Insignifica

Katherine's Home!

Look who came home today...

So far, she's sleeping a lot. But she had a busy day. I'm fully expecting her to be bright eyed and bushy tailed around 2am. All the rest of the homecoming pics are here.

Thanks again to everyone for your support! It's been a long two weeks, and we're all glad to be home.

Wednesday update

In non-baby news...oi, it's warm out. Welcome Summer!

In baby news, things are still going great. Katherine started her special diet today, and so far isn't too thrilled, but I have a feeling she'll get used to it. We saw her this morning, I went and spent some time with her this afternoon, and now Phaedra and her mom are there. Phaedra and I will both be going back tonight, and I'll upload the newest pics then. As always, the hospital pics are available here.

It looks like she'll be coming home Friday, perhaps Saturday (discharge takes a while - lots of info for them to tell us), and if for whatever reason she doesn't like her new diet, they might have to retool that. But we're happy to have her coming home soon.

I've posed this question before, and I'll ask again: What's a good gift for a room full of nurses, since Katherine's had a lot of different people help her out this week? They're not really supposed to eat in there, and they can't have flowers. Thoughts?

Around the house, things are also good, and we're preparing, again, for the baby to come home. This includes me cleaning (as Phaedra's not supposed to), finishing washing all of Katherine's outfits, and generally getting things ready. We'll be tired, but we'd love to have people over to meet her. Just let us know when =)

Monday baby update

More of the same here - good news, good progression. She's gotten all of her tubes out, and she's taking regular feedings (65+ mL every 3 hours) entirely by bottle. Looks like she'll have to be bottle fed a combination of breast milk and supplement to lower the fat content/replace it with other fats. The "M" in MCAD stands for "medium", and refers to the types of fats she has problems processing. By replacing those fats with long and short chain fats, she'll better be able to metabolize what she eats.

We also got results from her MRI and EEG, and as we expected, they're inconclusive, but look right for a baby with the problems she had. They won't be able to tell us if there are any development issues, but because of her age and the relatively good results, we're hoping she can adjust and adapt without any problems.

She's looking to be coming home at the end of the week - she'll take a few more days at the hospital to get accustomed to her new diet. The hospital will also be giving us infant CPR classes as well as all sorts of information about care, etc. Hopefully this will be like taking care of any other baby, just with more monitored feedings. We've been taking lots of pictures, too - those are available in her own flickr set here and her Birth Day set here. Thanks again for all your well wishes - we really do appreciate it.

birthday!

Happy Birthday Teresa!

Update and pictures

Quick baby update:

Katherine's doing very well, looks normal, has good vitals, and is eating normally again (she's been fed mostly through a nasalgastric tube and IV for the last week). They're thinking the problem is a metabolic issue called MCAD, which means that she can't break down some fats. Luckily (I think it's lucky), the treatment is a regular diet with regular feedings, no fasting, and low fat/high carb. There's a page about MCAD here.

They're gonna keep her a few more days, and get us the results of various brain scans (to check for damage from her episode), but so far things don't look too bad at all. If all goes well, we'll get to take her home next week.

Oh, and one of the nurses made an adorable little name card for her with her picture on it:

(Click for a larger image)

Both hospitals have been amazing, and the staffs are beyond anything I expected. I'll have to think of a great thank-you for them.

Thursday Baby Update

Y'all are probably checking here a lot for updates, and I've been too exhausted to do any the few minutes each day I've been home. Here's what we've got:

Katherine was transferred to Children's Hospital of Orange County today for tests and because the doctors who'd be doing her tests (and reading the results) are based there. They apparently could have done them at our hospital, but preferred to do them all there. From everything I've heard, CHOC is one of the best out there, so that's comforting. We’re told she’ll go back to our hospital tomorrow.

All that said, she was much, much more responsive and "normal" today (just about to pre-problem levels). Her breathing tube was removed yesterday, she's off all the "support" drugs, and she's maintaining very well. She looked at us when we touched her, her grip is strong, her color is good, and she doesn't look like she's in any discomfort. While I don't know this to be true for sure, I can imagine everything a newborn goes through - from bright lights to moving around to wearing clothing - is initially very distracting and irritating, so I like to think that a few tubes aren't the discomfort they'd be to you or me.

They're still not 100% sure what happened, and my biggest fear is having her home and having it happen again. I'm going to take an infant CPR class as soon as I can, and it's comforting living literally 45 seconds from the hospital, and next to the restaurants where the ambulance drivers hang out.

Phaedra checked out today, and is doing well, though we're both very, very tired. Thanks to everyone who's checked in with us and made offers of support. It's all very much appreciated.

Baby update.

Hi all,

Before scaring you all, Katherine's doing MUCH better today.

She came down with what is likely an infection yesterday, and it was quite suddenly hard on her heart and lungs, so she's spending some time in the NICU. Her color is now normal, and her heartrate and breathing are very, very much improved.

They're not sure what caused the problem exactly yet, but she's on a 5-day course of antibiotics because they think infection is the most likely cause. Every time we go up to see her she's doing better, but it's still hard on us, so we're limiting visitors. Phaedra and I will be going home tomorrow, and we're very pleased the hospital is literally 2 blocks from us.

I hate having to spread this kind of info by webpage, but it reaches the most of you this way. She's not totally out of the woods yet, but her improvements are awesome. Thanks for all your support.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day!

Katherine Moreno-Doss, born 6-18-06 at 2:42PM by c-section. 8lbs 2oz, 18.5 inches. Baby and mother and resting comfortably and doing very well. More news and the details to come =D

Update

Quick Saturday update: Still no baby.

Rockin', Ego, Weather's Good, Still No Baby

I think this is the third Friday I've thought to myself "you know, I could be a dad this weekend". So far, not happening. But I'm willing to bet next week will be baby week.

Picture of the day!

This is from a party at my place two years ago. Click for the priceless expression on both Marek and Bunny's faces...

I think I only talk about the weather when it sucks...but the last week or so has been beautiful. Thanks Mother Nature!

You know, this whole baby thing has been great for my ego - friends who I know read the site keep coming back to check on the baby status. In a week or so I'll just be another guy with a kid, but for now...I'm Expectant Father, and I'm popular.

Any big weekend plans, gentle readers? Any good times ahead? Are you ready to Rock?

Server issues, World Cup, Politics, No Baby

It's already Thursday - wow. Time's moving fast. As you might expect, the baby update is "No Baby". That wacky child.

I don't talk about politics like I used to here. Do you guys miss it?

Picture of the day!

The girlfriend and Ken, looking goofy.

Is it weird that I'm finding the World Cup games exciting for the first time in my life? I really love how into it people are (though there's always the stories of the suicides when someone's team loses...that's a little much). Any sport you grow up with can become a huge part of your life.

I had some server issues today, let me know if you notice any problems.

How goes Thursday for you?

Scary Hasslehoff, Flag Day, No Baby

It's Wednesday!

I'm not yet a father. By Father's Day? Perhaps...

Picture of the day!

Russell being normally strange at a party a while back.

speaking of days, today's Flag Day. An honest question: Do you care? I'm not a flag fan myself, and I'm pretty much against mindless celebrations of patriotism. Your thoughts?

I won't post it here, but if you'd like to see something truly frightening, click here.

How's your hump day?

Play poker with me this weekend!

I'll be playing in the PokerStars World Blogger Championship of Online Poker this weekend, assuming I don't have a baby on the way that day, or some sort of recovery going on. All the details are in the links below.

I have registered to play in the PokerStars World Blogger Championship of Online Poker!

This Online Poker Tournament is a No Limit Texas Holdem event exclusive to Bloggers.

Registration code: 8529676

Myspace Group, Next OCA Meeting, Halloween, No Baby

Happy Tuesday. No baby. She's now officially late. We might still be a week or so away, but as with all babies, it could now be any time.

I'm really digging on my LEGO magnet blocks. I'm gonna need to buy more.

Picture of the day!

Chris and me working on his 2003 Halloween costume, Beetlejuice. Click the pic for a more detailed view.

On the subject of Halloween, I'm still trying to decide what to do about this year's party. Last year's was great but very work intensive (without Mike, Colleen and Lisa, it would not have been nearly the party it was). But I'll be busier, and every year the cleanup seems to get more extensive. That said, the clubhouse is a great place to hold it, and my house is just too small. But if someone else out there wants to host, I'd be happy to lend my expertise. There's only 4 1/2 months to go! I'm already behind.

Some OC Atheists stuff:

The next Orange County Atheists meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 20 in Santa Ana. More information is available at our forums.

I've started a Myspace group for OCA at http://groups.myspace.com/orangecountyatheists. If you're inclined to those things, join up.

Hope your Tuesday is wonderful!

Poker, Weekending with Friends, LEGO, No Baby

Today's Monday, June 12, and my daughter is due today. However, as of this morning she's decided she's not yet ready, so she's gonna hang around for a while. Nhan has suggested a baby poll/pool, so if you have a date (and time), leave it here in the comments, and I'll get a prize to whoever's closest.

Picture of the day!

Me in a funny hat from the second baby shower.

Yesterday I found what is possibly one of the coolest toy creations I've ever seen - LEGO bricks with built-in magnets. They're standard 2x4 blocks with strong magnets in each of the three underside holes. If you don't turn them over, you can't tell they're not standard bricks - one of the most fantastic things about LEGO in general. I can't find a picture or link online, but they're available at the LEGO store, and probably at the theme parks. All of this gets me thinking again about the LEGO Challenge I issued year - it's way too easy with magnets (I have my two bricks on my desk doing it now). Someone, I'm sure, can make a flying machine.

We had a great weekend, including meals with Lisa and Tolga (twice), Marek and Jen and Chris. We also time all three days at stores and restaurants around the intersection of Beach and Edinger in Huntington Beach. Weird how that happens sometimes. I also played a poker game on Saturday at 6:20pm, telling the girlfriend a) that it'd be done by 7pm (when we had to leave for dinner) and b) I'd win enough to pay for our meal.

I was right on both counts.

How was your weekend?

More pictures, more often

Couldn't help myself. One more of the baby's mamma in her cute blue shirt.

Let's see you drive the hit count up on this one! Click to see the Flickr site, and see different sizes.

Busy weekend, Flickr Toys, Friday!

Happy Friday! If my child is on schedule, this'll likely be my last full day of work for a while. I'm betting she's gonna be late, though. We'll see. Everyone who's asked is on the call list, as well as many others. If you want to know by telephone instead of by reading it here, let me know.

Picture of the day!

Lots of the group at Gary's last weekend, playing Apples to Apples. Good times!

On the Flickr front, Tori's introduced me to fd's Flickr toys, all sorts of fun stuff that makes it easy to take your Flickr sets, tags, etc and make them into things like mosaics, calendars, covers, etc. See, for example, the mosaic of my "meat" tag.

Pending childbirth, plans for this weekend include lunch with my mother, a different lunch with Jen and Chris, and possibly dinner with other various people. It'll be a busy weekend, no matter what happens.

What's happening with you?

Whoops, No Baby, Birthday

Thursday! Happy birthday, lil Ethan!

Update: Still no baby. But she kicks her mama really well. Her daddy, too, if he's close enough.

Picture of the day!

Brandon and Oswaldo, from The Stinking Rose this weekend.

Hmm. I forgot to finish this earlier. Strange. What's up, friends and readers?

Myspace, pictures, voting, no baby

Happy Wednesday!

Update: No baby. Maybe next week.

Elections are over, which means no more recordings of celebrities calling (Billy Crystal, Magic Johnson and Ed Begley Jr. all showed up this year), and the flow of campaign mailers will finally stop - at least until October. The consensus around our email chat is that we vote for far too many things. Do any of my readers really think we need to vote for Judges, committees, and Controller? Shouldn't those be appointed positions?

Picture of the day!

Another from Memorial Day, again feature Eric, as well as myself and Luke.

In not unexpected news, the latest pregnancy picture has been an instant hit, becoming the forth most clicked on picture on my Flickr account in the 24 hours since it was posted. Remember that this is click-thrus, not just page views here at Insignifica.

I post a picture of the day every day, and most of those get a dozen clicks, max. But the pregnancy pics have either found a following of readers, or someone, somewhere, is posting the link somewhere else for people to click on. If this is you, please let me know, even anonymously. It's really weird.

Your job today: Leave some comments and befriend me on MySpace. Thanks!

Vote, no baby spawn today

It's Tuesday, 06/06/06! The Devil's Day! Hide your women and children!

Speaking of women and children, unless I get a call in a few minutes from my baby's mama telling me the doctor says we're ready, I don't think I'll be having a little 06/06/06 baby spawn. Would have been such an easy date to remember, too.

Picture of the day!

Jen and Eric from last week's Memorial Day party. Lots more great ones there.

My coworkers tricked me into a meeting yesterday so they could set up a baby shower. Thanks guys! It was totally unexpected.

It's election day, folks. Get out there and vote. I was thinking today how angry it makes me that we have such low voter turn-out. I think if more people cared, we'd have less corruption and politicians would cater more to voters. Or, perhaps I'm an optimist. Regardless, get out there and have your voice head.

Even newer pic of my baby's mamma

For all your pregnant chick lovers out there, here's the newest one, taken 6/3/06:

Note the sassy new haircut, too. Enjoy!

Hack Project, Nesting, Pictures, No Baby

Happy Monday morning!

No baby yet. No signs of labor, yet. If she's gonna be my little 06-06-06 baby, she better get a move on...

We had a great time this weekend with a lot of the crowd - Tolga, Lisa, Brandon, Oswaldo, Gary, Emily and Jenn, up at the Stinking Rose, then back to Gary's for games. Brandon and I have decided that friends are too important not to see regularly, and dinner's a great place to do that. Brings to mind my favorite Julia Child quote: "Dining with one's friends and beloved family is certainly one of life's primal and most innocent delights, one that is both soul-satisfying and eternal".

Picture of the day!

Lisa caught in a picture of me modeling The Hat.

I've got a good collection of pictures to upload - I'll see about getting that done tonight.

On the baby front, we're hardcore into our nesting stage. Our downstairs sleeper is now set up (as is our upstairs co-sleeper), stroller is ready to go, I mopped the floor last night, and the house is pretty darn clean. Of course, my house is gonna look like a Babies-R-Us showroom pretty quick, too.

I've also started a neat little project that'll free up desk space. I'll take pics of that and share it soon, too.

How's this week treating you?

Delicious lunch from the farmer's market.

I'm always inspired by Teresa's food posts - she's got a love of cooking and cuisine that's probably more extensive and varied than I've got, and luckily for both of us we live in California, where we can get just about every ingredient we could want.

The girlfriend and I went to the Farmer's Market in Irvine today, just to look around, try the summer fruits, and get some components of lunch (which was undecided until we got there). The plums and plumots are great, the peaches need a few more weeks, and the strawberries sitting in the sun made the whole place smell great. Right after the strawberries was a stand with primarily Asian veggies (and signs in Chinese), but the pile of garlic, also sitting in the sun and making the place smell differently great, convinced me that it would be a primary component of lunch. We got an onion, two bags of fresh basil and a pound of mushrooms, as well as some fruit, and headed home. The non-fruit ingredients made a delicious pesto (with the olive oil, pine nuts and cheese at home), and the mushrooms and onions gave it a little more body.

The best part about the whole thing is that food you make yourself, from fresh items, really does taste better. Not only that, the whole meal is more satisfying - I know where everything came from, I prepared it from scratch, and it turned out just how I wanted it. Cooking truly is one of life's pleasures.

Politics, Variety, Weekends, 1600

Friday, nice and warm, leading into another beautiful weekend. Also, this is entry 1600 on Insignifica! How's it going with you?

It's entirely possible this blog will be baby-centric for a few weeks, but she'll get her own blog soon enough (I'm waiting to buy the domain until we finalize the name). But I'll do my best to keep the content here varied.

Picture of the day!

Brandon, showing the signs of too much New Years celebration.

A little politics for you today. Everyone is rightfully up in arms about the Marines accused of killing civilians unprovoked in Iraq - if it happened (which the Pentagon seems to think is entirely possible), it's a travesty and needs to be dealt with strongly and appropriately.

What gets me, however, is many of those concerned about this have no issue what so ever with the tens of thousands of civilians (and tens of thousands more conscripted "military") deaths that are a direct result of US action. Can you imagine the US response if some other country came to the US and killed 1/5 of one percent of our population (600,000 people), not to mention destroyed our infrastructure and replaced our government?

1599 - Poker, Garlic, No Baby

Happy Thursday! It's June, already. Update on the baby: No update. The girlfriend is still pregnant, and as of this morning, wasn't having any symptoms associated with labor. We're still a week and a half off the due date, but we're in "any time now" mode. I'll some announcement here when she's born, of course, but if you'd like to get on my email or call list, let me know, and we'll arrange that too.

Picture of the day!

Wow, this is a great picture of the girlfriend and me. I hadn't ever noticed this one before (it's from my 2003 Birthday set, which is mostly goofy pictures). It looks like it's telling a story, but having been there, I'm pretty sure nothing serious was going on.

Assuming the baby doesn't make an appearance, we're gonna go to The Stinking Rose this weekend for a tasty garlic meal. If you haven't ever been, and you're not a vampire, consider going sometime. It's awesome.

Anyone up for some poker at the Pechanga on Saturday morning? Carpooling is fun, and cheaper!