Spirit_Dragon and I enjoyed a wonderful walk through the Japanese Garden yesterday with Hazel.  It was my first visit.  It was so serene with the water gently rolling over rocks and down the water fall.  The blooms dotting the green drapery of the forest.  I love to get back to nature.  It is so rejuvenating.  And I love living in a city with nature so close to city.

On a separate note.  I also got some real guy time and saw "Ironman".  I have to say I was skeptical having Robert Downey Junior play the part, however it was the perfect match.  From his witty banter with his robot assistants to his masterful handling for a glass of scotch.  I definitely look forward to the sequel.  Thanks for the tip to wait for ending for the final scene.  And the hard rock music (AC/DC, Ozzy) really added to the testosterone goodness.

Ciao.

The first wave of relatives if completing today.  I have re-stocked our supplies to prepare for the second wave to begin on Wednesday.  My Mother and step-father are coming to visit our little Hazel-nut.  I am hoping that my Mother can do some cooking while she is here.  It would be better than the KFC and Pizza Hut that my father bought us.  I know, it is the thought the counts. 

We actually got more than six hours sleep last night.  I kept thinkings something was wrong.  Should we wake her up?  She is going to want to eat.  Well, we didn't and enjoyed the rest.  Ironically I am feeling more tired today, but I am told that is because I got "too much" sleep.  That or my body remembered what it was like and wants more.  Tough...things to do. 

Baby's temperament is about the same, but we are learning to manage better.  We have an appointment to meet with the Pediatrician.  I hope it is something they can answer.  I am learning quickly that there more that they do not know about babies than they know.

On a side note, got to see my Netflix movie "Mystic River" the other night while she slept.  Good movie.  I recommend it.  Sean Penn was a little over the top, but Tim Robbins was great. 

Star Date April 21, 2008.  The cute bundle of feces our crew found in the Legacy system seems to have bent time.  She is a noctural dweller that is bending all in her path to her will.  The crew's morale is waivering, save for the adoring glances of the bright eyed being.  Reinforcements were called in the early morning to allow the Captain and First Mate (you can decide which is which) to spend some time in their rejuvination pods.

Ensen Shelby is the brightest of the crew and often retreats to her crows nest (in the family room). 

I must declare the road to parenthood is challenging.  But I know that we shall find "the promised land" some time after adolescence anyway.  Kudos.

I am crossing my fingers for Obama tomorrow. 

BD

Well...after 42 and a third weeks of pregnancy, eight hours of natural labor, 12 epidural attempts, a cesarean section and nine days living the hospitals (thank you Legacy Health Systems), our little Hazel nut has arrived home.  She was released from the talons of the NICU on Friday night at 8:30pm

Due to the fact that they never determined the cause of her problem, she was sent home with an Apnea monitor.  In otherwards, our daughter is still wired for sound.  The funny part is between her waking us up and the damn machine beeping every time she moved one of the sensors, we are still sleep deprived.  It is definitely a whole lot better being home.   Shelby is have some difficulty adjusting however.

Thank you to all those that send positive vibes, energy, prayers or psychic healing, as it seems to have worked.  The only test she showed any concern in originally was her EEG and the second reported that she appeared totally normal.  Now the problem is what are Spirit Dragon and I going to do with a "normal" child.  Honestly though, we are extremely grateful and happy that we will be able to continue our life as a family in a more conducive setting.

For those that look forward to meeting the little munchkin, there will be some parameters due to her lowered immune system and risk of respitory infections.  If you are sick of recently sick, probably better to wait until you are healthy.  We will not be taking her to any crowded places for at least a month.  Bummer since we had visions of shopping the Farmer's Market with her.  Soon though.  Finally, if you would like to man (or woman) handle the child we only ask that you wash your hands first to minimize her germs.  These were recommendations from the hospital staff.

I am sure Spirit Dragon will share some pictures later.  I am still learning how to download them from the camera.  Put me the woods I can survive, drop me in cyberspace and I would be screwed. 

A Happy Biker_Daddy
 

Hello all,

Please welcome the newest member of our family:

Hazel Elana Van Handel

(Hope I am downloading this picture right. I am a Dad now, I gotta get this photo thing down.)

Born April 9, 2008 at 4:03pm

8 lbs. 9 oz, 22 inches

Hazel was born by Cesarean section at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital on Wednesday afternoon. She was taken from the Delivery Room to the nursery for observation (with Dad close behind). She remained On Friday, Hazel had two episodes of respitory distress, which caused her pediatrician and nurses concern. She was transfered to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Legacy Emanuel Hospital. Amy was also transfered to the Family Birth Center to continue her recovery from surgery, which has gone well. Since being in the NICU Hazel has had two more episodes, the last being on Friday afternoon. Dr. Mischel, head Neo-natologist (doctor for medically fragile newborns) is unsure of the cause for these episodes. Amy is nursing Hazel and visiting every few hours for feedings and cuddles. She really is beautiful and we feel very blessed! Please keep her in your thoughts. Talk to you all soon.

Well, we are on day 16 past my daughter's official due date.  My wife and I have pulled out all the stops.  We have walked every day for the past month.  We have had sex more than we did trying to get pregnant (ironically I think)...not that I am complaining.  Yesterday we had an acupuncturist come to attempt to induce labor.  No luck however.

We are scheduled for a pitocin inducement on Wednesday.  We were hoping to avoid this due to the complications associated with this form of inducement.  Our daughter is definitely an Aries (like me) and will do it when she is good and ready.  My friend tells me that we are in the Aries moon now and waiting for the moon to go into Taurus.  Maybe that will spur her along.  I always get along well with Tauruses. 

In the meantime, being off work and around the house is strange.  It is like Groundhogs Day...everyday the same thing..waking up and still no baby.