Yeah, I have been pretty bad about writing. Apparently time flies when you are taking care of a kid. Also, it seems that I come home, play with the kid, then it's bedtime. Well, not bedtime for Porter, but for daddy. When did this happen? I used to go to bed around midnight or 1 a.m. Now I seem to be in bed by 9 or 10. Hmmmm....OH! Since I have nothing but grief from a few of you, check out the link to photos as I have put up a whole bunch of new ones. (I know, I deserve it!)
So I will backtrack a little later, but I have to say this kid is puttin'
on the pounds. As of today, she is 9 lbs. 12 oz. If you factor in the preemie part, she is on the big side. If she was born on time, she is light but not by much. In other words, she is doing really, really well. As far as her health, there is nothing really to report (can you hear my sigh of relief?). I still think back to the time at the NICU and still feel really lucky that everything turned out so well.As far as her little birthmark, we are now calling her "Huckleberry" as that is what it looks like. Actually, she has about 3,271 nicknames. Not really sure how that happens but it must just be constant moments of inspiration. I am also not sure if she has any clue what her real name is.
Sorry, I tend to go on tangents easily, back to the point. Her little huckleberry had it's first treatment last week. They treat it with a small, handheld laser. They ice the spot on her face, put on these little eye pillows, and ZAP, it's over. The doctor offered to put the laser on us to see what it feels like. I'm not sure if I didn't see it that I would have even noticed it. That did make us feel a lot better. The goal right now is to stop the growth so she is going in again next week. This treatment will continue for some months to come but I keep thinking when we show her pictures years from now she will ask "What is that little huckleberry on my cheek?" :-)
When we thought she would be delievered in August, we had planned on my family reunion to be her first outing. Well, she was quite experienced by the time we introduced her to the Douglas/Warren clan. It was really great to see everyone and try to remember who I probably grew up with and what their names are. Wow. I really have a bad memory for names/faces. Now, granted there was about 8 years that I was always travelling during the reunion. But really, these people are my family. I told Aub not to ask me names or relations as it would probably just be best if she guessed.
For those members of my family reading this, I will apologize if Aub had to introduce herself. :-) But I do want to thank Aunt Biz for a wonderful time. I have always felt so welcome at your place. It was fun to roam around the house and remember so many good times I had there. I am looking forward to Porter sharing in some of those memories. That place is just so incredible and you are always the most gracious host!So one thing I have been looking forward to is for Porter to hit nine pounds. Here is why: One of my favorite beers is 9 Pound Porter by Georgetown brewing. So, since I am hosting Bill's bachelor party, we brought in a keg of slice of malted heaven. I must say that the last time I tapped a keg it was in Bill's blazer on the way up to boys weekend at Deception Pass. Yes, IN the car. I think the way it went was Bill saying "Hey don't tap that in the (SHHHHHHHHTTTT the sound of a keg being tapped). Oops".
That was just a few short (COUGH!) years ago and ended up the way you would think with six guys and one keg in just a few days. Again, on a memorable but not noteworthy tangent. We also picked up some 9 Pound Porter posters. Yes they are going in the nursery. Yes I am that kind of parent. No CPS hasn't stopped by yet. Yet.
Ok, more about being a dad. Well, really Aub is doing all the work. She gets up at night, feeds her, changes the diapers and does it all with such a great attitude. I am really proud of her. I may have said this before but if so it bears repeating, she really is a great mother. I am so happy to have her in my life as the mother of my child and as my wife. She is wonderful in both roles and I am very fortuneate.
But fo
r my part, there isn't a day that goes by that this kid can't make me cry. She feel asleep on my lap tonight. Before she did, she stared at me and I swear I saw her watch me make a funny face, mimiced it, and then smiled. I could see that she wanted my attention and it worked. Then just watching this angel make her little snoring noises (more like a squirrel grunting) are enough to make me sit still even if I was planted on a chair of nails. You lose track of time. Again, this is one of the many moments where parents are reading this going, "Yep".As far as development, she is really starting to hold up her head. She spends a lot more of each day awake. Her ear hair is almost completely gone (Aub will love that I told everyone that). And she started reading "A Brief History of Time" . Well, maybe not that last one but she did really have some great ear hair. I am just jealous. Her dad is bald her hear covers her ENTIRE head, including the ears.
Ok, off to bed. I'm sure I will have an update after Bill's bachelor party. Or maybe there will not be enough participation and I will be forced to finish this fine beverage all by myself. Who knows, I might treat you to some Hunter S. Thompson gonzo blogging.
Take care everyone! On a last note, I do have to share these photos. We had the Sayers over the other night and I am not sure these kids can take a bad photo. I am biased as to the cutest kid in the world, but these two sisters are a darn close second place tie. Somebody had to test Porter's new rocking horse. :-)
