So I've been a little busy, ok.
Just wanted to wish everyone a happy holiday, whatever holiday it is that you celebrate.
Be good - c u in '08
Monday, December 17, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Scoop
So here is how it went down..........
Mrs. PFunk was experiencing contractions pretty much all day on Saturday, but they weren't regular, so she just waited. About 3:30, things started getting regular. We were sitting watching the tube, folding clothes, etc., and she would keep bugging me about what time it is - then I realize she wants specific times because she is having contractions.
By about 5:00 they are regular, strong and about 5 minutes apart, so we decide to get the show rolling. We get the kids motivated to pack a bag and get something to eat. She and I go around the house doing little last minute things, checking her bag, getting the dishwasher run, etc. That is also when the dog has to go outside as part of his regular routine. (Not a random tid-bit).
By 6:30 we are rolling to my mother-in-law's place. We called the doctor when we got there, and expected a quick call back. (BTW - I am doing all of the calling and talking - SHE got laryngitis Friday afternoon, and is down to a harsh whisper)
FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER - still no call, so I call the operator again. She says to me "I just paged him 5 minutes ago, do you want me to page them again?" To answer in reverse order, yes, page them again, and WTF do you mean you just did it FIVE minutes ago?!?!?! ARGH!!! This one is for real - I SWEAR!
Apparently the second page got the dr's attention, and so off we went, rolling into L & D about 7:30 - 8:00.
And there we stayed...............................................................................................
She was not very far along, but tonite they weren't busy, so they weren't rushing us. After an hour, she was getting somewhere, but she wasn't breaking any speed records. So she got up, we took a walk, and we waited some more.
Finally, we are getting some real commitment from the docs and nurses - they are talking epidural and pitosin. YES! We are really going to finish it tonite!
11:30 the anestesiologist comes in to administer the epidural, I calmly get the hell out of dodge. Smoke Break. Gotta find some coffee too.
I wandered all around the hospital grounds trying to find a damn vending machine with coffee (anyone remember the ones that used to have the poker game on the cards, or was it black jack?). You would think that of all places, they would have one in the waiting room for L & D, but noooooooooo. I was heading to the ER, and I asked a guy in the hall where I could get a cup. Right guy. He leads me over one way, then back. Tells me to wait outside, and is back in seconds with a nice cuppa joe and a couple of sugars. Now I can head back to the Mrs.
About 12:30, it is time to start making things happen with the pit. But the contractions actually seem to slow (or is that the ep kicking in), and they are not as strong. Oh CRAP - do not send us home now! Her blood pressure is getting low, and she is feeling really nauseas. She has not eaten in hours. After 9 months of nausea, she loses it. Oh well, good work trooper. At least now she feels a little better.
I keep working the soduku and she keeps contracting. At some point they break her water. (things are getting a little fuzzy here.......) I finally decide my brain is shutting down, and I need to sleep, so around 3a, I crash out in the chair.
About 5:30, the activity is buzzing and I sit up to see what is going on. One of the nurses hooked me up with more coffee. Again the timing in here is fuzzy, but the events all happened.
The baby couldn't get his head down in the correct position, he was cocked a little to one side, so they had to get her to roll over and the doctor was trying to adjust him.
Then, she was around 8cm, but was uneven, so they rolled her over to the other side to try and get that problem solved.
Somewhere in there, he was on the cord. Every time she had a contraction, his heart rate would drop, so they had to fill her back up with amniotic fluid, and got rid of the belly band in favor of internal monitors. She looked like an alien with the IV bags, the epidural, and now two monitors in a very personal place (the same place they put the cathetor before she started to push). They also put her onto an oxygen mask. We were warned that if they could not float the cord and get him off it, she may end up going C-section.
Speaking of floating, I am now realizing that I was so optomistic before we left. I was sure that she would be done in no time, and I would be home asleep in my own bed by 2:30am - I can take the dog out then. Well.....we kinda left over 12 hours ago. He missed his before bed leak, and now he is past his morning whiz. This could be problematic.
About 8 am, I messaged the neighbor to see if he could let him out, but I am not getting any reply. Of all days for the guy that leaves for work at 6 am to sleep in.
Well, everything must have gone right with all that manipulation that they were doing in the womb - I went out to the nurses station around 7:45 because she wanted something, and our new nurse came in. She went right to work checking her out, and even had her start pushing. Things were going just fine, and the nurse told her to catch her breath while she went to the desk to get some backup.
She comes back and says that all the dr's are in their daily change over meeting, and will not be disturbed, so she should rest up for about half an hour.WTF.
Mrs. and I just looked at each other and said, what is 30 more minutes at this point, and both actually started to take a quick nap. @ 8:25 she wakes me up to hand her the bucket to YAK in. Ok, that's twice now, and I was sleeping really good there! Damnit. The nurse helped in the cleanup, and said it would be any time now.
About 8:45, everyone is ready to go, and the nurse comes in and starts her pushing again. Within minutes, I can see his hairy little head. About 10 minutes into it, she goes to the doorway and calls for a team. Two doctors and three more nurses all swarm in and get busy. the doctors are suiting up in gloves and gowns, the nurses are firing up the baby crib and getting ready to assist the doctor - everyone is just all over the room getting ready for my wife to have this baby.
I, am holding her leg. And worrying about dog piss.
(Oh well, without my contribution for those two minutes 9 months ago, all these people would be out of work. Dad's like me are keeping the economy going.)
Before we knew it, he was out, crying and pink. The neighbor got in touch with me, and was letting the dog out. It was all good.
It was a crazy long night, and that part of the whole thing is over. Months from now I am sure there will be more long nights, just like the ones I had with the other two kids. But at least I can do something and act on those nights. Saturday night was tough, and I know that it really roughed up the Mrs. over the past couple of weeks. We are both relieved that pregnancy is over, and the child rearing begins.
Welcome, Max. We've been expecting you.
Mrs. PFunk was experiencing contractions pretty much all day on Saturday, but they weren't regular, so she just waited. About 3:30, things started getting regular. We were sitting watching the tube, folding clothes, etc., and she would keep bugging me about what time it is - then I realize she wants specific times because she is having contractions.
By about 5:00 they are regular, strong and about 5 minutes apart, so we decide to get the show rolling. We get the kids motivated to pack a bag and get something to eat. She and I go around the house doing little last minute things, checking her bag, getting the dishwasher run, etc. That is also when the dog has to go outside as part of his regular routine. (Not a random tid-bit).
By 6:30 we are rolling to my mother-in-law's place. We called the doctor when we got there, and expected a quick call back. (BTW - I am doing all of the calling and talking - SHE got laryngitis Friday afternoon, and is down to a harsh whisper)
FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER - still no call, so I call the operator again. She says to me "I just paged him 5 minutes ago, do you want me to page them again?" To answer in reverse order, yes, page them again, and WTF do you mean you just did it FIVE minutes ago?!?!?! ARGH!!! This one is for real - I SWEAR!
Apparently the second page got the dr's attention, and so off we went, rolling into L & D about 7:30 - 8:00.
And there we stayed...............................................................................................
She was not very far along, but tonite they weren't busy, so they weren't rushing us. After an hour, she was getting somewhere, but she wasn't breaking any speed records. So she got up, we took a walk, and we waited some more.
Finally, we are getting some real commitment from the docs and nurses - they are talking epidural and pitosin. YES! We are really going to finish it tonite!
11:30 the anestesiologist comes in to administer the epidural, I calmly get the hell out of dodge. Smoke Break. Gotta find some coffee too.
I wandered all around the hospital grounds trying to find a damn vending machine with coffee (anyone remember the ones that used to have the poker game on the cards, or was it black jack?). You would think that of all places, they would have one in the waiting room for L & D, but noooooooooo. I was heading to the ER, and I asked a guy in the hall where I could get a cup. Right guy. He leads me over one way, then back. Tells me to wait outside, and is back in seconds with a nice cuppa joe and a couple of sugars. Now I can head back to the Mrs.
About 12:30, it is time to start making things happen with the pit. But the contractions actually seem to slow (or is that the ep kicking in), and they are not as strong. Oh CRAP - do not send us home now! Her blood pressure is getting low, and she is feeling really nauseas. She has not eaten in hours. After 9 months of nausea, she loses it. Oh well, good work trooper. At least now she feels a little better.
I keep working the soduku and she keeps contracting. At some point they break her water. (things are getting a little fuzzy here.......) I finally decide my brain is shutting down, and I need to sleep, so around 3a, I crash out in the chair.
About 5:30, the activity is buzzing and I sit up to see what is going on. One of the nurses hooked me up with more coffee. Again the timing in here is fuzzy, but the events all happened.
The baby couldn't get his head down in the correct position, he was cocked a little to one side, so they had to get her to roll over and the doctor was trying to adjust him.
Then, she was around 8cm, but was uneven, so they rolled her over to the other side to try and get that problem solved.
Somewhere in there, he was on the cord. Every time she had a contraction, his heart rate would drop, so they had to fill her back up with amniotic fluid, and got rid of the belly band in favor of internal monitors. She looked like an alien with the IV bags, the epidural, and now two monitors in a very personal place (the same place they put the cathetor before she started to push). They also put her onto an oxygen mask. We were warned that if they could not float the cord and get him off it, she may end up going C-section.
Speaking of floating, I am now realizing that I was so optomistic before we left. I was sure that she would be done in no time, and I would be home asleep in my own bed by 2:30am - I can take the dog out then. Well.....we kinda left over 12 hours ago. He missed his before bed leak, and now he is past his morning whiz. This could be problematic.
About 8 am, I messaged the neighbor to see if he could let him out, but I am not getting any reply. Of all days for the guy that leaves for work at 6 am to sleep in.
Well, everything must have gone right with all that manipulation that they were doing in the womb - I went out to the nurses station around 7:45 because she wanted something, and our new nurse came in. She went right to work checking her out, and even had her start pushing. Things were going just fine, and the nurse told her to catch her breath while she went to the desk to get some backup.
She comes back and says that all the dr's are in their daily change over meeting, and will not be disturbed, so she should rest up for about half an hour.WTF.
Mrs. and I just looked at each other and said, what is 30 more minutes at this point, and both actually started to take a quick nap. @ 8:25 she wakes me up to hand her the bucket to YAK in. Ok, that's twice now, and I was sleeping really good there! Damnit. The nurse helped in the cleanup, and said it would be any time now.
About 8:45, everyone is ready to go, and the nurse comes in and starts her pushing again. Within minutes, I can see his hairy little head. About 10 minutes into it, she goes to the doorway and calls for a team. Two doctors and three more nurses all swarm in and get busy. the doctors are suiting up in gloves and gowns, the nurses are firing up the baby crib and getting ready to assist the doctor - everyone is just all over the room getting ready for my wife to have this baby.
I, am holding her leg. And worrying about dog piss.
(Oh well, without my contribution for those two minutes 9 months ago, all these people would be out of work. Dad's like me are keeping the economy going.)
Before we knew it, he was out, crying and pink. The neighbor got in touch with me, and was letting the dog out. It was all good.
It was a crazy long night, and that part of the whole thing is over. Months from now I am sure there will be more long nights, just like the ones I had with the other two kids. But at least I can do something and act on those nights. Saturday night was tough, and I know that it really roughed up the Mrs. over the past couple of weeks. We are both relieved that pregnancy is over, and the child rearing begins.
Welcome, Max. We've been expecting you.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
It's all over, it's all over, it's ALL.....Over!
Talk about not going down without a fight! That little bugger was doing his damnedest not to get out of that woman's belly!
He is finally here!
So here is the skinny on the hairy little guinea:
Maximus (Max) Xavier PFunk
Born: 11/11/2007
Time: 09:06 (am)
Weight: 6 llbs, 7 oz
Length: 19 1/4 inches
(ALMOST as big as when he went in!)
I am not one to sugar coat anything, so here it is. After a long ordeal of a night (more on that after I get some sleep!), Mrs. PFunk and I both cried when the nurse put him in her arms - we were so relieved to have it all finally over. (Oh be quiet ladies!) But the truth is, for the first hour that I saw him, he looked like some kind of pinkish/purple alien! His face is all scrunched up, he is covered in slime, and when he opened his eyes, they were all big, black and lifeless - like a doll's eyes (ref: JAWS!).
I just do not see the appeal in a brand spankin new baby. They are just-barely molded pieces of clay - they don't look like anything or anyone to me. they do not have my (or any other father's) nose - I mean HELLO! My nose is bigger than half his face! How can he have my nose already? He would look like a proboscis monkey! He is mine, and I will love him even if he is not as handsome as me, but for the first few hours, weeks, even months - BABIES ARE NOT CUTE!
There I said it. Of course I didn't mean YOUR baby. He/she is very cute. You should be proud. He/She/It will be so handsome/pretty/carniverous someday. Just like (insert gender) (insert biological host or fertilizer). Good luck.
Yuk.
Maybe the unappealing look is just to keep us from eating our young............think about it.
He is finally here!
So here is the skinny on the hairy little guinea:
Maximus (Max) Xavier PFunk
Born: 11/11/2007
Time: 09:06 (am)
Weight: 6 llbs, 7 oz
Length: 19 1/4 inches
(ALMOST as big as when he went in!)
I am not one to sugar coat anything, so here it is. After a long ordeal of a night (more on that after I get some sleep!), Mrs. PFunk and I both cried when the nurse put him in her arms - we were so relieved to have it all finally over. (Oh be quiet ladies!) But the truth is, for the first hour that I saw him, he looked like some kind of pinkish/purple alien! His face is all scrunched up, he is covered in slime, and when he opened his eyes, they were all big, black and lifeless - like a doll's eyes (ref: JAWS!).
I just do not see the appeal in a brand spankin new baby. They are just-barely molded pieces of clay - they don't look like anything or anyone to me. they do not have my (or any other father's) nose - I mean HELLO! My nose is bigger than half his face! How can he have my nose already? He would look like a proboscis monkey! He is mine, and I will love him even if he is not as handsome as me, but for the first few hours, weeks, even months - BABIES ARE NOT CUTE!
There I said it. Of course I didn't mean YOUR baby. He/she is very cute. You should be proud. He/She/It will be so handsome/pretty/carniverous someday. Just like (insert gender) (insert biological host or fertilizer). Good luck.
Yuk.
Maybe the unappealing look is just to keep us from eating our young............think about it.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Can we get this over with already?!?!?!
Another day, another trip to the hospital, another trip home - empty handed and womb still full.
Spent last night from about 7:30p to 6:00a in labor and delivery. My wife was pretty sure that it was "time". She was having the same labor symptoms that she had with our son. They checked her out and were trying to push us out the door, but we insisted that once labor really kicked in, it was not going to take long. They gave her pain meds and a "sedagive" (ref: Young Frankenstein), and let her try and sleep and see if she woke up in labor. She didn't, no progression, and so we went home.
I am worn out today, but I will stay with it. Lotsa coffee!
Hopefully it won't be much longer..........
Spent last night from about 7:30p to 6:00a in labor and delivery. My wife was pretty sure that it was "time". She was having the same labor symptoms that she had with our son. They checked her out and were trying to push us out the door, but we insisted that once labor really kicked in, it was not going to take long. They gave her pain meds and a "sedagive" (ref: Young Frankenstein), and let her try and sleep and see if she woke up in labor. She didn't, no progression, and so we went home.
I am worn out today, but I will stay with it. Lotsa coffee!
Hopefully it won't be much longer..........
Friday, October 26, 2007
Tests for everyone!
Whew....time for a new red pen - this one is running out of ink!
I had a really rough test that I gave yesterday to my third semester hardware class. It was open book, but that doesn't mean it should be easy. They really had to work hard on it. They could not finish during class, so I let them take it home. It was tough, but I know that they all learned something as they worked through it, so it was a worthwhile exercise.
Today (Friday), I am doling out two more tests - one on networks, and one in my Intro to Microcomputers class covering Chapters 1 & 2 - Basics and (mostly) the Internet. Looks like I will be saving my voice for soccer this weekend!
This is a fun job, and I enjoy being in the classroom. The tests are ultimately a gauge for us to determine what everyone is learning. Because it is a school, we have to measure it, but overall, quizzes are only 25% of the grade. While I don't encourage failing all the tests/exams/whatever, it is not the end of the world (or the class). My main goals are for people to be active participants, and to have fun while learning new things. All of this is to prepare for a new career, but it is far from the end of the learning process. In fact, probably the most important skill for people to learn here is learning how to learn. If my students can get a grasp on being a good student, and what they need to do (cause I can't make 'em learn!) to comprehend the information, then, as the industry changes, they will be ready to continue learning and growing.
Don't sweat the small stuff - just learn from it.
I had a really rough test that I gave yesterday to my third semester hardware class. It was open book, but that doesn't mean it should be easy. They really had to work hard on it. They could not finish during class, so I let them take it home. It was tough, but I know that they all learned something as they worked through it, so it was a worthwhile exercise.
Today (Friday), I am doling out two more tests - one on networks, and one in my Intro to Microcomputers class covering Chapters 1 & 2 - Basics and (mostly) the Internet. Looks like I will be saving my voice for soccer this weekend!
This is a fun job, and I enjoy being in the classroom. The tests are ultimately a gauge for us to determine what everyone is learning. Because it is a school, we have to measure it, but overall, quizzes are only 25% of the grade. While I don't encourage failing all the tests/exams/whatever, it is not the end of the world (or the class). My main goals are for people to be active participants, and to have fun while learning new things. All of this is to prepare for a new career, but it is far from the end of the learning process. In fact, probably the most important skill for people to learn here is learning how to learn. If my students can get a grasp on being a good student, and what they need to do (cause I can't make 'em learn!) to comprehend the information, then, as the industry changes, they will be ready to continue learning and growing.
Don't sweat the small stuff - just learn from it.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
NFL Quarterbacks
Why are there only two really great ones? Peyton Manning - Check. Tom Brady - (I believe now)Check.
Is there really anyone else that belongs on the list? Eli? Not yet. Vince Young? Still growing. Carr? Warner? Brees? Greise? C'mon.
No - Donovan is not one. Not now, and never was - too inconsistent. He throws a great deep ball, but is way too inaccurate on the short throws (bouncing balls, throwing behind guys - what is the average YAC of Philly receivers? Inquiring minds want to know......)
There are some dynamic players out there, and guys succeed from year to year (see Jeff Garcia), but there are no consistently great ones.
Blame it on the option....................
Is there really anyone else that belongs on the list? Eli? Not yet. Vince Young? Still growing. Carr? Warner? Brees? Greise? C'mon.
No - Donovan is not one. Not now, and never was - too inconsistent. He throws a great deep ball, but is way too inaccurate on the short throws (bouncing balls, throwing behind guys - what is the average YAC of Philly receivers? Inquiring minds want to know......)
There are some dynamic players out there, and guys succeed from year to year (see Jeff Garcia), but there are no consistently great ones.
Blame it on the option....................
Practice makes perfect
Oh, well. Turns out the baby is NOT coming (at least not yet!). Yesterday was just a drill, but hey, practice makes perfect. We had our practice run to the hospital and now we are ready for an actual delivery.
I did find out that I really need to bring something with me to pass the time. My wife and I are really relaxed (when we aren't goofing off and making smart-alec remarks to the nurses), and half the time we both just chilled there, hanging out and waiting for the baby to start hanging out! I did make a run down to the gift shop and pick up a Sudoku book for myself to help pass the time, and got her a magazine. Now that we have that in place, we are ready for the real deal.
She is not due for almost four more weeks, and hopefully this is not a weekly occurrence. We still have a few things to get (Bottle liners, nips, formula, etc.) and still need a pack-n-play for him to sleep in.
But hey - at least I GOT MY CLOSET DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I did find out that I really need to bring something with me to pass the time. My wife and I are really relaxed (when we aren't goofing off and making smart-alec remarks to the nurses), and half the time we both just chilled there, hanging out and waiting for the baby to start hanging out! I did make a run down to the gift shop and pick up a Sudoku book for myself to help pass the time, and got her a magazine. Now that we have that in place, we are ready for the real deal.
She is not due for almost four more weeks, and hopefully this is not a weekly occurrence. We still have a few things to get (Bottle liners, nips, formula, etc.) and still need a pack-n-play for him to sleep in.
But hey - at least I GOT MY CLOSET DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
8 Minutes
THE BABY IS COMING! THE BABY IS COMING!
Oh crap - I wasn't quite ready for this, but at least I got that damn closet done in time! Just painted the last bedroom wall last night. Talk about the nick of time.
Keep watching for the exact details.......
Oh crap - I wasn't quite ready for this, but at least I got that damn closet done in time! Just painted the last bedroom wall last night. Talk about the nick of time.
Keep watching for the exact details.......
Sunday, October 21, 2007
E-A-G-L-E-S ......Did it to me again!!!!!
Well......there goes 3 hours of my life that I just can't get back. The good old Iggles once again snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, blowing a four point lead in less than four minutes. When will Andy Reed figure out how to manage football time? It boggles the mind.
I just hope that I refrain from taking out my frustrations on my students. I watched the game, and now am sitting down to start working on their mid-term exams. ;)
Blogging is a way for us to share our thoughts, and I look forward to such sharing with all of my classes. Any student who reads this blog, and responds to me @ professorPFunk@gmail.com will get 5 points added to their next quiz/exam grade.
I just hope that I refrain from taking out my frustrations on my students. I watched the game, and now am sitting down to start working on their mid-term exams. ;)
Blogging is a way for us to share our thoughts, and I look forward to such sharing with all of my classes. Any student who reads this blog, and responds to me @ professorPFunk@gmail.com will get 5 points added to their next quiz/exam grade.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
