Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Naming trends for a little boy
We've started talking about names. Based on the early list - we both heavily favor names with a Hebrew origin. In fact, everything we actually wrote down is Hebrew. There were a few Greek & Gaelic names we liked, but had issues with - they were overly popular, already in use by someone around us or used by someone from the past who tainted it.
I still haven't scanned & posted the pictures from the ultrasound. I'll do it at some point this weekend.
One thing the ultrasound technician told us was that, size wise, the little guy is in the 25th percentile - meaning 75% of babies are bigger than he is, at this point. This was shocking, since Lily probably still hasn't fallen under the 90th percentile. The tech told us not to worry, that babies grow in spurts and the doctor would only be concerned if he was under the 10th percentile or doesn't show progress.
So, it's not a major concern, but it's a different place to be, given our prior experience.
I still haven't scanned & posted the pictures from the ultrasound. I'll do it at some point this weekend.
One thing the ultrasound technician told us was that, size wise, the little guy is in the 25th percentile - meaning 75% of babies are bigger than he is, at this point. This was shocking, since Lily probably still hasn't fallen under the 90th percentile. The tech told us not to worry, that babies grow in spurts and the doctor would only be concerned if he was under the 10th percentile or doesn't show progress.
So, it's not a major concern, but it's a different place to be, given our prior experience.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
A picture starts to form
It's not particularly shocking that it's a boy - there was a 50% chance it would be. The vision of what it's going to be like with the new kid is 90% clearer though. It's much more real, once you have some idea what you face.
We can start buying boy's clothing, everything pink can stay in storage and we have a whole new set of issues to deal with (circumcision, etc).
We can start buying boy's clothing, everything pink can stay in storage and we have a whole new set of issues to deal with (circumcision, etc).
Monday, October 26, 2009
Ultrasounds, Lily Jihad and my bad math
Tomorrow is the big day. We get a real peek at the new kid via a big ultrasound machine. We'll know the sex and it should make everything all the more real. It would be all we could think about, if it wasn't for the 18-month old on the floor crying and kicking for much of the evening.
Lily had the temper tantrum to end all temper tantrums today, and the daycare lady said she was having them all day. It's only for important stuff though, like the color of spoon she gets and who's changing her diaper. She's very persistent too - the evening tantrum went on for well over half an hour.
Oh, I have bad math skills. My last post said we were 50% vaccinated, but if you correctly count Cindy as two......then it actually comes out to 62.5%.
Lily had the temper tantrum to end all temper tantrums today, and the daycare lady said she was having them all day. It's only for important stuff though, like the color of spoon she gets and who's changing her diaper. She's very persistent too - the evening tantrum went on for well over half an hour.
Oh, I have bad math skills. My last post said we were 50% vaccinated, but if you correctly count Cindy as two......then it actually comes out to 62.5%.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
50% Vaccinated
Cindy's vaccinated agianst H1N1, and Lily has her first dose (kids need two, 30 days apart). I'll take Lil back in a month to get the follow up, and get one myself.
We debated getting it for Lily. In the end, none of the opposition rose above anecdotal. You have to go with the best information, and that means vaccination. Statistically, vaccination is safe, even if it's not perfectly safe....it's better than the alternative.
With Cindy, there was no quesiton. 6% of the 1000+ deaths have been pregnant women, and they only make up 1% of the population.
We debated getting it for Lily. In the end, none of the opposition rose above anecdotal. You have to go with the best information, and that means vaccination. Statistically, vaccination is safe, even if it's not perfectly safe....it's better than the alternative.
With Cindy, there was no quesiton. 6% of the 1000+ deaths have been pregnant women, and they only make up 1% of the population.
Aspie
I'm fairly certain that I have something called Aspergers. It's essentially a mild form of Autism. People with Aspergers do not naturally pick up on the basic elements of social interaction during early development. Most people learn the meaning of facial/tonal expressions, as second nature, but I didn't. Most people learn to look others in the eyes when talking to them, but I didn't start to do this till I was in my twenties. I picked up on this stuff later, but much like learning a second language as an adult -- I will never be as good as a 'native' speaker.
I've never bothered going for a diagnosis, or any professional help, because there isn't really any treatment in my case. There is no comorbidity (other problems) or limiting effects that I haven't been able to deal with by means close at hand. There is no magic pill, and in ways it isn't even a defect or disease. I'm not even sure it could be defined as anything more than a condition, or even a set of personality traits.
In many ways, it hasn't been much of a hindrance, considering what I've been able to do in life and given the encouragement of what others, who likely have the condition, have been able to do (Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Bob Dylan, Bill Gates, Al Gore, etc).
It still sucks though.
There is a perceived lack of empathy. People will tend to think someone with Aspergers is being cold or rude, when it's rarely ever the case. These perceptions lead into every aspect of one's life, effectively serving as a barrier to many people. This limits the ways, and number of people that you can get close to - friends & acquaintances.
Even the good stuff about it can be bad. For example, Aspergers tends to make people passionate about very specific topics. That can be a great thing -- just think about Albert Einstein or the work of many great scientists, who likely had the same condition. The problem arises when that same passion combines with limited conversation skills. It can put people off, with a one sided conversation, a bore, which is debilitating socially and personally.
Again, it's not all bad. In ways, it makes life more interesting. Linguistics, the study of language, the medium of thought, is fascinating to myself and many other people with Aspergers. This is likely because we view much of the communication we see as a foreigner. Much like you might find the stories or cultures of someone from India, China or any place outside of your community more interesting, because it offers more variety. In this way, Aspergers gives you the view of a foreigner in your native land.
I've taken a highly introspective look on this situation for the last decade, but children force you to look out. Like just about everything about a person, this condition has a genetic preponderance.
Nothing makes me happier than seeing Lily react to facial expressions or make them herself. I am somewhat confident, at this point, that she's not carrying the genes actively. It'll be a concern again with our next child. Given that boys are about 3 or 4 times more likely to carry the condition may well weigh into it even more so, if it does happen to be a boy.
The good thing to know is that it's something that can be dealt with, proactively, in my child's case. They can go on to live very productive lives and not be limited in any significant way. Their dad will be living proof of that.
I've never bothered going for a diagnosis, or any professional help, because there isn't really any treatment in my case. There is no comorbidity (other problems) or limiting effects that I haven't been able to deal with by means close at hand. There is no magic pill, and in ways it isn't even a defect or disease. I'm not even sure it could be defined as anything more than a condition, or even a set of personality traits.
In many ways, it hasn't been much of a hindrance, considering what I've been able to do in life and given the encouragement of what others, who likely have the condition, have been able to do (Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Bob Dylan, Bill Gates, Al Gore, etc).
It still sucks though.
There is a perceived lack of empathy. People will tend to think someone with Aspergers is being cold or rude, when it's rarely ever the case. These perceptions lead into every aspect of one's life, effectively serving as a barrier to many people. This limits the ways, and number of people that you can get close to - friends & acquaintances.
Even the good stuff about it can be bad. For example, Aspergers tends to make people passionate about very specific topics. That can be a great thing -- just think about Albert Einstein or the work of many great scientists, who likely had the same condition. The problem arises when that same passion combines with limited conversation skills. It can put people off, with a one sided conversation, a bore, which is debilitating socially and personally.
Again, it's not all bad. In ways, it makes life more interesting. Linguistics, the study of language, the medium of thought, is fascinating to myself and many other people with Aspergers. This is likely because we view much of the communication we see as a foreigner. Much like you might find the stories or cultures of someone from India, China or any place outside of your community more interesting, because it offers more variety. In this way, Aspergers gives you the view of a foreigner in your native land.
I've taken a highly introspective look on this situation for the last decade, but children force you to look out. Like just about everything about a person, this condition has a genetic preponderance.
Nothing makes me happier than seeing Lily react to facial expressions or make them herself. I am somewhat confident, at this point, that she's not carrying the genes actively. It'll be a concern again with our next child. Given that boys are about 3 or 4 times more likely to carry the condition may well weigh into it even more so, if it does happen to be a boy.
The good thing to know is that it's something that can be dealt with, proactively, in my child's case. They can go on to live very productive lives and not be limited in any significant way. Their dad will be living proof of that.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Doctors Appointment
Cindy went in today, mainly for the gestational diabetes test. It might be a standard test, but they were particularly concerned because Lily was so big. She won't get the results till tomorrow, but everything else is looking good.
- Heartbeat: 150 (150 = GOOD)
- Weight Gain: 1 lb (Cindy = Happy)
- H1N1 vaccination will be available in the next couple days
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Numbers of years
5 + 36 = 41 | 2013 | My age when Lily starts school
18 + 36 = 54 | 2026 | She graduates from High School.
30 + 36 = 66 | 2038 | She'll be 30
32 + 36 = 68 | 2040 | Grandchildren*
+ 2 | Years for the next kid
- 4 | Years for Cindy
I don't know if it's normal to obsess over these numbers, but I do.
(* - assuming she is the same age as her mom)
18 + 36 = 54 | 2026 | She graduates from High School.
30 + 36 = 66 | 2038 | She'll be 30
32 + 36 = 68 | 2040 | Grandchildren*
+ 2 | Years for the next kid
- 4 | Years for Cindy
I don't know if it's normal to obsess over these numbers, but I do.
(* - assuming she is the same age as her mom)
Monday, October 19, 2009
Saturday Night
Saturday we had the babysitting crew come in, and were able to go to dinner and a movie.
The dinner was at Arby's. Needless to say, this wasn't our first choice or the hundredth - it was the only choice - given the time constraints and theater proximity. There are some relatively healthy choices on their menu, relative to fast food. Luckily, neither of us are on a low sodium diet.
Dinner was uneventful, fast and filled with an unfamiliar silence. There were no outbursts. No one threw anything off the table or started crying.
Cindy picked the movie. It was about a bunch of unhappily married couples that all happen to find wedded bliss after 90 minutes of comic mishap in the Caribbean. The theater next door was showing an incomprehensible action film about giant robots with consciousness, that turn into cars - which was only slightly more believe able.
We both liked the movie, but agreed that it was no 'Sarah Marshal'. The movie was just right for the evening, since my movie choice would have had us discussing Capitalism and how the workers can gain back the means of production on the drive home. It might have changed the overall vibe of the evening.
We went home to find Lily being laid into the crib an hour earlier than she's usually put there. She was worn out from leading the grandparents around, and would wind up sleeping, without complaint, till 6am.
That was Saturday night.
The dinner was at Arby's. Needless to say, this wasn't our first choice or the hundredth - it was the only choice - given the time constraints and theater proximity. There are some relatively healthy choices on their menu, relative to fast food. Luckily, neither of us are on a low sodium diet.
Dinner was uneventful, fast and filled with an unfamiliar silence. There were no outbursts. No one threw anything off the table or started crying.
Cindy picked the movie. It was about a bunch of unhappily married couples that all happen to find wedded bliss after 90 minutes of comic mishap in the Caribbean. The theater next door was showing an incomprehensible action film about giant robots with consciousness, that turn into cars - which was only slightly more believe able.
We both liked the movie, but agreed that it was no 'Sarah Marshal'. The movie was just right for the evening, since my movie choice would have had us discussing Capitalism and how the workers can gain back the means of production on the drive home. It might have changed the overall vibe of the evening.
We went home to find Lily being laid into the crib an hour earlier than she's usually put there. She was worn out from leading the grandparents around, and would wind up sleeping, without complaint, till 6am.
That was Saturday night.
Friday, October 16, 2009
It's hard to love someone when you don't even know their name
Yesterday, Cindy expressed that it feels odd that anyone could share some part of the love and concern which Lily now receives. This shocked me at first, but the truth is that I felt the same way all along.
There is a rational side that knows, without question, that the new baby will be welcome with open arms and be as big a part of the family as any current member. That side is different than the pragmatism of every day, where it's impossible to imagine someone that competes with what we have now.
There is a rational side that knows, without question, that the new baby will be welcome with open arms and be as big a part of the family as any current member. That side is different than the pragmatism of every day, where it's impossible to imagine someone that competes with what we have now.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
13 Days till sex and how much it will cost us
We'll know the sex in 13 days.
I'm amazed and impressed that Andrea and Matt are going to make it a surprise on delivery day....I can see how it would add some pop to the big day. It's not an option for us. Cindy just wouldn't let it happen, and I would only accept not knowing by force.
Knowing the sex should get a lot of wheels turning. The sex is going to determine how we redesign the bedroom for the new baby. It will include trips to furniture stores, picking out colors, painting and moving things around. This will probably take much of our free time in the coming months.
If it's a boy, then it's back to the mom-2-mom sales for Cindy. We'll have to buy another wardrobe, although not as much care goes into boys clothing....from what I hear.
We started shopping yesterday - window shopping, really. It was mostly spent looking at dual strollers. We spent a grand total of $5.29 for a baby-proofing device to deal with clear and present dangers to Lily, rather than anything the new baby will face before 2011. I think this will change once we know the sex.....we'll start buying in preparation, rather then just to fight fires.
I'm amazed and impressed that Andrea and Matt are going to make it a surprise on delivery day....I can see how it would add some pop to the big day. It's not an option for us. Cindy just wouldn't let it happen, and I would only accept not knowing by force.
Knowing the sex should get a lot of wheels turning. The sex is going to determine how we redesign the bedroom for the new baby. It will include trips to furniture stores, picking out colors, painting and moving things around. This will probably take much of our free time in the coming months.
If it's a boy, then it's back to the mom-2-mom sales for Cindy. We'll have to buy another wardrobe, although not as much care goes into boys clothing....from what I hear.
We started shopping yesterday - window shopping, really. It was mostly spent looking at dual strollers. We spent a grand total of $5.29 for a baby-proofing device to deal with clear and present dangers to Lily, rather than anything the new baby will face before 2011. I think this will change once we know the sex.....we'll start buying in preparation, rather then just to fight fires.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Pax Familia
Maybe inane Facebook Status' and Twitter Twats have watered down all other forms of narcissism on the Internets......cause I've really grown to like the blog format.
This may be due to the fact that it's not the publicity of this very public format, but the privacy of obscurity, through the shear volume of content out there, that makes this work for me. If someone actually finds this blog and gets something from it, fine. The worst case would be a malcontent finds cause to strongly dislike us. Even then it would be unlikely any would have the intrepid desire to find us in the real world or even take the time to send a flame email. Another angry person on the Internet doesn't amount to much. Realistically, the worst thing that will happen is that someone will find this blog and waste their time on the path to what they were really seeking.
So, I like writing here. I like putting my thoughts together on whatever the topic may be, and putting them down. While Cindy writes less - she clearly expresses interest and has never shown contempt. It's written for us, by us.
The point I was coming to, eventually, was that we are changing the focus of this blog to family issues in general. It won't just be about the future baby. In theory this should broaden the content and increase the number of posts.
What really brought this on is the realization that a second pregnancy gets far less attention than the first.....due to the product of the first pregnancy. Not much is happening in the pregnancy, while the product of the first pregnancy is going through an explosion of changes.
I now see why the second, third or eighth kids gets so many less photos than the first child. We are not going to have as much time to take the (roughly) 3000 we have of Lily, cause both sets of adult hands will be required at all times.
This may be due to the fact that it's not the publicity of this very public format, but the privacy of obscurity, through the shear volume of content out there, that makes this work for me. If someone actually finds this blog and gets something from it, fine. The worst case would be a malcontent finds cause to strongly dislike us. Even then it would be unlikely any would have the intrepid desire to find us in the real world or even take the time to send a flame email. Another angry person on the Internet doesn't amount to much. Realistically, the worst thing that will happen is that someone will find this blog and waste their time on the path to what they were really seeking.
So, I like writing here. I like putting my thoughts together on whatever the topic may be, and putting them down. While Cindy writes less - she clearly expresses interest and has never shown contempt. It's written for us, by us.
The point I was coming to, eventually, was that we are changing the focus of this blog to family issues in general. It won't just be about the future baby. In theory this should broaden the content and increase the number of posts.
What really brought this on is the realization that a second pregnancy gets far less attention than the first.....due to the product of the first pregnancy. Not much is happening in the pregnancy, while the product of the first pregnancy is going through an explosion of changes.
I now see why the second, third or eighth kids gets so many less photos than the first child. We are not going to have as much time to take the (roughly) 3000 we have of Lily, cause both sets of adult hands will be required at all times.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
CDC, H1N1 + Droids
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/pregnancy/
That's the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) site related to H1N1 & Pregnancy. It has the best info available, and will always be the most up to date source.
I liked the Swine Flu name better - H1N1 reminds me of the robots in Star Wars - C3P0 & R2D2.
That's the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) site related to H1N1 & Pregnancy. It has the best info available, and will always be the most up to date source.
I liked the Swine Flu name better - H1N1 reminds me of the robots in Star Wars - C3P0 & R2D2.
Friday, October 2, 2009
In Sickness and in even more sickness
The season for sickness is upon us and, through daycare, Lily is a conduit to the virus du jour. Our house is on the cutting edge of every Cold and Flu.
Normally, this should be a sniffle, a cough and a few days working from the house, but the H1N1 thing does make it scary. News outlets play with the numbers to make it look scary - to create an audience, but the science is pretty clear that pregnancy is significant factor in complications relating to this new influenza epidemic.
http://download.thelancet.com/flatcontentassets/H1N1-flu/epidemiology/epidemiology-72.pdf
Treatment for pregnant women has been extremely conservative in approach, since the Thalidomide tragedy of the 1960's, justifiably. It's good to see that medical science is proactively and aggressively looking out for treating pregnant women now. This is a great essay from the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/health/views/29essa.html?_r=1
They are promising guidelines for the vaccination and retroviral treatment in the next few weeks. I'll be watching what comes back closely, and relaying my thoughts to Cindy.
Normally, this should be a sniffle, a cough and a few days working from the house, but the H1N1 thing does make it scary. News outlets play with the numbers to make it look scary - to create an audience, but the science is pretty clear that pregnancy is significant factor in complications relating to this new influenza epidemic.
http://download.thelancet.com/flatcontentassets/H1N1-flu/epidemiology/epidemiology-72.pdf
Treatment for pregnant women has been extremely conservative in approach, since the Thalidomide tragedy of the 1960's, justifiably. It's good to see that medical science is proactively and aggressively looking out for treating pregnant women now. This is a great essay from the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/health/views/29essa.html?_r=1
They are promising guidelines for the vaccination and retroviral treatment in the next few weeks. I'll be watching what comes back closely, and relaying my thoughts to Cindy.
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