stated, only the medium through which the facts were presented.
Psychologically speaking by vociferously denying the authenticity of the documents, average people listening to the denials just attributed the falsity of the documents to the words the documents contained. By not defending the story completely they allowed the pundits and spin doctors to socially engineer the story to be nomething short of collusion with the Democratic Party.
Of course this is politics we're talking about so it's not totally inconceivable to believe that the story was provided as it was to debunk it. How best to hide the truth than out in the open?
I guess the old saying is true: The winners write History, the losers, Propaganda.
Rather was scheduled to retire in 2006 when his contract was complete with a 25 year tenure, this early departure cuts reduces this count to 24. If indeed CBS had a hand in this decision due to integrity of the story as the Republican juggernaut bore down on the case with a ton a bricks it would be a shame to end his career in this manner.
There is one thing that was totally ignored throughout the entire forged documents hysteria: The documents were false but the story was true!!! The White House never denied the facts stated, only the medium through which the facts were presented.
Psychologically speaking by vociferously denying the authenticity of the documents, average people listening to the denials just attributed the falsity of the documents to the words the documents contained. By not defending the story completely they allowed the pundits and spin doctors to socially engineer the story to be nomething short of collusion with the Democratic Party.
Of course this is politics we're talking about so it's not totally inconceivable to believe that the story was provided as it was to debunk it. How best to hide the truth than out in the open?
I guess the old saying is true: The winners write History, the losers, Propaganda.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Counting to 40 - Part II
As a child, the days we would go out to the movies was a magical event. An afternoon matinee would cost $1.75. After I pass the ticket taker I would walk up to the concession counter and pick a bucket of freshly made popcorn and have them smear it with semi-real butter, extra butter. I would order a large soda and occassionally Juju Bees. Those three items would cost approximately $4.00.
With movie viewing snacks in hand I was free to walk into the theater proper and take a seat. It wouldn't matter if the film was midway through or not, the ushers wouldn't throw me out, I was free to see the film as often as I would like. But I would sit and love to see the previews of films that won't come to the theaters for 6 months or so.
I'd sit down and look at the 75 foot screen. A mammoth window into escapism, designed to entertain hundreds of people at once, only one film would play in this building at any given time. I might see a double feature but I only have one choice. If I really liked the film chances are I could see it again 2 or 3 weeks later.
Films were not made and distributed in great volume, a new movie would be released once a month or every other month. In there you would see a star-studded drama, an adventure epic or a B-movie destined to be a shlock classic.
Once the film was off the theater circuit you would have to wait for it to hit network television, other venues were not vastly available.
Things have changed dramatically since then.
Theaters show as few as four films and as many as 16 films in multiple mini-theaters.
A ticket now costs you $10.00 and it's good only for the time of showing. Ushers will tell you you have to leave the theater. If you want to see the film again you have to buy another ticket.
Snack variety has increased as has the cost: popcorn (not fresh but pre-popped), hotdogs, nachos, ice cream, soda, water, candy in a box and candy by the pound; an average cost of $3.00 or $4.00 for each item is not unheard of.
A film's shelf life is now measured in weeks rather than months. The day of a film like Star Wars to play in a theater for over a year is over. Turnover is the rule. A film makes it's money in the first three weeks of release, anything more is unanticipated and anything less gets the film pulled for a rush release to international screens, Cable pay-per-view, DVD/VHS sales and rentals, cable premium movie service broadcast, network broadcast television and finally the "Deluxe" edition of DVD release.
The amount of money now expended for marketing is enormous. It is measured in hundreds of millions of dollars. Summer blockbusters, fast food tie-ins, merchandising, product placement, making-of specials on cable channels, talk show junkets and MTV Movie Awards plugs.
It's a troubling change that has come about films and movie theaters. Assuming the average family consists of two adults and two children, does the average family routinely go to the movies at a cost of $60.00-$80.00 for a 90-120 minute experience? Is it appropriate to subject a patron to commercials in the theater as they wait for the film to start playing?
Movie theaters will continue to evolve and adjust their means and ways. Their ultimate goal is to make a visit to a theater a daylong event: play at the video games in between the multiple movies you purchased tickets for, visit the souvenier shop to purchase past movie memorabilia and present licensed merchandise, buy your favorite movies, take home a DVD of your family performing their favorite scene from a movie or television show at the in-house filming center, take part in trivia games where you can win materials from the souvenier shop. Concession stands will be replace with food courts where you can get anything from popcorn to take out food.
Imagine a mall with a theater, but it's the theater that's the mall where you wander through the many shops in between films. But you have to buy your tickets to enjoy the ride.
With movie viewing snacks in hand I was free to walk into the theater proper and take a seat. It wouldn't matter if the film was midway through or not, the ushers wouldn't throw me out, I was free to see the film as often as I would like. But I would sit and love to see the previews of films that won't come to the theaters for 6 months or so.
I'd sit down and look at the 75 foot screen. A mammoth window into escapism, designed to entertain hundreds of people at once, only one film would play in this building at any given time. I might see a double feature but I only have one choice. If I really liked the film chances are I could see it again 2 or 3 weeks later.
Films were not made and distributed in great volume, a new movie would be released once a month or every other month. In there you would see a star-studded drama, an adventure epic or a B-movie destined to be a shlock classic.
Once the film was off the theater circuit you would have to wait for it to hit network television, other venues were not vastly available.
Things have changed dramatically since then.
Theaters show as few as four films and as many as 16 films in multiple mini-theaters.
A ticket now costs you $10.00 and it's good only for the time of showing. Ushers will tell you you have to leave the theater. If you want to see the film again you have to buy another ticket.
Snack variety has increased as has the cost: popcorn (not fresh but pre-popped), hotdogs, nachos, ice cream, soda, water, candy in a box and candy by the pound; an average cost of $3.00 or $4.00 for each item is not unheard of.
A film's shelf life is now measured in weeks rather than months. The day of a film like Star Wars to play in a theater for over a year is over. Turnover is the rule. A film makes it's money in the first three weeks of release, anything more is unanticipated and anything less gets the film pulled for a rush release to international screens, Cable pay-per-view, DVD/VHS sales and rentals, cable premium movie service broadcast, network broadcast television and finally the "Deluxe" edition of DVD release.
The amount of money now expended for marketing is enormous. It is measured in hundreds of millions of dollars. Summer blockbusters, fast food tie-ins, merchandising, product placement, making-of specials on cable channels, talk show junkets and MTV Movie Awards plugs.
It's a troubling change that has come about films and movie theaters. Assuming the average family consists of two adults and two children, does the average family routinely go to the movies at a cost of $60.00-$80.00 for a 90-120 minute experience? Is it appropriate to subject a patron to commercials in the theater as they wait for the film to start playing?
Movie theaters will continue to evolve and adjust their means and ways. Their ultimate goal is to make a visit to a theater a daylong event: play at the video games in between the multiple movies you purchased tickets for, visit the souvenier shop to purchase past movie memorabilia and present licensed merchandise, buy your favorite movies, take home a DVD of your family performing their favorite scene from a movie or television show at the in-house filming center, take part in trivia games where you can win materials from the souvenier shop. Concession stands will be replace with food courts where you can get anything from popcorn to take out food.
Imagine a mall with a theater, but it's the theater that's the mall where you wander through the many shops in between films. But you have to buy your tickets to enjoy the ride.
In review
It's been a year since I've started this and alot has happened during that period.
Our lives have changed dramatically in a good way. The responsibility of caring for a small human being that is so dependant on you is at times overwhelming.
Until I got together with my wife I only thought about myself and didn't consider the impact of decisions. Now I am constantly weighing my choices of what I do or say and how it affects my wife and son.
At times it's unsettling. But I am also aware as to how aimless my life had been before my wife. She saved me.
Bah! Enough blathering.
Our lives have changed dramatically in a good way. The responsibility of caring for a small human being that is so dependant on you is at times overwhelming.
Until I got together with my wife I only thought about myself and didn't consider the impact of decisions. Now I am constantly weighing my choices of what I do or say and how it affects my wife and son.
At times it's unsettling. But I am also aware as to how aimless my life had been before my wife. She saved me.
Bah! Enough blathering.
Um....er....
We still haven't fed our son any solid food yet. Sunday we went our to dinner and yesterday we were so beat we fed him breastmilk and a bottle after he depleted the supply.
We'll try again tonight.
We'll try again tonight.
Monday, November 22, 2004
MSNBC - Nov. 22, Now a Game
MSNBC - Nov. 22, Now a Game
I am a fan of the Grand Theft Auto Series and FPS games, however I think you have to draw the line when it comes to a real event not just reality inspired.
Just as I wouldn't want to see a Trencoat Mafia based game this is not a form of entertainment but exploitation. I understand games like Medal of Honor and Battlefield 1942 and the newer games based on the Vietnam war and the more recent Middle East warfare games are popular and are also reality based.
However they don't have you burning down villages and killing women children Jews or otherwise. It's poor taste and judgement. It's also the worst form of commercialism.
By creating a game that is so distasteful, they have done something that has been for the last couple of years the sole property of Rock Star Games: They have propelled themselves to the level of notoriety that would cost them millions had they hired a public relations company to provide it.
Free press. Worldwide. Heck, just by my writing this I'm contributing to their gratis press junket.
So enuff said.
I am a fan of the Grand Theft Auto Series and FPS games, however I think you have to draw the line when it comes to a real event not just reality inspired.
Just as I wouldn't want to see a Trencoat Mafia based game this is not a form of entertainment but exploitation. I understand games like Medal of Honor and Battlefield 1942 and the newer games based on the Vietnam war and the more recent Middle East warfare games are popular and are also reality based.
However they don't have you burning down villages and killing women children Jews or otherwise. It's poor taste and judgement. It's also the worst form of commercialism.
By creating a game that is so distasteful, they have done something that has been for the last couple of years the sole property of Rock Star Games: They have propelled themselves to the level of notoriety that would cost them millions had they hired a public relations company to provide it.
Free press. Worldwide. Heck, just by my writing this I'm contributing to their gratis press junket.
So enuff said.
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Milestone
We had to go pick up a different car seat for our son since he quickly outgrew our present car seat.
I selected a Cosco carseat that goes from 5 lbs. to 100 lbs. I preferred to have a seat that we won't have to replace every four months.
I selected a Cosco carseat that goes from 5 lbs. to 100 lbs. I preferred to have a seat that we won't have to replace every four months.
Saturday, November 20, 2004
A response.
Our pediatrician called back and told us our son is ok to start on solid food, either Cream of Rice or Oatmeal. We have both so we'll try out the Cream of Rice first.
Doctor's visit
Our son had his 2nd round of innoculations. He did not like it much, alot of crying and general crankiness. He's been that way for several days now, we think he's sick.
If he is sick our pediatrician did not think it serious enough to say that she wanted to reschedule his vaccinations.
My wife forgot to speak with the doctor about giving our son solid food. We put a call in for her. When the doctor calls back we should have an answer.
If he is sick our pediatrician did not think it serious enough to say that she wanted to reschedule his vaccinations.
My wife forgot to speak with the doctor about giving our son solid food. We put a call in for her. When the doctor calls back we should have an answer.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Baby dates
Today my son is 18 weeks old. The book we're reading on a baby's development says he should be sitting up on his own. That's so far not the case. Then again it also said that he should be 14 lbs. and 24 inches but he's 18 lbs. and 26 inches.
Go figure.
Go figure.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
And I take a long pause.
A review of our bills and costs last night told me we're in financial trouble.
Quite frankly, We're paying out more than we're taking in. I'm hoping that we can reach a levelling off during the holidays and at tax time. We should get a large refund since our income level has dropped by 66%.
At this point most people would be frantic, i'm a little slower than most so I haven't reached frantic yet. I'm just going to look for a 2nd job and hope that helps us ride out this low spot.
I don't want my wife to work since I think taking care of our son is more important. I'm not the barefoot and pregnant type of guy, it's just that every other month you see reports or segments about baby sitters and care-givers that abuse their charges. I would go crazy if that happened to our son and thankfully my wife agrees with my priority of maintaining a presence with our child.
I'll just have to suck it up and push along. I can't work longer hours at my office, i'm a salaried employee so I don't get overtime. I'll try to find something where I can get 20 or 30 hours. Hopefully I won't pass out from exhaustion. The hard part will be finding a job that pays well.
Quite frankly, We're paying out more than we're taking in. I'm hoping that we can reach a levelling off during the holidays and at tax time. We should get a large refund since our income level has dropped by 66%.
At this point most people would be frantic, i'm a little slower than most so I haven't reached frantic yet. I'm just going to look for a 2nd job and hope that helps us ride out this low spot.
I don't want my wife to work since I think taking care of our son is more important. I'm not the barefoot and pregnant type of guy, it's just that every other month you see reports or segments about baby sitters and care-givers that abuse their charges. I would go crazy if that happened to our son and thankfully my wife agrees with my priority of maintaining a presence with our child.
I'll just have to suck it up and push along. I can't work longer hours at my office, i'm a salaried employee so I don't get overtime. I'll try to find something where I can get 20 or 30 hours. Hopefully I won't pass out from exhaustion. The hard part will be finding a job that pays well.
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Nice Sunday
Today we had a great day.
Our son woke us up early but not too early, a little past 8:00 a.m. We sat around a little then got ready for church.
After church we went grocery shopping. I had to pull us out of there before we were complete because I just couldn't take it any more, way too many people there. Our son enjoyed riding through the supermarket, new sounds, sights and smells.
After we got home I made us some hamburgers for lunch and we watched Shrek 2. Our son liked the abundance of colors in the feature. I thought it was a well made film, very good animation and a nice abundance of humor to make it tolerable.
One note: Fairy Godmother's henchmen looked real. Maybe it's because I didn't have my glasses on but they did.
Shortly after the film ended our son fell asleep, my wife decided to take a nap and I played City of Heroes until our son woke up again.
These are the days I like.
Our son woke us up early but not too early, a little past 8:00 a.m. We sat around a little then got ready for church.
After church we went grocery shopping. I had to pull us out of there before we were complete because I just couldn't take it any more, way too many people there. Our son enjoyed riding through the supermarket, new sounds, sights and smells.
After we got home I made us some hamburgers for lunch and we watched Shrek 2. Our son liked the abundance of colors in the feature. I thought it was a well made film, very good animation and a nice abundance of humor to make it tolerable.
One note: Fairy Godmother's henchmen looked real. Maybe it's because I didn't have my glasses on but they did.
Shortly after the film ended our son fell asleep, my wife decided to take a nap and I played City of Heroes until our son woke up again.
These are the days I like.
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Even more stuff for the kid
We picked up a high-chair for our son today. After about an hour of putting it together (yet one more thing that had only about 8 screws in total) and placing our son in it one thing comes to mind: He is going to outgrow that thing so fast!
He looks like he fits into it pretty good right now as it is. He does have to develop more neck strength to be situated in a more comfortable manner.
He looks like he fits into it pretty good right now as it is. He does have to develop more neck strength to be situated in a more comfortable manner.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Finally the test results
We finally got a telephone call from the Neurologist's office to advise us that our son is perfectly OK based on the results from the CT scan. After a week of waiting.
Our big problem with this Neurologist is that he doesn't pick up the phone when you call him and he never returns a call. We were called by his receptionist.
In my opinion that's no way to treat parents that are worried about the outcome of their childs test. Especially a test where the results were obtained and forwarded to the neurologist the same day.
To make the parents wait a week is quite insensitive. Furthermore to have your receptionist to make the call to avoid any questions from the parents is reprehensible.
This is not the way to treat people!
Our big problem with this Neurologist is that he doesn't pick up the phone when you call him and he never returns a call. We were called by his receptionist.
In my opinion that's no way to treat parents that are worried about the outcome of their childs test. Especially a test where the results were obtained and forwarded to the neurologist the same day.
To make the parents wait a week is quite insensitive. Furthermore to have your receptionist to make the call to avoid any questions from the parents is reprehensible.
This is not the way to treat people!
Baby dates
Today our son is 17 weeks old. I have to assume that a doctor will call that 4 months by now.
He is now laughing often and smiles constantly. He can almost hold his head up for long periods of time. He still hates to lay face down, his head causes him to roll over quite a bit.
He is now laughing often and smiles constantly. He can almost hold his head up for long periods of time. He still hates to lay face down, his head causes him to roll over quite a bit.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Hard night
Our son was very cranky today. He had alot of gas bothering him, he is farting quite a bit. And he's also eating alot too. My wife is at her wits end, she's tired and exhausted. I help out as much as I can but she fails to realize that I need to sleep in order to be able to safely drive to work.
After feeding him, walking him around and rocking him he eventually fell asleep about 2 or 3 hours later.
After feeding him, walking him around and rocking him he eventually fell asleep about 2 or 3 hours later.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Limited time
These nights are tougher on us when we come home from Mommy and Me, we are usually home by 8:00 p.m. and I go to sleep by 10:00 p.m. so that leaves us with 2 hours to get snuggly so to speak.
Between lack of time, baby needs and running around we don't have time for ourselves to get reacquainted with each other. We will have to be diligent about making time for us.
Between lack of time, baby needs and running around we don't have time for ourselves to get reacquainted with each other. We will have to be diligent about making time for us.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
There's a reason they call it Road Rage
I dropped off my wife today for her day with our friends with Mommy and Me and I stop off at McDonalds so she can get breakfast, a quick 3-4 minute drive-thru stop over on the way in. That was my first problem, making the stop in the first place.
As I pull up to the drive-thru menu/order kiosk, I see a McDonalds employee come out and pay the driver of the car in front of me, the passenger exits the car and the driver takes off. It turns out that the vehicle is a Car Service driver. Now this is my problem: Why is the drive-thru lane used for something other than it's purpose?
I get upset a bit but try to relax, I wait patiently at the kiosk waiting for Charlie Brown's teacher to ask for the order. And I wait. And I wait. I yell at the microphone. Nothing happens. I tap the horn. Nothing happens. I pull up to the window in case the microphone isn't working. Nothing happens. After a frustrating conversation with an employee who is rearranging the garbage from the previous night, I pull out and drive to the entrance of McDonalds.
My wife gets out to get her order because at this point I would not be nice if I placed her order. She is waiting on the line (there were only 3 people ahead of her) and waiting. And waiting. And waiting.
At this point my wife gives up and goes three doors down to Dunkin Donuts. She is able to place her order, get her order, pay for it and come back before the same people she left behind at McDonalds had exited with their orders.
With little irony I notice the posters in McDonalds windows: We are open at 6:00 a.m. or earlier. With much sarcasm I realize the poster doesn't say: We are open for business at 6:00 a.m. or earlier. This quick 3-4 minute stop stretched out to 40 minutes. That is no way to do business. It is reprehensible to have a staff available to collect money for a service and no staff available to provide the service. It is poor management to allow such a situation to occur regardless of the circumstances. Of course there are reasonably acceptable excuses but the place wasn't on fire, no one robbed them, the building had power and there was no one running away from a lava flow.
It's not just this incident, it's a consistent thing over the years. People and businesses behave and operate as if the rules don't apply to them. We poor suckers that live our day to day lives following the common rules of society and the law are constantly waiting for these people to get theirs only to see the people in authority pull the same crap!!
Stop signs? Bah.
Street Lights? Not me.
Double Parking? They can go around, doesn't matter if the road is narrow.
Speeding? There's plenty of room in front of me and the other car, looks like a good 8 inches.
Turn signals? No one pays attention to those anyway.
Talking on the phone? Hey, it's my roaming minutes...oh wait i'm drifting.
Zipping across 3 lanes at the last minute to make the exit? It was an important call I had to take.
Riding along the service road in heavy traffic? Don't get mad at me because you didn't think of it.
Coming to a complete stop to see the accident on the other side of the median? My friends have got to see this.
Realigning the Xenon bulbs so they blind everyone in front of them? Wow...it's like a Hollywood movie premiere.
Cutting off everyone to get just one foot closer to your destination? Come on! I got somewhere to go!
Driving down the wrong side of the street just to get to the drive way? You mean you want me to go around the block?
And that's just driving, I can go on and on but what's the use. You see enough there just for that alone. I just get really frustrated because I can take every precaution I can to make my son safer but all those people up there that I'm mentioning they are the variable that I can't protect him from.
Those people are dangers to themselves and more importantly to others because any damage they cause usually affects others.
Sigh. I'm just venting, what can you do? Cops, government officials and corporate officers, they don't care about anyone unless it affects them or they can exploit it for their agenda. I just have to hope I do a good enough job that my son doesn't grow up to be one of them.
As I pull up to the drive-thru menu/order kiosk, I see a McDonalds employee come out and pay the driver of the car in front of me, the passenger exits the car and the driver takes off. It turns out that the vehicle is a Car Service driver. Now this is my problem: Why is the drive-thru lane used for something other than it's purpose?
I get upset a bit but try to relax, I wait patiently at the kiosk waiting for Charlie Brown's teacher to ask for the order. And I wait. And I wait. I yell at the microphone. Nothing happens. I tap the horn. Nothing happens. I pull up to the window in case the microphone isn't working. Nothing happens. After a frustrating conversation with an employee who is rearranging the garbage from the previous night, I pull out and drive to the entrance of McDonalds.
My wife gets out to get her order because at this point I would not be nice if I placed her order. She is waiting on the line (there were only 3 people ahead of her) and waiting. And waiting. And waiting.
At this point my wife gives up and goes three doors down to Dunkin Donuts. She is able to place her order, get her order, pay for it and come back before the same people she left behind at McDonalds had exited with their orders.
With little irony I notice the posters in McDonalds windows: We are open at 6:00 a.m. or earlier. With much sarcasm I realize the poster doesn't say: We are open for business at 6:00 a.m. or earlier. This quick 3-4 minute stop stretched out to 40 minutes. That is no way to do business. It is reprehensible to have a staff available to collect money for a service and no staff available to provide the service. It is poor management to allow such a situation to occur regardless of the circumstances. Of course there are reasonably acceptable excuses but the place wasn't on fire, no one robbed them, the building had power and there was no one running away from a lava flow.
It's not just this incident, it's a consistent thing over the years. People and businesses behave and operate as if the rules don't apply to them. We poor suckers that live our day to day lives following the common rules of society and the law are constantly waiting for these people to get theirs only to see the people in authority pull the same crap!!
Stop signs? Bah.
Street Lights? Not me.
Double Parking? They can go around, doesn't matter if the road is narrow.
Speeding? There's plenty of room in front of me and the other car, looks like a good 8 inches.
Turn signals? No one pays attention to those anyway.
Talking on the phone? Hey, it's my roaming minutes...oh wait i'm drifting.
Zipping across 3 lanes at the last minute to make the exit? It was an important call I had to take.
Riding along the service road in heavy traffic? Don't get mad at me because you didn't think of it.
Coming to a complete stop to see the accident on the other side of the median? My friends have got to see this.
Realigning the Xenon bulbs so they blind everyone in front of them? Wow...it's like a Hollywood movie premiere.
Cutting off everyone to get just one foot closer to your destination? Come on! I got somewhere to go!
Driving down the wrong side of the street just to get to the drive way? You mean you want me to go around the block?
And that's just driving, I can go on and on but what's the use. You see enough there just for that alone. I just get really frustrated because I can take every precaution I can to make my son safer but all those people up there that I'm mentioning they are the variable that I can't protect him from.
Those people are dangers to themselves and more importantly to others because any damage they cause usually affects others.
Sigh. I'm just venting, what can you do? Cops, government officials and corporate officers, they don't care about anyone unless it affects them or they can exploit it for their agenda. I just have to hope I do a good enough job that my son doesn't grow up to be one of them.
Monday, November 08, 2004
Doctor Visit
My wife had an appointment with her oncologist today. This is the first time she's seen our son. She was amazed by how big he is. After a quick visit the doctor is happy with my wife's healing process. It will still have to undergo monitoring but my wife should be out of the woods so to speak.
To me, my son is big but not unusually big, I just think the other kids are smaller is all. Eventually our son is due to slow down his growing sooner or later. If he continued to grow at this rate he'd be 18 feet tall. Circus material.
It's a wonder how our son likes the cold weather. I like it too but now as I get older I can't tolerate it as much.
To me, my son is big but not unusually big, I just think the other kids are smaller is all. Eventually our son is due to slow down his growing sooner or later. If he continued to grow at this rate he'd be 18 feet tall. Circus material.
It's a wonder how our son likes the cold weather. I like it too but now as I get older I can't tolerate it as much.
Sunday, November 07, 2004
More stuff for the kid
After church services we went over to Babies R Us and picked up an exersaucer for our son.
It's a nice toy with alot of visual toys to keep his attention and springs so that he can bounce in it. It took me a couple of hours to put it together, the whole thing only has about 15 screws in it. Most of it just snaps together, but it was a tight snap, I actually had to use some elbow grease to make sure they snap into place. The only problem now is that he's still too young to sit in it.
We have to wait until he can hold his head up more. The bouncing may cause his head to flop around right now, definitely not something he can use at this time.
It's a nice toy with alot of visual toys to keep his attention and springs so that he can bounce in it. It took me a couple of hours to put it together, the whole thing only has about 15 screws in it. Most of it just snaps together, but it was a tight snap, I actually had to use some elbow grease to make sure they snap into place. The only problem now is that he's still too young to sit in it.
We have to wait until he can hold his head up more. The bouncing may cause his head to flop around right now, definitely not something he can use at this time.
Sunday services
We started going to Sunday Mass today. We will have to start attending in order for our son to get baptized. I'm not an avid Catholic but it doesn't totally offend me to go to church. I don't subscribe to all their doctrines but I think it will be healthy to our son to experience religiion.
Of course I will have to take him to different services, different religions so he can gauge them and allow him the freedom to choose the religion he wishes to follow.
I'm not 100% certain that's the way to expose him to religion but that's the closest thing I can think of that will allow him to make an educated choice.
Of course I will have to take him to different services, different religions so he can gauge them and allow him the freedom to choose the religion he wishes to follow.
I'm not 100% certain that's the way to expose him to religion but that's the closest thing I can think of that will allow him to make an educated choice.
Saturday, November 06, 2004
Saturday stroll
We took our son to see Santa Claus today. It's VERY early for that however it was a local thing at the church where my wife and son go to Mommy and Me so it was a convenient thing.
Our son was pleasant with Santa, he smiled and was happy. Considering how some children react our son was great.
Our son was pleasant with Santa, he smiled and was happy. Considering how some children react our son was great.
Friday, November 05, 2004
On the block
Today the head of the company I work for announced the corporation we are a subsidiary of will be selling off our company from their holdings.
It appears we have lost so much money that we are a liability to them. Considering how some of the projects we are working on have developed I would say that's a valid concern. Mismanagement and lack of attention to detail caused several projects to balloon well beyond the estimated costs of the projects.
I hope our next boss will be less invasive, our present owner's IT security is a bit confining. I understand their position I just feel it's a bit too binding.
It appears we have lost so much money that we are a liability to them. Considering how some of the projects we are working on have developed I would say that's a valid concern. Mismanagement and lack of attention to detail caused several projects to balloon well beyond the estimated costs of the projects.
I hope our next boss will be less invasive, our present owner's IT security is a bit confining. I understand their position I just feel it's a bit too binding.
Baby dates
Today our son is 16 weeks old. By my reckoning he's 4 months old but the doctors see him as 3 1/2 months.......go figure.
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Visit to the lab
We woke up early this morning, I normally get up early but this time all of us got up early. We have an appointment with the medical lab for our son's CT scan. We con't know the results for a day or two but at least we'll be able to rule out any problems.
I'm fairly certain he's fine but there's always the possibility of a complication.
I'm fairly certain he's fine but there's always the possibility of a complication.
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
And the winner is......
With the results in, it appears that 51% of the voters have chosen Bush as their president. 48% of the voters chose Kerry and 1% chose others Nader, communist party, whatever.
My fear is that Bush will end up making this country even worse for us, it will be great for business but horrible for the rest of us.
Maybe I'm being just a little paranoid but the socio-economic world I see transpiring is very similar to the conditions in the Charlton Heston/Edward G. Robison movie Soylent Green. An extreme view, yes but as things are working out how bad do you think it can get?
He has already stated his aim is to push the Christian fundamentalist agenda. Well, he didn't say that specifically but let's get serious...that's what he wants.
My fear is that Bush will end up making this country even worse for us, it will be great for business but horrible for the rest of us.
Maybe I'm being just a little paranoid but the socio-economic world I see transpiring is very similar to the conditions in the Charlton Heston/Edward G. Robison movie Soylent Green. An extreme view, yes but as things are working out how bad do you think it can get?
He has already stated his aim is to push the Christian fundamentalist agenda. Well, he didn't say that specifically but let's get serious...that's what he wants.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Results trickle in
After seeing the news reports from CNN, CNBC, Fox News and MSNBC, is it any surprise that young people consider Jon Stewart and The Daily Show the best source of news?
Yes, he has a sarcastic and skewered approach to the news, however people fail to realize The Daily Show displays more truth than the legitimate news sources.
These news sources are either shills for the Republican Party or afraid to be shut out of any news from the White House.
The polls are showing Bush with a winning lead. However there is no reference to the absentee ballots that were sent in from around the world or the ballots from the people who's elegibility was challenged but are entitled to a proxy vote.
I wouldn't be surprised if Bush wins the election without all the votes tallied.
Yes, he has a sarcastic and skewered approach to the news, however people fail to realize The Daily Show displays more truth than the legitimate news sources.
These news sources are either shills for the Republican Party or afraid to be shut out of any news from the White House.
The polls are showing Bush with a winning lead. However there is no reference to the absentee ballots that were sent in from around the world or the ballots from the people who's elegibility was challenged but are entitled to a proxy vote.
I wouldn't be surprised if Bush wins the election without all the votes tallied.
Election Day
Today is probably going to have the biggest turn-out at the polls in quite some time.
I find it hard to believe that despite all the lies, mud-slinging, illegalities and general disregard for the population the people still think he's good for this country.
We know what we are dealing with when his supporters still believe that Iraq had something to do with 9/11 and Iraq had WMDs. Despite all the reports to the contrary his supporters still accept his words as gospel.
Hopefully our son will see a better world.
I find it hard to believe that despite all the lies, mud-slinging, illegalities and general disregard for the population the people still think he's good for this country.
We know what we are dealing with when his supporters still believe that Iraq had something to do with 9/11 and Iraq had WMDs. Despite all the reports to the contrary his supporters still accept his words as gospel.
Hopefully our son will see a better world.
Monday, November 01, 2004
Monday....ugh.
First work day with Daylight Savings Time. The trip home isn't a long ride but some days it just creeps along. The ride in was somewhat thin. Which is a good thing.
Bad thing is I'm sick, sniffles and sore throat. This will be a long day.
Bad thing is I'm sick, sniffles and sore throat. This will be a long day.
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Home alone
My wife went out for brunch with some friends from her old company. It's good she gets out every now and then. She's cooped up in the house all day long with the baby. Mommie and Me is a recent thing and she really needs to get out with some friends where there are no children around.
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Friday, October 29, 2004
Doctor Visit
The neurologist we saw wanted immediate action: a CT scan, a helmet and physical therapy.
I have no problem with the CT scan it doesn't hurt any and we can be sure he's fine neurologically.
The physical therapy and the helmet I'm not sure about. I don't think that my son has as severe a problem as the doctor is making it seem. By the doctor's own words placing him to sleep on his left side helps although it will be a longer process.
It's not that I'm against treatment, it's just that I'm not certain that taking an aggressive stance is necessary since this will take care of itself over time.
The doctor is certain that the flattening of his right side is a cosmetic issue and not a neurological issue.
The doctor called it Plagiocephaly, which happens to be a somewhat recent field. Many people have treated their children without headgear. I'm still on the fence with this. I think many doctors rely too much on drugs and scientific treatment rather than trusting the human body to regulate itself when it comes to children.
Now don't think that I'm a homeopathic fanatic, I'm far from it. It's just that when it comes to children, the rules don't apply. They're in their stages of development and I don't think we should get too mixed up with changing their growth.
I'll have plenty of time for that when he's a teenager.
I have no problem with the CT scan it doesn't hurt any and we can be sure he's fine neurologically.
The physical therapy and the helmet I'm not sure about. I don't think that my son has as severe a problem as the doctor is making it seem. By the doctor's own words placing him to sleep on his left side helps although it will be a longer process.
It's not that I'm against treatment, it's just that I'm not certain that taking an aggressive stance is necessary since this will take care of itself over time.
The doctor is certain that the flattening of his right side is a cosmetic issue and not a neurological issue.
The doctor called it Plagiocephaly, which happens to be a somewhat recent field. Many people have treated their children without headgear. I'm still on the fence with this. I think many doctors rely too much on drugs and scientific treatment rather than trusting the human body to regulate itself when it comes to children.
Now don't think that I'm a homeopathic fanatic, I'm far from it. It's just that when it comes to children, the rules don't apply. They're in their stages of development and I don't think we should get too mixed up with changing their growth.
I'll have plenty of time for that when he's a teenager.
Baby dates
Today our son is 15 weeks old. Later today we have an appointment with a pediatric neurologist to look at his head and whether the flatting of his right side is a problem.
I'm not too worried since he is alert and has not displayed unusual behavior that I would guess would be indicative to neurological problems.
We'll find out.
I'm not too worried since he is alert and has not displayed unusual behavior that I would guess would be indicative to neurological problems.
We'll find out.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Ailments and maladies
My wife is sick today, runny nose and sore throat. I'm hoping that the baby doesn't get sick because that could really hurt. My wife is currently cursing out the mother who came to Mommy & Me sick.
Every time I heard of an adult getting a virus from a child it really beats them up.
Every time I heard of an adult getting a virus from a child it really beats them up.
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Baby bee
Today was the Mommy & Me Halloween party for the kids. My wife didn't put our son in the bumblebee costume, she didn't feel comfortable dressing our son up when no one else dressed up their kids after so much discussion about it.
I guess that's a good thing, the costume looked way too big on him.
I guess that's a good thing, the costume looked way too big on him.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
After work
I picked up my wife and son at our friends house after a day at Mommy & Me and my wife and our friend were steamed because another mother came to the group while she was sick. Now both are worried of catching something from her.
If they do get sick, I have a feeling they're gonna gang up on her next week.
Tomorrow they do the Halloween party.
If they do get sick, I have a feeling they're gonna gang up on her next week.
Tomorrow they do the Halloween party.
Not a good morning
Our son is sleeping more at night but he still gets up at 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning for a feeding. The lack of sleep is getting my wife and me as cranky as our son. We got up early so I can take them to our friends home for Mommy & Me later in the day and we just snapped at each other.
Of course I son slept through it.
Of course I son slept through it.
Monday, October 25, 2004
Billy's buzzing off
My wife picked up a bumblebee costume for our son for the Mommy & Me Halloween party later this week.
I say we should get a sombrero for him and call him a Killer Bee but she doesn't think that's fitting for children nor very PC nowadays.
Alas, no one remembers Elliot Gould and SNL. BAH!!!
I say we should get a sombrero for him and call him a Killer Bee but she doesn't think that's fitting for children nor very PC nowadays.
Alas, no one remembers Elliot Gould and SNL. BAH!!!
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Lazy Sunday
We took a quick walk to the supermarket to get a few things for breakfast. $60.00 later (a few things, yeah right!) we had breakfast and spent the rest of the day in a lazy haze. We watched the final episodes in the set of the Sonny Steelgrave story arc, the opening episodes of the 1980's TV series Wiseguy.
We then saw the recent movie, The Punisher with Tom Jane as the anti-hero and John Travolta as the villian.
Different then the original film which starred Dolph Lungren. Not a gritty as it should be, what with today's standard formula of mixing humor into bloody action films to help tone down the final movie rating. Can you imagine Sonny Chiba's The Street Fighter series with some smirky yuks involved?
We then saw the recent movie, The Punisher with Tom Jane as the anti-hero and John Travolta as the villian.
Different then the original film which starred Dolph Lungren. Not a gritty as it should be, what with today's standard formula of mixing humor into bloody action films to help tone down the final movie rating. Can you imagine Sonny Chiba's The Street Fighter series with some smirky yuks involved?
Saturday, October 23, 2004
Walkies
We went out to take a brief walk. Our son likes to look around, although the smells of the city are not always the best thing to expose a child to, no matter what age.
I think he is going to be right handed. He keeps looking towards the right.
Even if the majority of the action is occuring to the left he will look towards the right, I thought it was strange but the various folks I speak to say that's not anything to worry about.
As we waited for the street light to change to WALK, our boy kept looking at the cars go by. I laughed as he kept moving his head back and forth as the cars raced by. It reminded me of a carriage return on a typewriter. I guess I should say old-school typewriter.
On the way home we stopped by the software store and I picked up City of Heroes (an MMORPG based on comic-book superheroes) and my wife picked up Rome: Total War. Now guess which of us two is the intellectual one. I never got into the warfare RTS games.
I think he is going to be right handed. He keeps looking towards the right.
Even if the majority of the action is occuring to the left he will look towards the right, I thought it was strange but the various folks I speak to say that's not anything to worry about.
As we waited for the street light to change to WALK, our boy kept looking at the cars go by. I laughed as he kept moving his head back and forth as the cars raced by. It reminded me of a carriage return on a typewriter. I guess I should say old-school typewriter.
On the way home we stopped by the software store and I picked up City of Heroes (an MMORPG based on comic-book superheroes) and my wife picked up Rome: Total War. Now guess which of us two is the intellectual one. I never got into the warfare RTS games.
It's Saturday!
Our son slept through the night for the 4th or 5th night in a row. He wakes up for feeding at about 2 or 3 in the morning and he's good to go for the rest of the night.
He woke up at about 7:00 a.m. and I stayed with him for a couple of hours while my wife slept in.
He is very alert now. Although he is very much a cranky boy. Perhaps it's the Polio Vaccine that's discomforting him.
Another thing that's new with him is laughter. He genuinely laughs now, not the instantaneous shriek that you interpret as a laugh, and yes he did laugh in his sleep, but awake and purposefully laughing.
He naps for about 20 minutes at a time 3 or 4 times during the day.
He woke up at about 7:00 a.m. and I stayed with him for a couple of hours while my wife slept in.
He is very alert now. Although he is very much a cranky boy. Perhaps it's the Polio Vaccine that's discomforting him.
Another thing that's new with him is laughter. He genuinely laughs now, not the instantaneous shriek that you interpret as a laugh, and yes he did laugh in his sleep, but awake and purposefully laughing.
He naps for about 20 minutes at a time 3 or 4 times during the day.
Friday, October 22, 2004
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Visit follow-up
He is now 16 pounds 7 ounces and 26 inches tall. His head circumference is larger than average. So much so that our pediatrician wants him to see a neurologist to make sure he's okay.
He's also developing a flat spot on the right side of his head. He favors his right side. He even turns to the right when we hold him up.
Today our son got one vaccination shot for polio. He was in a great deal of discomfort but he dealt with it like a trooper.
Once we got him home he fed and slept the rest of the night away.
He's also developing a flat spot on the right side of his head. He favors his right side. He even turns to the right when we hold him up.
Today our son got one vaccination shot for polio. He was in a great deal of discomfort but he dealt with it like a trooper.
Once we got him home he fed and slept the rest of the night away.
ALCS
I'm a Mets fan so the outcome of the American League Championship Series between the Yankees and the Red Sox didn't really grab me, but for the Yankees to lose the series after a 3-0 lead just really shocks me.
I can imagine George Steinbrenner this morning preparing to give a long, loud sermon to the organization before he starts handing out pink slips. He wants more than a Division Pennant for his $190+ million investment.
I can imagine George Steinbrenner this morning preparing to give a long, loud sermon to the organization before he starts handing out pink slips. He wants more than a Division Pennant for his $190+ million investment.
Pediatrician visit
Today is our son's 2nd round of vaccination shots. Maybe he'll get a flu shot. With all the hubbub about lack of supply maybe he won't get one. Depends on how much supply our son's doctor has.
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Mommy & Me
Today is the 2nd visit to 'Mommy & Me' for my wife and our son. My wife thinks that our son likes to socialize. I say it's too early to determine that. He's just figuring out how to control his limbs and developing neck strength so anything beyond that is gravy.
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Sleep filled night.
Our son has been sleeping through the night for the last 2 days. He's been getting up for a interim feeding and diaper change but he's gone right to sleep after that.
He's also staying up later during the day. The thing that hasn't changed with him which I find interesting is that he still prefers cold weather over hot weather. He gets really cranky if he's warm.
I tried to undress him and leave him in a diaper but he likes to have clothing on, I'm guessing that has something to do with the feel of material on his skin. I also tried to open the window to help him cool down and that's not good enough since we don't really have much of a cross ventilation with the layout of our place.
At times I have to turn on the air conditioning to help ease him. He can be a very crabby kid. He's gonna have to get used to it, ain't no way I'm going to have my windows open in the middle of winter.
He's also staying up later during the day. The thing that hasn't changed with him which I find interesting is that he still prefers cold weather over hot weather. He gets really cranky if he's warm.
I tried to undress him and leave him in a diaper but he likes to have clothing on, I'm guessing that has something to do with the feel of material on his skin. I also tried to open the window to help him cool down and that's not good enough since we don't really have much of a cross ventilation with the layout of our place.
At times I have to turn on the air conditioning to help ease him. He can be a very crabby kid. He's gonna have to get used to it, ain't no way I'm going to have my windows open in the middle of winter.
Friday, October 15, 2004
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Play date
I dropped off my wife and son at our friends house early this morning, about 5:45 a.m. and headed to the office from there.
They went out for breakfast and went out to "Mommy and Me" at about 2:00 p.m. They had a good time, my wife really liked the socializing for the baby and herself. I picked them up after work and got a look at our friends new baby (their second), who's only 5 weeks old.
Our son was very cranky because he was up all day long. He fell asleep around 6:00 and slept until midnight. He woke up, ate and stayed up all night long. It was the longest he'd gone without little bits of sleep throughout the day.
They went out for breakfast and went out to "Mommy and Me" at about 2:00 p.m. They had a good time, my wife really liked the socializing for the baby and herself. I picked them up after work and got a look at our friends new baby (their second), who's only 5 weeks old.
Our son was very cranky because he was up all day long. He fell asleep around 6:00 and slept until midnight. He woke up, ate and stayed up all night long. It was the longest he'd gone without little bits of sleep throughout the day.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Scheduling a day
My wife has scheduled a day out tomorrow with our son and a friend who recently gave birth. They are going out for a day with "Mommy and Me", a neighborhood group association. It should be a good day for them. I drop them off early in the morning.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Columbus Day
Today is my day off. We spent the day watching our son stare at Sesame Street on Noggin Channel. He just stared. He didn't understand the words but he did like the colors and it kept him entertained. Just like the Baby Einstein DVD set we got him on Wednesday.
He is very aware and cognizant of images.
He is very aware and cognizant of images.
Friday, October 08, 2004
Baby dates
Today he turns 12 weeks old. I'm still feeling crappy but the violent vomiting has ended and that's a plus.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Oh great!!
We went out to shopping to pick up a few things for the baby and stopped to pick up something quick to eat. My wife ate a hot dog and I ate a sausage and peppers sandwich.
So as things work out I have a case of food poisoning, I would like to say horrible but I've had this before and in a much worse condition. Right now I'm taking way too long to write this because I'm running back and forth from keyboard to bathroom.
The chills and headache does not assist.
So as things work out I have a case of food poisoning, I would like to say horrible but I've had this before and in a much worse condition. Right now I'm taking way too long to write this because I'm running back and forth from keyboard to bathroom.
The chills and headache does not assist.
Monday, October 04, 2004
Friday, October 01, 2004
Baby dates
He reaches the 11 week mark today. He is starting to lift his head more often when he lays down on his stomach. He even sleeps when he's on his stomach which is a surprise since he couldn't tolerate laying on his stomach for more than 5 minutes or so.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Fuel costs
Snce oil reached $50.00 a barrel it will be interesting to see how high a gallon a gas will go. The crazy thing is various economists are casually observing that oil could conceivably reach $60.00 a gallon by Christmas time.
Heating costs will go through the roof. Everyday costs of living continue to rise but income levels are unchanged, that's a formula for failure.
We will see if this is a harbinger of worse things to come.
Heating costs will go through the roof. Everyday costs of living continue to rise but income levels are unchanged, that's a formula for failure.
We will see if this is a harbinger of worse things to come.
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Counting to 40 - Part I
I will be 40 years old in February. I am just sitting here thinking about the differences that my son will have that I did not enjoy but have seen come to fruition in my lifetime. I know this is nothing new and generation after generation have the same speech but now I do see the wonder of it as technology and societal mores change and advance. I want to catalog this so when I give my son the "In my day" speech I'll have footnotes to review since I don't have the sharpest of memories right now and don't see that as reversing any time soon.
The first thing I will mention is television, or I should say: Television. I capitalize it because Television is such a mainstay in my life.
As a youth it was television, a large wooden piece of furniture housing smaller tubes and little electronic components surrounding a large picture tube. You would have to walk to it to turn it on, waiting the few minutes it took for the CRT to warm up. Our family was on the low end of middle class so we had a black and white set instead of the nice color sets. When the picture would start to lose its horizontal or vertical hold a slap or kick on the side of the set would fix it.
Once it warmed up we had a smorgasbord of options to view, within the 3 major networks, 3 smaller local networks and 3 public television networks along the VHF and UHF airwave spectrums we had availble to us. Television began broadcasting between 5:00 and 6:00 in the morning and stopped at 3:00 or 4:00, and those were the major stations, the smaller ones began later and ended earlier.
That was broadcast television in the 60's and 70's. There was no cable television, with Manhattan being the sole exception. All sports events were aired on regular broadcast television. The only major cable station was HBO which was captured with an antenna, hundreds of antennas sprewn about the outer boroughs aimed towards the Empire State Building. Our first color television was a small 9 inch television which sat on top of the big black and white set.
Friday and Saturday nights was for Creature Features. Saturday mornings was the day for cartoons. All morning long, cartoons. Sunday mornings was for the Bowery Boys (East Side Kids) and Abbot and Costello. On Thanksgiving day, cartoons would air as well. Christmas was the season for Rankin-Bass, the company that seemed to only work with claymation. Also on Christmas was the venerable March of the Wooden Soldiers: Laurel and Hardy, and It's a Wonderful Life. All day long on any station that you would turn to you would find It's a Wonderful Life.
Television is a bigger thing now, a media Juggernaut that sweeps along at 500 channels. A multimedia conglomerate that pushes itself along lobbying for regulation and then lobbying for deregulation and then lobbying for regulation again in 12 year cycles, each time saying it is for the consumers benefit. In all these years the only people I've seen benefit are the television and cable stations. The consumers always end up paying more and more. It's always the consumers that foot the bill for television's expansion, both in the form of monthly fees and taxes. That's why I now call it Television with a capital T.
The first thing I will mention is television, or I should say: Television. I capitalize it because Television is such a mainstay in my life.
As a youth it was television, a large wooden piece of furniture housing smaller tubes and little electronic components surrounding a large picture tube. You would have to walk to it to turn it on, waiting the few minutes it took for the CRT to warm up. Our family was on the low end of middle class so we had a black and white set instead of the nice color sets. When the picture would start to lose its horizontal or vertical hold a slap or kick on the side of the set would fix it.
Once it warmed up we had a smorgasbord of options to view, within the 3 major networks, 3 smaller local networks and 3 public television networks along the VHF and UHF airwave spectrums we had availble to us. Television began broadcasting between 5:00 and 6:00 in the morning and stopped at 3:00 or 4:00, and those were the major stations, the smaller ones began later and ended earlier.
That was broadcast television in the 60's and 70's. There was no cable television, with Manhattan being the sole exception. All sports events were aired on regular broadcast television. The only major cable station was HBO which was captured with an antenna, hundreds of antennas sprewn about the outer boroughs aimed towards the Empire State Building. Our first color television was a small 9 inch television which sat on top of the big black and white set.
Friday and Saturday nights was for Creature Features. Saturday mornings was the day for cartoons. All morning long, cartoons. Sunday mornings was for the Bowery Boys (East Side Kids) and Abbot and Costello. On Thanksgiving day, cartoons would air as well. Christmas was the season for Rankin-Bass, the company that seemed to only work with claymation. Also on Christmas was the venerable March of the Wooden Soldiers: Laurel and Hardy, and It's a Wonderful Life. All day long on any station that you would turn to you would find It's a Wonderful Life.
Television is a bigger thing now, a media Juggernaut that sweeps along at 500 channels. A multimedia conglomerate that pushes itself along lobbying for regulation and then lobbying for deregulation and then lobbying for regulation again in 12 year cycles, each time saying it is for the consumers benefit. In all these years the only people I've seen benefit are the television and cable stations. The consumers always end up paying more and more. It's always the consumers that foot the bill for television's expansion, both in the form of monthly fees and taxes. That's why I now call it Television with a capital T.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Friday, September 24, 2004
Baby dates
Today my son is 10 weeks old. Not a major milestone but a nice even number.
It looks like we have a quiet weekend ahead. I'm looking forward to it.
It looks like we have a quiet weekend ahead. I'm looking forward to it.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Drats!
I got a speeding ticket on the way home today.
Damn, that's gonna give me a boost to my insurance payments.
Damn, that's gonna give me a boost to my insurance payments.
Visitor
We had a meeting with the President from a sister company to show them our methods and practices with document handling.
It seems we have become the standard that all the companies are following. We follow the principles of Claims Management: Every document is important!
We track every piece of paper that comes into our office and maintain a redundancy factor of making sure every piece of paper is duplicated or triplicated.
It greatly increases our paperwork, but when you have to file a multi-million dollar claim, it pays for itself.
It seems we have become the standard that all the companies are following. We follow the principles of Claims Management: Every document is important!
We track every piece of paper that comes into our office and maintain a redundancy factor of making sure every piece of paper is duplicated or triplicated.
It greatly increases our paperwork, but when you have to file a multi-million dollar claim, it pays for itself.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Monday, September 20, 2004
Bad morning
My wife wakes me up at 4:30 in the morning, just as I should be getting ready for the workday. She needs me to take care of our son, she's exhausted. I spend the next 2 1/2 hours getting him to sleep.
I got to work late. This is happening more often, not just on the weekends.
I got to work late. This is happening more often, not just on the weekends.
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Better day
Today is a better day for our son, his fever finally broke and he's handling things better.
We went to Babies R Us to get him a few things, among the things we picked up was a baby monitor. Wow are those things sensative. I don't know how but we managed to spend $200.00 on a few things.
We got home after a short drive. Today was a beautiful day and I wanted to just drive around a bit. We drove around for a short while until our son started getting cranky, we went home shortly afterwards.
The rest of the day way a boring day. Just the way I like my Sundays.
We went to Babies R Us to get him a few things, among the things we picked up was a baby monitor. Wow are those things sensative. I don't know how but we managed to spend $200.00 on a few things.
We got home after a short drive. Today was a beautiful day and I wanted to just drive around a bit. We drove around for a short while until our son started getting cranky, we went home shortly afterwards.
The rest of the day way a boring day. Just the way I like my Sundays.
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Day 2 Vaccine
We didn't do a damn thing today. Our baby boy had a fever all day at 100.4. Light by any standard. Waiting to see how it goes. So far so good.
Friday, September 17, 2004
Restless sleep
He managed to sleep tonight, but it was a light sleep. He had a fever the entire day after getting his shot.
Pediatrician visit
Our visit to the pediatrician was typical and atypical at the same time. He peed on her, that's the typical part.
He is now 23 1/2 inches long and 13.12 pounds heavy. That's almost twice the weight as he was at birth.
On a more painful note, he received his first round of vaccinations today. 3 needles for 4 different diseases, Tuberculosis, Diptheria, Hepatisis B and something else that i'm not sure of.
He's due for his Polio shot next month.
He really cried when he got the shots, but after a little crying he fell to sleep. We took him home and he's somewhat better now. A little crankier but he'll be fine.
He is now 23 1/2 inches long and 13.12 pounds heavy. That's almost twice the weight as he was at birth.
On a more painful note, he received his first round of vaccinations today. 3 needles for 4 different diseases, Tuberculosis, Diptheria, Hepatisis B and something else that i'm not sure of.
He's due for his Polio shot next month.
He really cried when he got the shots, but after a little crying he fell to sleep. We took him home and he's somewhat better now. A little crankier but he'll be fine.
Another Ramone passes on.
With the passing of Joey Ramone we lose yet one more conduit to the past, a piece of history of music, particularly the Punk-Rock scene.
The hierarchy of remaining Punk-Rock Gods are dwindling: Iggy Pop, Henry Rollins and John Lydon (Johhny Rotten of the Sex Pistols for those of you who don't have a clue), HR (the qunitessential Rastafari with the fastest vocals in the world, representing Bad Brains and Jello Biafra.
Iggy is the godfather of Punk. Anyone that knows music knows The Stooges is the band for raw, unmitigated power (hm...Raw Power...go figure).
I'm sure I'm missing some other Punk greats but to me those are the building blocks that I want my son to learn about and hear.
The hierarchy of remaining Punk-Rock Gods are dwindling: Iggy Pop, Henry Rollins and John Lydon (Johhny Rotten of the Sex Pistols for those of you who don't have a clue), HR (the qunitessential Rastafari with the fastest vocals in the world, representing Bad Brains and Jello Biafra.
Iggy is the godfather of Punk. Anyone that knows music knows The Stooges is the band for raw, unmitigated power (hm...Raw Power...go figure).
I'm sure I'm missing some other Punk greats but to me those are the building blocks that I want my son to learn about and hear.
Baby dates
Today our son is nine weeks old. We have a doctor's appointment later today. We'll find out how long and heavy he is.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
So much for trust
I didn't attend a meeting i was scheduled to attend because I thought all the issues I was attending for were resolved.
Little did I know the Project Manager on the other side of the table was totally dishonest and completely lied about the agreements reached at the last meeting.
So much for relying on verbal agreements.
Little did I know the Project Manager on the other side of the table was totally dishonest and completely lied about the agreements reached at the last meeting.
So much for relying on verbal agreements.
Monday, September 13, 2004
Long time sleeping
Our son slept for quite a while throughout the day as well. He looks fine, he's not running a fever. I guess he's just getting all the sleep he hasn't been getting all this time.
Between dinner and my checking out my Star Wars Galaxies character it was time for me to go to sleep. I brought the baby in with me since he was tired, that gave my wife some time to be alone.
Between dinner and my checking out my Star Wars Galaxies character it was time for me to go to sleep. I brought the baby in with me since he was tired, that gave my wife some time to be alone.
Good night
Our son practically slept throughout the evening. Maybe he's starting to get used to day and night. We'll find out today.
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Lazy Sunday
We had more company today. My wife's half-sister came by with her son and boyfriend for a little bit. They had a nice time but our son was a little hot and wanted to be alone, he was cranky throughout their visit.
I fed him and changed him and he stayed calm for a short while.
He actually relaxed after they left. They took my wife out for dinner, so my son and I were alone for a bit, we had a nice time. Well....actually, after everyone left our son fell asleep.
My wife came home maybe 3 hours later, sat down on the couch while I was writing checks at the dinner table and fell asleep, our son still sleeping.
I fed him and changed him and he stayed calm for a short while.
He actually relaxed after they left. They took my wife out for dinner, so my son and I were alone for a bit, we had a nice time. Well....actually, after everyone left our son fell asleep.
My wife came home maybe 3 hours later, sat down on the couch while I was writing checks at the dinner table and fell asleep, our son still sleeping.
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Anniversary
We will never forget the events that took place three years ago today.
I wasn't as close to the spot as some friends were but everyone was affected by it. My wife was six or seven miles away in midtown but she too was trapped there.
Manhattan was shut down for hours, she managed to get a ride out of the city that evening. I will never forget reading the newspaper the next day. The powerful photgraph of a severed hand laying among the rubble. That image was removed from later editions of the paper but it managed to slide through. I was stunned that it made it there.
For days we were glued to the television watching the constant replays.
Three years later and the memories are still clear as yesterday.
I wasn't as close to the spot as some friends were but everyone was affected by it. My wife was six or seven miles away in midtown but she too was trapped there.
Manhattan was shut down for hours, she managed to get a ride out of the city that evening. I will never forget reading the newspaper the next day. The powerful photgraph of a severed hand laying among the rubble. That image was removed from later editions of the paper but it managed to slide through. I was stunned that it made it there.
For days we were glued to the television watching the constant replays.
Three years later and the memories are still clear as yesterday.
Friday, September 10, 2004
Baby dates
Today my son is eight weeks old. I was misinformed that we had a pediatrician's appointment this week for vaccinations. This is next week. For now I just hold him a bit longer and try to get his gas moving so he's not in too much discomfort.
Personal day
I had to take a personal day today. My wife has not slept for three days and she is starting to frazzle. She's in deep need for sleep and I just have to watch our son.
All in all, it's a good way to spend a Friday. I got work done at home, since I have e-mail and faxing coupled with the capabilities of generating PDF files. I have my phone list with me and I can perform most of office duties here.
All in all, it's a good way to spend a Friday. I got work done at home, since I have e-mail and faxing coupled with the capabilities of generating PDF files. I have my phone list with me and I can perform most of office duties here.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Final meeting of the week.
I walked into a meeting that had been taking place for over 4 hours. This time I had to discuss with the corporare office the status of change orders for our projects. We did not have such a bad case on our jobs but the ones we did have were doozies.
Perhaps we could do a better job of it with more attention paid to obtaining final resolution however we are limited in manpower and our job loads just get bigger.
I have no desire to stay in the office all day, not when I have a wife and child to come home to. This wasn't the case 4 years ago, but things change.
Perhaps we could do a better job of it with more attention paid to obtaining final resolution however we are limited in manpower and our job loads just get bigger.
I have no desire to stay in the office all day, not when I have a wife and child to come home to. This wasn't the case 4 years ago, but things change.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
STARTREK.COM�:�Article
I never purchased the Star Trek episodes because I always thought that it was a rip-off to have only 2 episodes out at a time per disk. At least now you can have the entire season in one pack. This is definitely worth it.
It just sucks for those follks that dished out thousands of dollars to get the 2 episode disks.
STARTREK.COM�:�Article
It just sucks for those follks that dished out thousands of dollars to get the 2 episode disks.
STARTREK.COM�:�Article
Take the long way home.
My best options for highways home were all backed up, with my usual one closed due to flooding.
I took the side streets to get a little further South to an open portion of the highway.
Once I got connected to the highway I was home in 35 minutes because the roads were practically empty. Sweet! I expected heavy traffic because of all the flooding this morning, actually I expected the flooding to continue.
I took the side streets to get a little further South to an open portion of the highway.
Once I got connected to the highway I was home in 35 minutes because the roads were practically empty. Sweet! I expected heavy traffic because of all the flooding this morning, actually I expected the flooding to continue.
Meetings, meetings, meetings
My afternoon was spent in meetings, 2 meetings to be exact. We have several million dollars in hung up paperwork and trying to get it resolved can take months.
The biggest problem is that the trail gets cold if you don't stay on top of it. With all the paperwork I'm pushing around and the 2 months backlog i'm in I don't expect to see final resolution of this until next year.
Now I have to explain all this to the folks at corporate tomorrow.
The biggest problem is that the trail gets cold if you don't stay on top of it. With all the paperwork I'm pushing around and the 2 months backlog i'm in I don't expect to see final resolution of this until next year.
Now I have to explain all this to the folks at corporate tomorrow.
Hurricane Frances
Because of all the flooding we've received due to the remaining bits of Hurricane Frances it took me 3 hours to get to the office.
My car almost floated away. It was a scary feeling, and way too much traffic. I got off the highway and stuck to the side streets after 2 hours or so.
The ride home will be a horror show if this rain persists.
My car almost floated away. It was a scary feeling, and way too much traffic. I got off the highway and stuck to the side streets after 2 hours or so.
The ride home will be a horror show if this rain persists.
Monday, September 06, 2004
A trip to grandma
We went to see my mom and my step-dad one last time before they take off back to Florida tomorrow morning.
My mom is ecstatic about our son, you can see the joy in her eyes.
Man, is she gonna spoil him.
My mom is ecstatic about our son, you can see the joy in her eyes.
Man, is she gonna spoil him.
Sunday, September 05, 2004
Sunday drive
We visited friends in Rockland County. A little bit tired since we didn't get much sleep because of the hospital visit but we haven't seen them for months.
We only stayed for a short while because the baby can't handle too much sensory input too fast or else he gets very cranky.
He was good for most of the day but he got very tired of people all around him. I was a little nervous too thinking we were going to experience more of the same from last night.
We only stayed for a short while because the baby can't handle too much sensory input too fast or else he gets very cranky.
He was good for most of the day but he got very tired of people all around him. I was a little nervous too thinking we were going to experience more of the same from last night.
First emergency room visit
The baby was in pain since 9:00 p.m. Saturday night, we tried everything we could think of but we couldn't get him to feel better or stop crying.
He would cry in great pain for some time then stop and be himself all of a sudden. This went on for several hours and we felt is was time to take him to the emergency ward after consulting with his pediatrician. We don't want to be parents that rush to the hospital over the smallest thing but I also realize there are a lot of things that can go wrong and one wouldn't know it.
of course once we got to the emergency room he was his old self again. We wanted him to be looked over anyway, just to be safe. They took x-rays, to make sure it wasn't an intestinal problem. Those came back ok as well.
Turns out it was gas pains. We got in the car and took a ride home and he slept all the way home.
It wasn't anything serious but having the peace of mind of knowing for certain that it wasn't anything is conforting.
He would cry in great pain for some time then stop and be himself all of a sudden. This went on for several hours and we felt is was time to take him to the emergency ward after consulting with his pediatrician. We don't want to be parents that rush to the hospital over the smallest thing but I also realize there are a lot of things that can go wrong and one wouldn't know it.
of course once we got to the emergency room he was his old self again. We wanted him to be looked over anyway, just to be safe. They took x-rays, to make sure it wasn't an intestinal problem. Those came back ok as well.
Turns out it was gas pains. We got in the car and took a ride home and he slept all the way home.
It wasn't anything serious but having the peace of mind of knowing for certain that it wasn't anything is conforting.
Friday, September 03, 2004
Baby dates
Today the baby is seven weeks old. He laughs in his sleep now, and he starts making sounds as if he's trying to talk.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Observation or imagination?
Republicans visited Shea Stadium yesterday and the Mayor made a grandstand of it.
Mayor Bloomberg paid homage to the visiting delegates and the game of baseball. They all looked elated wearing Mets jerseys and swinging bats on the field.
Where was Mayor Bloomberg when Mets fans who subscribed to Time Warner Cable didn't see any games due to contract disputes?
Politicians came out in droves on behalf of the Yankees during the Yes network's contract disputes. Where were they when the Mets could have used them?
It seems pretty clear, the Yankees is a Republicans team and the Mets is a Democrats team. The only reason they used Shea Stadium was because it's not in as hectic and congested area as Yankee Stadium. Plus I'm sure George asked them not to bother his team during the closing weeks of the season. He wants them to maintain their concentration.
Mayor Bloomberg paid homage to the visiting delegates and the game of baseball. They all looked elated wearing Mets jerseys and swinging bats on the field.
Where was Mayor Bloomberg when Mets fans who subscribed to Time Warner Cable didn't see any games due to contract disputes?
Politicians came out in droves on behalf of the Yankees during the Yes network's contract disputes. Where were they when the Mets could have used them?
It seems pretty clear, the Yankees is a Republicans team and the Mets is a Democrats team. The only reason they used Shea Stadium was because it's not in as hectic and congested area as Yankee Stadium. Plus I'm sure George asked them not to bother his team during the closing weeks of the season. He wants them to maintain their concentration.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Subway ride
We visited a family friend for dinner, my wife took the baby onto the subway for his first trip. He handled it somewhat ok but the heat was oppressive and he didn't like that very much.
He slept well, but when it came time to have dinner he got cranky on us and we had to switch him off so we can each eat.
He slept well, but when it came time to have dinner he got cranky on us and we had to switch him off so we can each eat.
Tickets for folks
We ordered the return flight tickets for my folks. They fly back home next Tuesday on a budget airline.
It was actually a very good price, $88.00 each for both of them, all fees and taxes included.
They fly out Tuesday morning, it's a quick 2 1/2 hour flight.
It was actually a very good price, $88.00 each for both of them, all fees and taxes included.
They fly out Tuesday morning, it's a quick 2 1/2 hour flight.
Sunday, August 29, 2004
Sunday afternoon with the family
We visited my sister to see my folks, sister, niece and nephew. My mom's sister also came by with her oldest son, but he's no spring chicken either, he's 45.
They haven't seen our son yet and decided to stop by to see her sister (my mom), and all the kids, my sisters kids and our boy.
We had a nice time since I haven't seen them in over 20 years but we had to call it an early night since our son is very sensitive to heat and my sisters place was very warm, even with the air conditioning on.
They haven't seen our son yet and decided to stop by to see her sister (my mom), and all the kids, my sisters kids and our boy.
We had a nice time since I haven't seen them in over 20 years but we had to call it an early night since our son is very sensitive to heat and my sisters place was very warm, even with the air conditioning on.
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Visit
We visited my wife's uncle today, very nice day, sunny, not too hot. I was worried how the baby would react since he doesn't like heat much. We stayed indoors for most of the time. We had dinner outside and the baby handled it nicely. We left early in the evening and it was a good day.
Her uncle and cousin met the baby and held him for a while. It gave us a rest and it got my wife out of the home for a bit. I think it's great for her mental well being too.
Her uncle and cousin met the baby and held him for a while. It gave us a rest and it got my wife out of the home for a bit. I think it's great for her mental well being too.
Friday, August 27, 2004
This time
He's now six weeks old, he has grown a bit, it's subtle but noticable. He's now a very chubby kid.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Holy cow!!
My son has not had a bowel movement for several days and today he had an explosive one.
I changed his diaper and blinked because it was the first time he had a semi-solid stool. And it was voluminous.
I was stunned such a small person can produce that. And now I'm still a little shocked cause smell hasn't even entered the picture yet.
I changed his diaper and blinked because it was the first time he had a semi-solid stool. And it was voluminous.
I was stunned such a small person can produce that. And now I'm still a little shocked cause smell hasn't even entered the picture yet.
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Milestone
Today my son made a genuine smile, not just one that we interpreted as a smile. It did give us somewhat of a jolt.
Monday, August 23, 2004
Relief
I got some help at the office. I should be able to reduce my paperwork load by thirty percent.
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Next stop on visiting parade
We went to White Plains to visit family friends. I was worried that it would be too hot for the baby because he hates heat, but he kept cool and the day was beautiful. Sunny with low humidity and not searing hot.
We had a great time and got home in time for some decent sleep.
We had a great time and got home in time for some decent sleep.
Saturday, August 21, 2004
Running errands
I picked up some diapers, baby formula and baby wipes. When I got home we headed out to the bookstore to get a few books to read to the baby.
After getting home we did a little laundry and by the time that was done it was time for dinner.
Three functions performed and the day is done...wow.
After getting home we did a little laundry and by the time that was done it was time for dinner.
Three functions performed and the day is done...wow.
Finally
We finally have a Saturday alone, no visitors coming to us, no one we have to go see. We are home all alone by ourselves. Just the three of us.
Of course we are so tired that we will probably nap all day, but with a baby, your days are all taken up with the baby's needs, everything else is secondary.
Of course we are so tired that we will probably nap all day, but with a baby, your days are all taken up with the baby's needs, everything else is secondary.
Friday, August 20, 2004
Baby dates
Today he is five weeks old. He's been having a little trouble with his digestive processes and he hasn't had a bowel movement yet today except for a little spot early in the morning.
Wasted day
I came in early to the office today for a 7:30 a.m. meeting which didn't break up until 1:00 p.m. I had lunch and finally sat down to do some work about 1:30 or 1:45.
I was then approached to deliver a letter as a follow-up to the bid results from Wednesday (we came in 2nd and were looking to qualify our results).
So I left the office at 2:30 p.m. after about 45 minutes of work.
What a day.
I was then approached to deliver a letter as a follow-up to the bid results from Wednesday (we came in 2nd and were looking to qualify our results).
So I left the office at 2:30 p.m. after about 45 minutes of work.
What a day.
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Doctor's follow-up
We went for a follow-up visit, the doctor thinks her infection is almost cleared up. He just wants her to finish the antibiotics and we shouldn't have to worry about it.
It looks alot better every day, the redness and swelling has gone. Her incision looks nice as well. She's in a little pain but not so much as last week.
It looks alot better every day, the redness and swelling has gone. Her incision looks nice as well. She's in a little pain but not so much as last week.
Bid drop off
I had to drop off a bid and wait for the results since we are short on clerical personnel. I assume I don't have too much to do in the office to make this delivery.
It's just as well since I had to leave the office early to take my wife to her follow-up visit.
It's just as well since I had to leave the office early to take my wife to her follow-up visit.
Monday, August 16, 2004
Need to see the doctor
I think my blood pressure is acting up. I get a very light-headed feeling, as if I had a hang over.
While I was laying down on my side, the room started to spin and I've only had one beer in the last 2 months.
I'm taking my medication, Altace, 5 miligrams once per day. I'm thinking maybe it's time to either step it up or step it down. I'll have to talk to my doctor and discuss it with him.
While I was laying down on my side, the room started to spin and I've only had one beer in the last 2 months.
I'm taking my medication, Altace, 5 miligrams once per day. I'm thinking maybe it's time to either step it up or step it down. I'll have to talk to my doctor and discuss it with him.
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Again, more company
We had a former co-worker of my wife stop by today with her mother and fiancee. We had a nice visit and were able to enjoy a nice Sunday evening alone.
It looked like it would rain all day but it wasn't that bad. The heavy rains came later at night.
It looked like it would rain all day but it wasn't that bad. The heavy rains came later at night.
Saturday, August 14, 2004
First time out
We went out to a block party with the baby today. There was a local radio station there and I was worried about the loud noise and the heat but it wasn't as bad as I thought.
He handled it pretty well, I did good around people and he didn't seem to hot. He did manage to take a leak on me.
One thing I noticed that might have been a regular trend, but the number of children and babies was surprising. It could be I never noticed since I didn't pay any particular attention to it. My interest was in drinking and eating and having a good time.
Don't get me wrong. I still did that but in greater moderation.
He handled it pretty well, I did good around people and he didn't seem to hot. He did manage to take a leak on me.
One thing I noticed that might have been a regular trend, but the number of children and babies was surprising. It could be I never noticed since I didn't pay any particular attention to it. My interest was in drinking and eating and having a good time.
Don't get me wrong. I still did that but in greater moderation.
Friday, August 13, 2004
Baby dates
Today my son is four weeks old. I compare pictures to him that I took of him when he was 3 days old.
There is subtle differences. I's kinda wild to see his growth over pictures that are so slight I don't notice day to day.
There is subtle differences. I's kinda wild to see his growth over pictures that are so slight I don't notice day to day.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Doctor's visit
My wife's doctor didn't like the look of her wound. He took a swab culture for testing to make sure it's not a sign of something worse.
He also cleaned out the wound as best as he could. She was in severe pain. There was this strange colored fluid that was a combination of blood and pus.He prescribed her an antibiotic and painkillers. He wants a follow-up next week, he might call earlier depending on the results of the culture test.
He also cleaned out the wound as best as he could. She was in severe pain. There was this strange colored fluid that was a combination of blood and pus.He prescribed her an antibiotic and painkillers. He wants a follow-up next week, he might call earlier depending on the results of the culture test.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Unexpected event
On my way home I was rear-ended by a young lady in a new Honda Civic. Luckily we weren't going very fast...5 or 10 mph on a highway on-ramp. She was didn't stop quickly enough and just knocked into me.
I got out of the car to see my damage and was really surprised because the only problem I had was with some sraped paint and my license plate. It was bent.
The Honda on the other hand didn't fare so well, the hood was bent in. It looked very bad considering it was new and the driver had just leased it.
She was shaken up horribly. Seeing as I wasn't hurt and the car had no problem other than the plate, I didn't see a need to get our insurances involved. I assume the premium increases would end up costing her a fortune, she looked very young.
I was just glad I wasn't hurt and my car wasn't damaged. Her damages appears to be cosmetic so perhaps it won't cost her too much. We were both able to go our ways so I just went.
I just hope her parents don't get crazy.
I got out of the car to see my damage and was really surprised because the only problem I had was with some sraped paint and my license plate. It was bent.
The Honda on the other hand didn't fare so well, the hood was bent in. It looked very bad considering it was new and the driver had just leased it.
She was shaken up horribly. Seeing as I wasn't hurt and the car had no problem other than the plate, I didn't see a need to get our insurances involved. I assume the premium increases would end up costing her a fortune, she looked very young.
I was just glad I wasn't hurt and my car wasn't damaged. Her damages appears to be cosmetic so perhaps it won't cost her too much. We were both able to go our ways so I just went.
I just hope her parents don't get crazy.
Slight complication
My wife is experiencing a little discomfort from the cesarean section. He scar isn't fully healed and she has a small infection with pus build-up. We made an appointment with her doctor for tomorrow, she'll probably need antibiotics.
I hope it isn't anything serious.
I hope it isn't anything serious.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Mama's boy
So far we've hit a wall with our son. He's not hungry, his diaper is clean, swaddling doesn't help, holding him doesn't help, giving him a pacifier doesn't help.
Not sure what to do, just about to just let him cry for a bit, my wife picks him up and he stops crying.
All he wanted was his mama! Just goes to figure, you think you got it all sorted out and here he is changing the rules on you.
Not sure what to do, just about to just let him cry for a bit, my wife picks him up and he stops crying.
All he wanted was his mama! Just goes to figure, you think you got it all sorted out and here he is changing the rules on you.
Monday, August 09, 2004
Gmail
I still have 4 available GMail slots and none of my friends want an in.
I think it's funny that they worry about their e-mails being scanned by the provider. After all sniffers have been running around for years, throw the feds into it and who know how often any one users e-mail is read.
I think it's funny that they worry about their e-mails being scanned by the provider. After all sniffers have been running around for years, throw the feds into it and who know how often any one users e-mail is read.
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Everyone's a gangster.
It was either Thursday or Friday that the news reported a murder of 6 people and a dog in Florida.
Today the news reports that the murders were over an X-Box that was stolen. A man who was a friend hired four kids to deal with them. Six people beaten to death with baseball bats and stabbed on top of it. OVER AN X-BOX. What's wrong with people?
Today the news reports that the murders were over an X-Box that was stolen. A man who was a friend hired four kids to deal with them. Six people beaten to death with baseball bats and stabbed on top of it. OVER AN X-BOX. What's wrong with people?
Saturday, August 07, 2004
Family visit
Today my mom, step-father and sister stopped by to see my son. This is the first time they've seen him and my mom just beamed like any grandmother would. She loves him and held him for hours.
She couldn't stop from reciting stories about my sister and me when we were infants.
She couldn't stop from reciting stories about my sister and me when we were infants.
Friday, August 06, 2004
Three weeks
Today my son is three weeks old. In a month he'll get the start of his vaccination shots.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Funny thing heard on the radio this morning
After a news item on the release from prison of Mary Kay Letourneau for having children with a 12 year old student, the radio station i listen to followed with a commercial for a web dating service who's big feature is they do background searches for criminal records.
Irony or intentional? I like the idea of irony.
Irony or intentional? I like the idea of irony.
Rough Morning
Today I woke up late and ran out to the office an hour later than I usually do. I usually avoid the morning rush hour traffic but today I got it full on. While it normally takes me 30 minutes to get to the office, today it took me an hour and a half.
Hopefully this will not be the norm for me.
Hopefully this will not be the norm for me.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Huh?
I am extremely tired.
I don't know how my wife can manage to keep up with only two or three hours of sleep a day for a week. I'm kind of nervous about the drive home since the tiredness, the heat and the vibration of the engine is a recipe for disaster.
When I left for work in the morning, my son was quietly sleeping. Of course, he waits until 4:30 a.m. to fall asleep.
I don't know how my wife can manage to keep up with only two or three hours of sleep a day for a week. I'm kind of nervous about the drive home since the tiredness, the heat and the vibration of the engine is a recipe for disaster.
When I left for work in the morning, my son was quietly sleeping. Of course, he waits until 4:30 a.m. to fall asleep.
Hard day
The day's just begun and it's gonna be a tough one.
I went to bed at 10:30 p.m. and I got up at 12:30 a.m. because the baby was hungry and my wife was exhausted because she's had about 2 hours of sleep in the last two days.
The bad news is that I've been up ever since. Going through a full day with 2 hours sleep is gonna be tough since driving always messed with my head. I get severly drowsy. Maybe I'll take the railroad today but I don't want to deal with heading into Grand Central Station for the Metro North.
I went to bed at 10:30 p.m. and I got up at 12:30 a.m. because the baby was hungry and my wife was exhausted because she's had about 2 hours of sleep in the last two days.
The bad news is that I've been up ever since. Going through a full day with 2 hours sleep is gonna be tough since driving always messed with my head. I get severly drowsy. Maybe I'll take the railroad today but I don't want to deal with heading into Grand Central Station for the Metro North.
Monday, August 02, 2004
Follow-up - Follow-up
The government followed up the attack threat with the noting that this information had been floating around for three to four years.
Their reasoning is that attack plans usually take years to come to fruition. I'm just curious as to why they didn't announce the alert last month or the month before that or New Years Eve or the previous New Years Eve. If these plans take years to go forth than a year or 18 months should be just as relevant as today.
I just can't help but think that the announcement came as a means to increase the security at NYC for the Republican convention without having to incur the cost directly. This way the security is in place and the cost is booked to something other than the Republicans.
Their reasoning is that attack plans usually take years to come to fruition. I'm just curious as to why they didn't announce the alert last month or the month before that or New Years Eve or the previous New Years Eve. If these plans take years to go forth than a year or 18 months should be just as relevant as today.
I just can't help but think that the announcement came as a means to increase the security at NYC for the Republican convention without having to incur the cost directly. This way the security is in place and the cost is booked to something other than the Republicans.
Our latest family members.....
My mother and step-father flew in from Florida today. They'll be spending some time helping out my sister so my wife and I will still have some alone time and my folks can meet their new grandson later this week.
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Follow-up
The government today announced specific locations in three cities that are targets for an Al Qaeida (sp?) attack. With NYC as the target at three locations. The Terror Alert Mood Ring is now raised to Orange. And a NYC official called the status as Orange Plus since NYC has been at Orange since the Mood Ring was first painted.
With the Republican convention coming to NYC, that should pretty much halt activities completely.
With the Republican convention coming to NYC, that should pretty much halt activities completely.
Sister-in-Law goes home
My wife's twin sister flies back home to Utah today.
Their youngest sister still has not come by to see the baby. She's an actress so her schedule is very demanding. We're unwilling to take the baby outside since it's very hot and steamy lately and the baby is very suseptible to heat. So it may be some time before she sees the baby.
He gets heat rash very easily.
Their youngest sister still has not come by to see the baby. She's an actress so her schedule is very demanding. We're unwilling to take the baby outside since it's very hot and steamy lately and the baby is very suseptible to heat. So it may be some time before she sees the baby.
He gets heat rash very easily.
Saturday, July 31, 2004
Yet more company
People just keep trickling in. Today it's my wife's other sister and her mother, with a nephew in tow. Tney did not stay long, it was nice to see them.
Although I think it will be nice to be alone after so many people have been available for help and support.
Later today my mother called to tell me she will be coming up from Florida on Monday to help out my sister. My parents will be in the city but they won't be spending as much time with us as other family members have.
Although I think it will be nice to be alone after so many people have been available for help and support.
Later today my mother called to tell me she will be coming up from Florida on Monday to help out my sister. My parents will be in the city but they won't be spending as much time with us as other family members have.
Friday, July 30, 2004
Where's the Rage?
The Democratic convention ended yesterday and with the Republican convention coming at the end of August I can't help but wonder where is today's Rage Against the Machine?
I really would like to hear what they would do with what has occurred in the last 4 years. The kind of music and grooves they would put together. There's no one out there today doing what they did.
I really would like to hear what they would do with what has occurred in the last 4 years. The kind of music and grooves they would put together. There's no one out there today doing what they did.
Pediatrician visit
The baby's second visit to the pediatrician results with a weight of 7 lbs. 4 ounces (net gain of 10 ounces) and a height increase of 1/2". His next visit is in 4 weeks where he will begin getting his immunization shots.
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
New Hire
Today a new guy started at the office to specifically work on closing out projects and old jobs just sitting there. We have hundreds of thousands of dollars just sitting there held up because we haven't closed the job.
A large chunk of it is retainage. Add to that the numbers I add with change order proposals, which are averaging $100,000 a week. I don't expect us to get 100% of the submitted cost since we're always getting arbritrarily chopped down but we should get something out of it.
A large chunk of it is retainage. Add to that the numbers I add with change order proposals, which are averaging $100,000 a week. I don't expect us to get 100% of the submitted cost since we're always getting arbritrarily chopped down but we should get something out of it.
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Back to work
My first day back to work after the baby was born results in several pounds of paperwork to follow up and complete.
Ugh. The paperwork is driving me crazy. It just seems that for every piece of paperwork I push out I get four back.
Ugh. The paperwork is driving me crazy. It just seems that for every piece of paperwork I push out I get four back.
Monday, July 26, 2004
Milestone reached
Tonight what's left of my son's umbilical cord fell off. Now once his circumcision fully heals I won't be worried of hurting him or possibly harming him when I'm changing his diaper.
Post-Op follow-up
My wife was experiencing strong pains and heavy bleeding. We were concerned and visited her doctor who examined her and did not detect any problems with the stitches or her healing process and he did not seem worried about her loss of blood. If it were to occur continuous as opposed to the stop and go way that it has been occuring he would be worried.
He prescribed a creme to help out and if the heavy bleeding does not stop within a day we are to contact him.
The baby is doing fine but he's experiencing prickly heat because his sweat glands are not fully developed yet. We keep him cool and dry hoping he'll be okay.
He prescribed a creme to help out and if the heavy bleeding does not stop within a day we are to contact him.
The baby is doing fine but he's experiencing prickly heat because his sweat glands are not fully developed yet. We keep him cool and dry hoping he'll be okay.
Sunday, July 25, 2004
Aargh!!!
Today I go to exchange the Wipes Warmer and we end up waiting 45 minutes just to have a 35 second swap. I hate having to wait for stuff like this since every one else's returns were giant productions requiring multiple signatures and proferring of identification...
Totally ridiculous.
Totally ridiculous.
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Uh Oh
Today my sister-in-law flew in today, she landed here at 5:30 a.m. I went to Babies R Us to pick up a Wipes Warmer and a few other things since my son doesn't like cold wipes on his body. Just my luck the Wipes Warmer is damaged and I have to take it back to be exchanged.
My wife's mother came by and they once again had a big blow-out. Her mother left and I suspect she's not coming back anytime soon.
My wife's nanny stopped by to see the baby. She's a very nice lady, I like her. Good head on her shoulders and no pretense.
I'm trying to catch a good buzz on Bacardi Coconut Rum, but it's too low in alcohol content to make a difference. Good thing I guess since I'd want to smoke if it did.
My wife's mother came by and they once again had a big blow-out. Her mother left and I suspect she's not coming back anytime soon.
My wife's nanny stopped by to see the baby. She's a very nice lady, I like her. Good head on her shoulders and no pretense.
I'm trying to catch a good buzz on Bacardi Coconut Rum, but it's too low in alcohol content to make a difference. Good thing I guess since I'd want to smoke if it did.
Friday, July 23, 2004
One week old
Today our son is a week old.
I went into my office to pick up some paychecks without which I would not be able to pay bills and everyone just went crazy looking at the pictures of our son I took with my cell phone.
I stopped by Cosco on the way back to pick up diapers but they did not have diapers small enough for him. I guess I'll have to wait for another 2 or 3 months.
Again he slept for quite a bit. I'm afraid that he's gonna keep us up for 2 days.
I went into my office to pick up some paychecks without which I would not be able to pay bills and everyone just went crazy looking at the pictures of our son I took with my cell phone.
I stopped by Cosco on the way back to pick up diapers but they did not have diapers small enough for him. I guess I'll have to wait for another 2 or 3 months.
Again he slept for quite a bit. I'm afraid that he's gonna keep us up for 2 days.
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Pediatrician
We had our first pediatrician's visit today. She likes his color, she would prefer he gain an ounce a day for the next week.
He managed to introduce himself by peeing on her.
We learned he does not begin to get immunization shots until he's six weeks old.
After seeing the pediatrician our son slept for most of the day.
He managed to introduce himself by peeing on her.
We learned he does not begin to get immunization shots until he's six weeks old.
After seeing the pediatrician our son slept for most of the day.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
This takes some getting used to
I was alone with the baby to relieve my wife, and the baby started crying. I checked his diaper and it was dry. My concern for him was because we had him circumcized and that gives him a bit of pain.
I thought it might be gas but he did not seem to need to fart. I gave him a pacifier but he did not want it. I tried to feed him with formula but he did not want that either.
Finally I picked him up wondering if he had a fever or if he was sick. Shotly after picking him up he quieted down.
Seems he only wanted to be held. Will wonders never cease.
I thought it might be gas but he did not seem to need to fart. I gave him a pacifier but he did not want it. I tried to feed him with formula but he did not want that either.
Finally I picked him up wondering if he had a fever or if he was sick. Shotly after picking him up he quieted down.
Seems he only wanted to be held. Will wonders never cease.
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
First night home
My wife is looking to exclusively breastfeed our son but I convinced her in order for her to get any sleep at all in these first weeks we'll have to give him some formula until her milk comes in at a greater capacity.
I only fed him 2 ounces of formula but he was looked like he enjoyed it. Mom thought that he gave her a little trouble with the first feeding after the bottle but he handled it just fine.
I only fed him 2 ounces of formula but he was looked like he enjoyed it. Mom thought that he gave her a little trouble with the first feeding after the bottle but he handled it just fine.
Monday, July 19, 2004
Hospital Stay
Today my wife and my son go home. We have spent the last couple of days in the hospital and we're looking forward to going home, the first time for our baby.
Sunday, July 18, 2004
My son's hospital stay - Day 2
Today wasn't a good day for my wife, the photographer took a second set of proofs and gave my son a pacifier to calm him down. Not the preferred thing to do on his second day of life, especially when he's exclusively breastfed but the damage is done.
Our son was tired and cranky and my wife was convinced that our son wouldn't take to the breast again.
After a brief moment of stress on both their parts, all was fine. He fed and my wife was happy.
My wife's next moment of stress came when the OB came to circumsize our son. My wife freaked out a bit, but in the long run everything was again ok.
Looks like my wife and our son is coming home tomorrow.
Our son was tired and cranky and my wife was convinced that our son wouldn't take to the breast again.
After a brief moment of stress on both their parts, all was fine. He fed and my wife was happy.
My wife's next moment of stress came when the OB came to circumsize our son. My wife freaked out a bit, but in the long run everything was again ok.
Looks like my wife and our son is coming home tomorrow.
Saturday, July 17, 2004
My son's hospital stay
Today our son got an A-OK on his hearing test. Yesterday he didn't react to sounds to I figured that maybe he was really tired. My wife hasn't slept much yet, she't really tired.
Today my wife is off of liquids and onto solid food.
My son has taken to breast feeding rather quickly.
My wife didn't like the proofs that the hospital photographer took, tomorrow they will take another set.
Today my wife is off of liquids and onto solid food.
My son has taken to breast feeding rather quickly.
My wife didn't like the proofs that the hospital photographer took, tomorrow they will take another set.
Friday, July 16, 2004
The hospital
I got to my wife early in the morning. After 13 or so hours she was dilated to 1 centimeter. It's developing slowly. They followed up with Pitocin to let the contractions open up her cervix. After a few hours of the drug doing it's work they noticed no change in her cervix.
Her OB broke her water and discovered meconium in the amniotic fluid, which is bad news since any introduction into the baby's system can be dangerous. After speaking with the OB we felt it was better for the baby to perform a cesarean section than to have the baby exposed to the meconium for another 13 or so hours.
I was surprised by how quickly everything went from that point forward. After deciding on the c-section we were in the operating room within 5 minutes. Ten or fifteen minutes later our son was born.
Her OB broke her water and discovered meconium in the amniotic fluid, which is bad news since any introduction into the baby's system can be dangerous. After speaking with the OB we felt it was better for the baby to perform a cesarean section than to have the baby exposed to the meconium for another 13 or so hours.
I was surprised by how quickly everything went from that point forward. After deciding on the c-section we were in the operating room within 5 minutes. Ten or fifteen minutes later our son was born.
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Sonogram
Today we had an appointment for a fetal heart monitor and a sonogram. The monitor went well however during the sonogram the doctor calculated a lower count of amniotic fluid than he would have liked.
The doctor made a quick phone call to my wife's obstetrician and we went off to see the OB for his review. We walked down a few blocks and he squeezed in an appointment for my wife. After a brief visit he felt it was necessary to induce labor so off we went directly to the hospital.
After getting my wife situated I came home for a brief nap and to bring to the hospital several things my wife packed for.
Today is the day.
The doctor made a quick phone call to my wife's obstetrician and we went off to see the OB for his review. We walked down a few blocks and he squeezed in an appointment for my wife. After a brief visit he felt it was necessary to induce labor so off we went directly to the hospital.
After getting my wife situated I came home for a brief nap and to bring to the hospital several things my wife packed for.
Today is the day.
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Still waiting
My wife is getting anxious and frustrated waiting to give birth. Tomorrow we have an appointment for a fetal heart monitor and sonogram just to keep a check on the baby's condition.
My mother-in-law didn't stop by, she and my wife are having a bit of trouble dealing with each other. Her mother constantly believes she is on the receiving end of hatred from my wife. Her problem is that she leads with darkness and then feels justified when my wife gets snappy because her mom gets flighty and negative.
Hmm...is this the type of relationships that parent and children have? I don't have this kind of relationship with my mother, on the other hand my father and I haven't spoken in 20 years. I'm very aware of how children pick up the habits of parents and that's one thing I don't want: to be my dad.
My mother-in-law didn't stop by, she and my wife are having a bit of trouble dealing with each other. Her mother constantly believes she is on the receiving end of hatred from my wife. Her problem is that she leads with darkness and then feels justified when my wife gets snappy because her mom gets flighty and negative.
Hmm...is this the type of relationships that parent and children have? I don't have this kind of relationship with my mother, on the other hand my father and I haven't spoken in 20 years. I'm very aware of how children pick up the habits of parents and that's one thing I don't want: to be my dad.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Frustration
I have been given the aggravating task of figuring out how to get a private vehicle registered as a commercial vehicle. It looks like a private individual has to go to DMV and file the paperwork but I know that's not the case.
I'm sure that it's a fairly simple process, it's just that it's not intuitive and I hae no idea where to start. DMV is no help, the phone just rings or I'm on hold hell.
Hmph....I'll talk to the office manager and see if she has done it before.
I'm sure that it's a fairly simple process, it's just that it's not intuitive and I hae no idea where to start. DMV is no help, the phone just rings or I'm on hold hell.
Hmph....I'll talk to the office manager and see if she has done it before.
Monday, July 12, 2004
Doctor's visit
Our weekly doctor's visit resulted in no news other than we have to wait and see. There are no indications that the baby will be coming any time soon. However her doctor is quick to point out that can change at any moment.
We are now doing the fetal heart monitor and sonograms twice a week until the baby comes.
We are now doing the fetal heart monitor and sonograms twice a week until the baby comes.
Sunday, July 11, 2004
DAoC
I played a little Dark Age of Camelot today, I haven't spent time on that game in quite a while. I typically play on Bria server. Gaedoc is my main with various toons populating the game.
I like the game, it seems that MMORPG is the basis that all games will eventually trickle down to.
I like the game, it seems that MMORPG is the basis that all games will eventually trickle down to.
Friday, July 09, 2004
Hit the mark
Today is the baby's due date. I'm not sure how they calculate it but my wife is at 40 weeks today. My wife has been feeling the Hicks contractions but so far no signs that it's the real thing.
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