All Things Dirks

Home again, home again.....

2010-09-04T15:55:00.001-07:00

We have left the sterile confines of Swedish and are now home. As you can see Avery has taken her new responsibility of Big Sis very seriously keeping a watchful eye on Mr Charlie the entire ride. While super exhausted I know Mon and I are both thrilled to be home.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8

Moving Day

2010-09-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

Night 2 was much the same as night 1; sleep, eat, sleep, eat, sleep, eat...... He did have a few moments but overall he has been a great baby during the night. We are getting released today so both Charlie and Mon are being run through a battery of tests. Charlie also will under go his first major surgery, circumcision! Just the word trips me out but the alternative is, well, you get the idea (hopefully without the mental picture). We also got back his Billy Rubin counts from a second test this morning and his counts are elevated but still within a good zone. Because of our ordeal with Avery this has been hard news for Mon. Please send prayers and positive thoughts about this, we would love to avoid the bed of lights this time around. Beyond this news Mon is looking and feeling better and better all the time. She is up and around despite the pain; I'm super proud of her for fighting through and getting on her feet. We hope to be home early this afternoon so I'll keep you posted on our escape from the hospital. Charlies just turned 3 days old or third day of life as they call it in the medical world. Happy 3rd Day Mr. Charlie....

The Nurse with Squeaky Shoes On

2010-09-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

When you spend this much time in a hospital you notice some pretty strange and alarming things. For example why at this hospital is the smoking section right below the cancer wing?!? I kid you not, you walk through people who have obvious scares from their bout with cancer only to leave the front door and be hit with pungent smell of cigarette smoke. Even more amazing was the conversation I over heard while following a couple out of this wing. By her hair you could tell cancer was an ongoing fight and she was telling the man, "wow, after talking with him today I feel there is a chance at a normal life". Just then we crossed the threshold to the outdoors and as she finished her statement she whipped out a cig and lit up. Are we really this stupid as a human race?

But I digress back to the title of this blog; last night we had two nurses. One dressed in the usual blues and then a second who was dressed in the sportiest nursing outfit I have ever seen. No lie, the getup had racing stripes. Additionally, nurse 2 also wore a jacket complete with fur trim. This was all acceptable because lets face it, it's the middle of night and Mon and I are trying to get any sleep we possibly can. But then came the realization that her shoes were an early warning system for the entire Pacific Rim. Have you ever had a pair of shoes that got soda on the bottom and then walked around to hear the sticky/squeaking sound with every step? Well she either ordered these bad boys directly from Coke or soaks them nightly. As the night progressed you could hear her coming from five minutes away. When she entered the room it sounds like a chorus of Coke stained dancers had entered the room. This would not have been such an issue except for the fact that they insist on coming in every 1.5 hrs to check on mom and baby preventing any normal type of sleep a person in our state craves. For those in the nursing industry please do not repeat this ladies insensitive fashion sense. If you have a colleague who wears a shoe with an early warning system please pass along this blog link. There is enough going on without having to hear your every move. So to the nurse with the squeaky shoes last night, thank you for forever changing my sleep patterns with your footsteps. I had no idea I could exist on such little sleep until you decided to show up. My only remaining question (coming from a guy who can't stand the sound of change in his own pocket) is how in the hell can you not notice this? I'd cut off my own feet is my shoes made this sound!

OK enough with the fashion critic of the over night staff. Mon is up and around feeling much stronger and better this afternoon. Charlie continues to frequent the buffet line like Baptists at a Golden Coral for Sunday lunch. All his tests and counts are coming back great so fingers crossed we will be able to head home tomorrow. Thanks again for all the messages, emails, and phones call; your support is incredible! Thank you!

Night 1: In the Books

2010-09-03T10:12:00.001-07:00

Night one is in the books and I have to say Charlie was much easier going than Avery. His appetite has only increased, he is big into his bink, and enjoys a good hour or two snooze on and off pretty much all night. The doc has been into see him and thinks he looks great. She said he did not look jaundice at this time so fingers crossed we make it through the next 7 days without that flaring up.

Mon on the other hand is still in a lot of pain. Her incision and abdomen are very sore but as I remind her all the time, did you have major surgery. We hope that she can get some relief with the new pain meds. She is pressing hard to get up and around but as of right now its very slow going.

That's the update for now, more to come later today!

Some Final Thoughts & Lots of Pics

2010-09-02T22:10:00.001-07:00

The night has fallen here in Seattle and the view is something to behold. Mon is feeling great, actually got to eat a chicken salad sandwich tonight, but is worried about what tomorrow may bring after her experience with Avery. Charlie has finished eating for a zillionth time tonight and is resting fast for the moment. When I got back from the house this evening he and Mom were sizing one another up. He has taken to eating like a duck to water and seems pretty alert for a little guy.

Watching Avery with him today was a real trip. I'm not sure what was running around in that small dome but I'd have paid good money for a window. You can tell she is getting the idea but not sure how stoked she is with this "baby Charlie" thing. I'm sure she'll be great, she has been with everything else to this point. Putting her to bed tonight was filled with questions and comments about the entire day. For 2 she does not miss very many details.

OK, I know most of you have skipped right past all of this written content to the pics so I won't bother you with more ramblings. Here are a few moments from Day 1:

While we're both exhausted from the big day both Mon and I are super excited to add Charlie to our little family. All your comments, well wishes, thoughts, and prayers as much appreciated. We are lucky to have two great healthy children and a giant community of friends and family. We truly are blessed!

We Have Moved To The Penthouse

2010-09-02T13:21:00.001-07:00

We're out of the recovery room and into our new home for the next few days. For those requesting details we're at Swedish on First Hill, room 1015 SW. Mom and baby are still doing great.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8

3 Happy Campers.....

2010-09-02T12:58:00.001-07:00

Because the audience is demanding more pictures here is the three of us. Avery is at the house still with Jonna but in an hour or so we'll remedy that situation. Can't wait to introduce Buggy to her new little brother!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8

Twin Sisters Sharing a Moment

2010-09-02T12:30:00.001-07:00

Auntie Steph arrived and shares a moment with her sis and newest edition.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8

First peak at Charlie

2010-09-02T11:52:00.001-07:00

Here is a first image for you, having some minor tech issues but will get them resolved soon and load some more pics. Everyone is still doing great. He ate for 55 mins on his first feeding, nurse said "welcome to the world of boys".

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8

Charles Lawrence Dirks

2010-09-02T10:46:00.001-07:00

Monica and I are happy to announce that Mr Charles Lawrence Dirks joined us at 10:02am today. He was 8lbs 1oz and 20" long. Both mom and baby are doing great. Will get pics up soon!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8

Booted, Suited, and Ready for Action

2010-09-02T09:21:00.001-07:00

Next post should be after Mr Charlie has joined us.....

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8

Grandparents have arrived

2010-09-02T09:08:00.001-07:00

Meme and Geezer have arrived.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8

One last prego pic....

2010-09-02T09:07:00.001-07:00

For posterity sake. Still looking like we'll be on time.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8

Couple of quick points

2010-09-02T08:39:00.001-07:00

Charlie was just on the monitor for 20 mins and sounds great. He was a little hard to find at first but the nurse said it was b/c he knew it was eviction day. :-)

Also quite bullish on having a son on the first day of the college football season....

Nurse just told us that it does look like we'll be on time so 930 looks to be a go.

Beyond that we have officially entered the hurry up and wait stage. Any last minute guesses on weight and length?

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8

We have arrived

2010-09-02T07:53:00.001-07:00

The trip to the hospital was uneventful but traffic allowed us to make it on time so we'll take it. Now its time to wait, tick, tock, tick, tock.....

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8

Last pictures of pregnant Mon

2010-09-02T06:56:00.001-07:00

Just a few last shot for your enjoyment. Just departing the house....

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8

The big day is here.....

2010-09-02T06:21:00.001-07:00

Well the big day is finally here..... Mon and I have to be at Swedish at 7:30 this morning and the c-section is scheduled for 9:30. However like with Avery we can always be bumped for emergency needs. Since Mon can not eat or drink anything we are hoping for an on time procedure but either way we're both just plain excited. Can't wait to meet him and introduce Avery.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8

Due date passes without Charlie

2010-08-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

Today was Monica's official due date and still no Charlie..... Not even a sign. So we'll keep on waiting. Monica and Jonna are keeping themselves busy and Avery is running around oblivious to the world that is about to change around her. I'm attempting to work and juggle my ladies. All in all we're hanging in. We appreciate everyone checking in on us and will keep posting as we get closer to Thursday. If you have any other old wives tales you want to try out let us know. We're happy to put them to the test at this point. Till the contractions start in earnest.....

Avery turns 2 and Charlie holds on

2010-08-29T15:44:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated Avery's 2nd birthday and crossed our fingers that Charlie held out one more day before making his grand entrance. We got our wish and Avery had a big day of fun. We started with breakfast at a local place in West Seattle that serves Mickey Mouse pancakes on their kids menu. Lets just say that kid are not so keen on eating their childhood heroes. While a good idea in theory she did not dig the pancakes.

From there we made our first adventure to the Seattle Aquarium. While initially overwhelmed Avery quickly warmed to the environment and had a great time. Mon and I were both a little disappointed with the whole experience, $18 for adult admission an no sharks!!!, it was once again fun to watch Avery take a whole new experience.

After the aquarium Mon and I executed plan: get the big birthday gift bought and built by 4:30 so we could pick up Jonna on time (Jonna has been kind enough to come hang and help us as Charlie arrives). Thanks once again to the incompetent and inept baggage handing service we Seattle tax payers fund through the nose both goals were accomplished. Once we arrived home it was time for the big reveal:

Ah to be 2 again! Man are we lucky to have such an amazing little girl.

The evening was spent feasting on homemade fried chicken, baked red potatoes, a tomato basil caprice salad and mixed berry angel food cake to finished it off. Despite Jenn G's ominous warnings about basil as a labor inducer Mon enjoyed her fill of basil; think this is one wives tail we can put in the no pile. All in all it was an awesome day and we are now ready for Mr Charlie whenever he would like to join us.

Mon is feeling strong, her and Jonna went to several garage sales this morning, and is in turbo nesting mode. Now that we have the extra hands and Avery's b-day out of the way I think we're in order..... guess we'll find out soon enough. I'll continue to try and update the blog his week. If he does not join us by 9/2 then he does have an extraction appointment already set so keep a close eye out Thursday if you have not heard he is here. Thanks to all of you for your support and kind thoughts. We're excited about this next chapter.....

PS I also added a few recent pics of Buggy in case you have not seen her recently.

.....And we're back just in time!

2010-08-16T22:22:00.000-07:00

WOW, so leave the blog to Monica and everything goes to hell in a hand basket….. Come on, you know I’m kidding! As the last blog title clearly states, “Avery is Crawling”, and with this development so did every other free moment of our lives. To compound matters I left my job at Entercom Communications and started a Social Media company, Social Creature Media. SCM has enjoyed great success early and we are very bullish on the prospects ahead. We have been blessed that Monica has been able to remain at home and help Avery grow into an amazing little girl.

At this moment Avery is fast asleep but from dawn to dusk she amazes. She talks non-stop but she is Monica and I’s daughter, what would you expect. It’s amazing each day to watch the changes in her and new habits form (She doesn’t say “Yes” she says “Oh, fine”). Mon and I have been truly blessed to have her as our first, she has been a dream kid (which I’m praying doesn’t mean she is hell on wheels as a teen).

In late December, Mon informed me that we were pregers with #2, well technically she was but you get the drift! As with Avery, Monica was dead set she knew the sex of baby #2 and once again Dad was right, we are having a boy! And has fate would have it he is due on the same day as Ms Avery, August 30th (There is a joke here but I’ll error on the side of judgment for once in my life). Unlike with Avery, we have decided to let him come when he decides to come so we are now entering the go zone. Once again Monica has been a champ and the pregnancy has been as easy as a pregnancy can be for the most part. We are both very excited by his addition.

Due to great demand and because it’s what I due for a living I’ll be utilizing this blog to keep you up date on the changing conditions. This year I also own an Evo so the updates could also include video and pictures so strap on your seat belts kids this could win a Webbie! We also would like to play a little game of closest to the pin on a few key numbers. To participate leave your guess below for: his birth date, time, weight, and length. Look forward to naming the “winners” when he decides to join us. Thanks for putting up with our flakiness…… Monica’s I mean…….. Ha, now I’m really going to get in trouble! Got to go……

Avery is Crawling!

2009-07-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Its been awhile since my last post, but I've been a busy Momma. I've been worried that Avery was behind since she wasn't crawling at 7, 8, 9 months. Then she hit 10 months, and 4 days after her 10 month b-day she took a few crawling moves. I was stoked! Now she'll be moving with all the other crawling babies at my Mom's group. I still brag about all the things she's been doing, and I try not to compare her triumphs to the other babes (who can't do what she does), and I swear I won't be a stage Mom....but she claps, waves, shimmies, dances, gives high-5, gives kisses, blows a kiss, and plays peek-a-boo. And just recently she's been trying to mimic the sounds of a crow, but it comes out sounding like a cat coughing up a fur-ball....its still cute (and a bit disturbing).
Anyway, here are a few pics. She'll be 11 months on the 28th, and now I'm planning her 1st b-day festivities. Geez, wasn't she just born yesterday?!!!

Spring is Finally Here!

2009-04-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

Well, it finally feels like spring has arrived. We've had some nice days, and I can dress Miss Avery in some cute spring threads....no more sweaters and pants! She turned 8 months old today! She can clap her hands, point to her nose, and say Momma.....well that could still be baby babble, but I'm going to count it :) Can't wait for summer weather....or maybe we just need to visit TX again!

Girl's Texas Trip 09

2009-03-03T18:41:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago, Avery, my Mom, and I went to Frisco Texas to visit my inlaws and the Millers (Josh's sister and family who haven't met Avery). It was Avery's first plane ride and she was a very good baby....even earned her Alaska Airlines wings! While we were there, two other grandmothers came to visit so it was a great trip! Avery got to hang with her cousins.......and for me it was a long awaited bonding time with that part of Josh's family (especially Tiffany who shares the love of "The Housewives of OC and NYC")!
We hope to make another visit this year. And next time I'm going to bring an extra bag so I can load it up with goodies from Hobby Lobby....a store that puts Michaels and Joanne's to shame!

Super Bowl Sunday

2009-02-03T11:16:00.000-08:00

We had our Annual Super Bowl Party....and Avery's first "big" house party. Decked out in her A&M jersey and big bow, she had a blast watching her favorite sport and playing with her new friend Jade who's one day younger. Avery will be taking her first plane ride in the next couple weeks when we go to Dallas so she can meet her Aunt Tiffany, Uncle David, and cousins. We can't wait to get to some warm weather and see the family!

Avery Rose is 5 months

2009-01-29T21:20:00.000-08:00

Avery turned 5 months yesterday, and her personality is starting to really come out. She's rolling over....stomach to back only since she's not a big fan of being on her stomach. And laughs at the strangest things (must be a Dirk's thing). Today we had a play date with Avery's friends Jovin and Patrice. Jovin's Mom Amber let me borrow his sit and play jumper, and Avery went crazy. I've never heard her laugh, giggle, and squeal more. I video-taped her tonight playing in it, and once I figure out how to attach it to the blog, you can all enjoy the moment as much as we did. Here are a couple photos of her in the jumper, and the other one on her 5 month birthday yesterday.

New Year, New Events for the Dirks

2009-01-12T14:19:00.000-08:00

So one of my New Years resolutions was to try and keep our blog updated on a regular basis. Its Jan 12th, and yesterday we had the first event of 2009...Avery's Baptism. She was such a good baby through the whole thing and only cried when being immersed in the baptismal font (or dunk tank) as my sister kept calling it....funny girl. Happy 2009!

12 Weeks Old

2008-11-18T22:03:00.001-08:00

Its been a while since my last post, so I thought I better get everyone caught up. Avery Rose will be 12 weeks on Thursday, and she's growing and changing so much. Here's a photo of her in the outfit Auntie Tiffany gave her.....Peace, Love, Rock and Roll! Figured I better get a photo of her wearing it before it doesn't fit anymore......so cute! And the other photo is one of my favorites of her so far. Too bad I couldn't catch her smiling (darn flash delay on my camera). I can't believe she's almost 3 months old already.

Avery the Aggie

2008-10-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

Mom and Bob came to visit this week and brought Avery this cute little Texas A&M jersey. It fits her perfect, so of course we had to snap some pics.......ahhhh precious!

Our 6 Week Old Bat Fairy

2008-10-09T17:14:00.000-07:00

Avery turned 6 weeks today......how fast time flys. Her Halloween costume came today as well so I couldn't resist putting it on her. She is our precious Bat Fairy! And for those of you that haven't heard of Etsy.com, check it out! I found this costume on there (shipped in 3 days) and everything sold on the site is home-made.....from jewelry and fun gifts, to cute childrens' wear.

One Month Old 9/28/08

2008-10-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry everyone, we've been slacking keeping up with the Blog. Having a newborn sure does keep us busy! Not to mention the lack of sleep....but well worth it!
Here is a pic of Avery on her one month birthday last Sunday. I can't believe its been a month already. And for giggles, the other photo is Josh and Avery and how similar their hairlines are....hee hee. Must run in the family!

Bath-Time

2008-09-17T18:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun pic of Great Grandma Jonna giving Avery a bath while giving me the stink eye...doesn't like it too much yet!
And she has her eyes open for those (Jeff) wanting to see pics of her "not" sleeping.

2 Weeks Old Today

2008-09-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Avery's 2 week old birthday we ventured out to The Design Center to introduce Avery to all my design family and then we headed to Entercom to introduce her to Josh's radio peeps. She was very popular by all. Here is a photo of our precious baby.

Mimosa Sunday!

2008-09-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

This morning we celebrate with Mimosa's and Avery off the lights! The nurse came by and took away the equipment and Josh and I couldn't be happier. Finally I get to dress the baby in something cute and get back on "her" schedule instead of the Bilibed. We actually got approx 6 1/2 hours of sleep last night too....thanks to Avery sleeping comfortably and not tied down. Thank you to everyone for their kind words of encouragement.

13.1

2008-09-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

We'll take it. We also are allowed to take her off the lights at nine pm tonight. They will come and take blood again tomorrow and if the rate continues to fall then we are done with the lights for good. Keep you posted on progress tomorrow. Thanks!

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

Vile #7 has been drawn...

2008-09-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

We'll update you as soon as we know the counts. Poor glow light baby!

Down, Down, Down, The Count Keeps Going Down

2008-09-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

13.8! Normal levels are considered under 12 for those of you not in the know. The results are not single digits like we had hoped but at least it's down again today. We can also remove the light paddle on her chest at this point which is one of her biggest angst with the whole contraption. Another test tomorrow morning and so on and so forth; we'll update as we know more.

Thanks for all the support!

Tick Tock, Tick Tock

2008-09-05T16:06:00.001-07:00

Once again we are waiting for test results from blood drawn at 1. Waiting is hard right now but her color really seems to be coming around. We are also encouraged that she is more active and has grown to hate the bed. Let's just hope that these next results will be good so we can rid ourselves of the glow light baby bed. Update when we know.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

The Latest

2008-09-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

Sorry for all those of you following at home; we did not mean for the delay in updates to be so long. Our hope was that we would get two good blood tests and be out of the woods. Avery's jaundice counts have come down; last night by over 4pts but today only showed her down another .8 of a pt. We were hoping for single digits and to be done with the light setup today. With the new test we have to put both lights back on her and again keep a close eye on what is happening. Needless to say this is hard on us both; Monica is prone to spontaneous tears but we are managing. I'm sure some of you grizzly vets out there may be laughing at us but as first time parents every little bump feels like a coasters first big drop. For these reasons we have been very busy today and have put off some of the updates we promised. Once things return to normal we'll be back up and running with our planned posts. Hope everyone is well; we greatly appreciate all the prayers and thoughts.

PS For those of you keeping tabs on the tie downs for Monica; she did hit a wall yesterday afternoon and got some good sleep over the last 24 hours. Beyond the emotional roller coaster she is doing great, let's just hope Avery gets better soon so Momma will stop worrying.

OK, Not such great news....

2008-09-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

The doctor has already called us back about the blood levels and Avery has a very high jaundice level at this time. High enough that they are sending a team as I write to setup lights and begin some in home treatment on her. Needless to say this has thrown both of us for a loop, Mon more so then I but still its a little scary being first time parents. Please keep your fingers crossed and prayers that the treatment will take care of this thing without further complications. We will update everyone one soon as we know more.

First Dr appointment down

2008-09-03T11:15:00.001-07:00

Avery passed with flying colors at the doctor today. She still is a little orange from the jaundice but they say its mild. As a precaution they took some more blood and we should know more this afternoon.

Last night was great, she started with a four hour sleep followed by a two and a half hour sleep. Despite the good sleep Mon is a little wore down today and I'm trying to get her to rest. She seems better every day but still she needs to take it easy right now.

Monica did post new pics through out the blog last night of the past two days. She has also said that she will make a post sometime today so look for that. Also soon to come is my favorite changing story to date. We even have a pic to show the aftermath. More to come soon.......

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

Another night in the books

2008-09-02T11:17:00.001-07:00

Avery had another good night. Except for one rough patch about 230am she has done great. She loves to eat but is big on the cluster feeding which makes timing a trick. Babies first Dr appointment is tomorrow so we look forward to getting back good reviews. She is a little orange but we have her in the sun today and as said above she is feeding often. Monica is also doing well and getting around better every day.

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

Avery's First National Holiday

2008-09-01T19:43:00.001-07:00

It's been a lazy holiday Monday. Last night went very well and Avery took a big nap this morning. My day has been spent working with the dogs and doing things for my ladies. Mon has tried to take it easy but I'm telling you I really need some tie downs for the bed. Although the tie downs might make visitors a little uncomfortable, lol. Speaking of visitors we had several today; Amanda came by and helped Mon out with a few personal things and Jewel brought by an awesome casserole for us. Thanks to you both. And then as a topper Steph, Mark and the new cousins came by; bringing more food and some much needed caffeine. It's fun to watch Cade and Ava with Avery and of course Steph is a doting new aunt.

Avery is starting to hit little patches where she wants to hang out. Those short moments right now are a blast unless they happen to be at 330AM. Even then you just try to enjoy the moment as you are constantly reminded by all those around you who already have kids that they grow up to fast. Funny, you are bombarded by advice from the moment you tell people you are having kids; nothing like children to bring out the counselor in people. But I think the funniest bit of this is the new "they grow up fast one", its freaking universal. I was getting groceries yesterday and the bagger mentioned I looked tired. So being the proud new papa I informed her of our new addition and the next words out of her mouth were "oh enjoy these times, they grow up so fast". Unfreaking believable!

Well that about wraps the day to this point. Like I mentioned above I apologize about the lack of posts today but our writers took the holiday off. Please pardon this brief interruption and look for new post and pics tomorrow. Hope everyone had a great Labor Day.

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

Baby's first football game

2008-08-31T15:07:00.001-07:00

The only issue I see with this is that it's not Texas A&M, never good to let her first experience be a Husky game and to compound things it's an Oregon loss. Hope this does not have a lasting affect.

Whose that body guard on the bottom left?

Bed Wars.....

2008-08-31T15:03:00.000-07:00

So where is Dad suppose to sleep? LOL

Another good night in the books

2008-08-31T10:59:00.001-07:00

Avery is certainly making this parenting thing easy; waking every 3 to 3.5 hour to eat, be changed and then she is ready to hit the sack again. She gave us four cycles of that last night allowing Mon and I both some quality sleep.

The dogs still are not quite sure what to think of her but they know stuffs changing. Avery thinks they're killer to look at so the integration has begun.

Promise to post more pics at some point today.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

Home on the range

2008-08-30T20:54:00.001-07:00

Everyone is home and doing great. Avery has not missed a beat and seems to be in a good groove. It is allowing Monica and I time to rest which has been wonderful considering the first night. Monica is also feeling well, the staples issue was nothing serious and now it's just a matter of keeping her in bed.

One of the best parts of bring Avery home was introducing her to the dogs. Both are not quite sure what to think but they know its big. Aspen was very hurt when we first got home because Mon took Avery into our room and shut the dogs out. Aspen looked like someone had just pee'd in his Cherios, Big change are coming pooches. We took pics and will post them sooner then later.

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

The train is leaving the station...

2008-08-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

...And my girls are on board. Good bye hospital, hello home.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

Held up at the pass

2008-08-30T14:26:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately Mon had some issues with the staple removal. Dr is here now and we hope to still get outta here soon. Can not wait to take my ladies home.

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

We look to be going home today

2008-08-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

The doctors have been into talk to us this morning and it sounds like we will be released around 2PM this afternoon. Both Monica and I are very excited to get Avery home. Nothing like your own surroundings to help with the transition and healing.

Also Avery's Belly Ruben counts(Rubin, not sure the correct spelling as both can be found on Medical MD) was about 11 yesterday so they just had to take more blood to check her levels today. Talk about mess'n with a mother Bear's cub; I thought Monica was going to levitate off the bed and cold cock the women. Always hard to watch your baby get poked and then squeezed. Oh the joys of parenthood. I told Monica well at least she is a girl, if it was a boy then circumcision would be almost impossible for her.

That's the update from now, I hope the next post I make is from the comforts of our own home. Also I want to get Monica on here in the next few days so she can relate where she is to all of you following us out there.

SLEEP!

2008-08-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry to all those of you out there looking for hour by hour updates, yesterday Monica and I were both wiped out from 2.5 hours of sleep the night before. Additionally the pain medication they had Monica on was not working so she was in an immense amount of pain yesterday. She was very worried that something more serious was wrong. Fortunately we were able to catch Dr. Callahan before she left for the long holiday weekend; she reassured Monica that the areas of pain were part of the deal and additionally switched up the pain meds. As the drugs started to take hold last night, Monica was able to relax and get some sleep.

Baby Avery also helped out, she got into a groove allowing mom and dad some much needed rest. The nurses last night were also very helpful and full of information. So overall yesterday had a challenging start but finished great. Everyone is up this morning and doing well. Monica is even up and around (although I'm trying to get her to still take it easy, those Koreski's like to go) this morning taking tons of photo's as she dresses Avery in all types of hats and head bands.

Here are some new pics:

More Avery Pics

2008-08-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand is more pics of Avery Rose. Some of these were taken by Auntie Amanda yesterday and s ome are from this morning (she is finally napping, whew!).

Sleepless in Seattle

2008-08-29T08:08:00.001-07:00

Dear God what have we done, j/k. All those of you that warned about no sleep were right on. Monica and I both tried to alternate last night but the combination of nerves and excitement kept us both in lite sleep. We're both tired this morning but have already mastered ancient techniques like, swaddling, diaper changing, burping, and for Mon the nursing gig. Avery is great but turns into a little ball of rage once the diaper gets dirty (guess though we better stay on top of this so the home she eventually puts us in will change our promptly as well). The story and fun will go on.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

One Last Post For Today

2008-08-28T21:47:00.001-07:00

I think this will be my last post for today. What a hell of a day! Avery is amazing and its been so fun for both Monica and I. The out pouring of love and support has been very touching to both of us as well.

Couple of notes that I don't think I got into the blog today:

1) Avery had the cord around her neck so the scheduled c was a very fortunate thing.

2) Monica is doing incredibly well according to nurses and doctors. She even got up by herself this evening so they are very encouraged by her progress.

3) Looks like Saturday evening will be release time. I'll update you as I know more.

4) It is confirmed Monica is a reality tv addict. She had Jeff dvr Big Brother tonight and is still watching it in the room as we speak. They may hold her for a few more days for research purposes. Lol.

Well goodnight world, it has been a wild ride that we are so happy to have been able to share with you.

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

Avery's first movie

2008-08-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

Thought all of you out there might like to hear and see Avery so here is her first online video leak.

Don't worry the end it just us freaking out as new parents. The learning curve is high right now, what can we say. Ah Freak Out!

Now if Mon can get some sleep we will be in business. So much fun to have Avery with us now!

By popular demand....

2008-08-28T17:08:00.000-07:00

People have been asking to see a hair shot and Avery and I. Your wishes are our commands.

Want to see a monkey's uncle?

2008-08-28T15:23:00.001-07:00

UJ meets his new niece.

PICTURES!!!!!!

2008-08-28T15:03:00.001-07:00

Our Avery Rose.......

I'll put up some other photo's here in a second but wanted to get the baby pics up ASAP.

Strike the last post

2008-08-28T14:46:00.001-07:00

Room info is 4S 483 Swedish of Seattle.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

Room info

2008-08-28T14:30:00.001-07:00

This is probably goes without saying but if you want to visit please call ahead of time.

Permanent room details:
Room 483 SW @ Swedish in Seattle

Sorry to have to give the disclaimer but Monica is tired.

Pics coming soon.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

Moving time

2008-08-28T14:24:00.001-07:00

We are in the process of moving to our permanent home for the next few days. Avery and Monica are both doing great. Avery nursed for 35 minutes right away and got her first bath. She is perfect. Monica is sore but overjoyed to have laid eyes on her.

I will post pictures in the next hour or so I promise. Crazy carnival but I know we have lot of people wanting to see her.

Thank you for all the love and support today, Monica and I have both appreciated all the comments on the blog.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

Meet our Avery Rose

2008-08-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

Avery joined us 11:55AM (PST) today. She weighed 7lbs 12.9oz and 18" long. Will have to review the votes to see who won although I think it's safe to rule Steve W's vote. Lol. Avery is beautiful and Monica is doing well. Mon had some issues with nausea but beyond that everything went very well according to the doctors. What an incredible experience! Will post photo's soon.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

GO TIME

2008-08-28T11:21:00.001-07:00

Go time has just been announced, looks like 1130 is holding strong. Should be about an hour from then. Here we go!

Also posted picture to some of the posts this morning so check those out.

YEAH BABY!

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

Latest update

2008-08-28T10:16:00.001-07:00

Dr Callahan just came in and we are still holding. New estimate is 1130. Uh the waiting is the hardest part. Monica is ready to get going so keep your thoughts prayers that she stays relaxed. Amanda has just shown up so the party grows by another member. Meme has not dawned the crown yet but I'm promised it will come. Update you as we know more. This blog thing is a blast. Guess one of the unintended actions is that your mother and sister can air out your laundry. Thanks Mom and Tiff for the tooth story. Lol.

Oh and now we have Steph, Cade, and Ava to add to the party crowd. Boy will this hospital remember us.

Here are the guesses we have written down:
Steph 8lbs 6oz, 19"
Tom (my Dad) 7lbs 8oz, 20"
Monica 7lbs 13oz, 20"
Me 8lbs 4oz, 23"
Rose (my Mom) 7lbs 8oz, 19"
Tiff 7lbs 6oz, 20"
Cyndi 8lbs 4oz, 22"
Laura 7lbs 14oz, 21"
Geezer (Mon's Dad) 7lbs 11.5oz, 19.5"
Sally 7lbs 4oz, 19.7"
Aunt Karen 8lbs 2oz, 20.5"
Meme (Mon's Mom) 7lbs 8oz, 20"
Casey 8lbs 3oz, 20"
Amanda 7lbs 9.5oz, 20.25"
Dr Callahan 6lbs 5oz, 19"
Jenn the Nurse 6lbs 14oz, 18"

OK, closest to the pin here we come.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

Grandparents are here

2008-08-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

Geezer and Meme have arrived. Doctor Callahan has been in, everyone is in holder pattern. For those of you following, here is the big question: What do you think Avery's size and length will be? Post your guess, we have written down our guesses and will update the winner soon as we know. Whew, still can not believe we're here.

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

Delayed at the first tee box

2008-08-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

We have just been informed that we are in a holding pattern until an ongoing emergency is resolved with another patient. Estimated time now is about 10 to 1030 but that is more of a guess. Will update when we are going in.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

2008-08-28T08:33:00.001-07:00

After further review of the hospital fine print, email is fine (so the blog will go on) but talking is not. Guess the blog will be your first source for updates, yeah blog!

Monica is doing great, getting asked all the fun questions, have you ever taken money for sex or drugs? Yes. What? J/K. Baby has been on the monitor and is doing great. Keep your thoughts and prayers for Mon as she goes under the drugs. This is the one thing she is a little stressed about. Stay tuned.

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

2008-08-28T07:39:00.001-07:00

Ok so we have arrived and Monica is getting suited up. We are not suppose to use cell phones so this may be my last post for a while. While I'm on the subject of rule breaking I would like to point out that blogging and driving is highly dangerous and illegal. Don't do it kids. Also if you were wondering, no we did not get sponsor dollars from Sprint and Blackberry, its just the auto signature on the phone (yes Charlie I have tried). So that's the update, more to come.

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

2008-08-28T07:14:00.001-07:00

We're enroute or should I say sitting in traffic. Monica is holding steady.

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

2008-08-28T06:06:00.001-07:00

Alarm clock just went off, holy cow we're here. Time to shower and get momma to the hospital. Both Aspen and Vail think this is for the birds. Wait till we bring Avery home. Stay tune.....
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

2008-08-28T00:17:00.001-07:00

Last test to see if we are live with the mobile deal yet.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

Getting you up to speed

2008-08-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

Monica and I met in July 2003 at an adult beverage establishment in Seattle. As with all things I needed another chance and so found Monica again 13 days later (at another above state such establishment). Ever since things have been a wonderful blur; from the first rental house in West Seattle that Monica hated, to buying our first place in the WS, to huge Thanksgivings, and often quite evenings with our dogs.

In March 2006 Monica and I went for a cruise in the Caribbean and I asked her to marry me. Fortunately for me she said yes and in May 2007 we were married. For many of you that may have been that last we saw one another. The first year of marriage is also another period of life that screams by. Before we knew it my brother Jesse was leaving for Iraq and the holidays were upon us with friends and family. Of course the holiday period brings many parties and concerts for the radio industry and we have a wonderful Deck the Hall Ball show to thank nine month later (Joe & Jenn). A few weeks later I came home from the Seahawks playoff win over the Redskins to be told we were having a baby. Joy, terror, how the hell did that happen, oh wait never mind; I'm telling you there is a whole load of emotions that you go through as you prepare for your first child. So now in a crazy twist life has once again flown by, and she will be here tomorrow.

Monica and I both with author blogs here so watch for her to start posting in the next few weeks. Additionally I have hooked up my phone so I should be able to text updates throughout the day so check for those. There have been some tech issues this evening so let’s hope we are ready to roll in the next few hours. All right, I need to sleep; she is already costing me sleep. LOL