Busy

2 jobs and a 6 month old baby-all is well but blogging is on indefinite hiatus.

Welcome Dylan Thomas Glass

So, I hear through the grapevine that young Master Glass has been given his father's maiden lame.

Seriously, congrats to my friends-we'll have the arranged marriage paperwork drawn up in a week or so.

You have to get even with Jerry Hathaway. "It's a moral imperative."

I Fucking A Feedpump love being a citizen of this great nation of ours.

Laser plane could destroy tanks from 10 miles

Dude, that ROCKS!!!

Thoughts on the elections

So, Geraldine Ferraro has stated that Obama would not be where he is if he were not black. I suppose that's possible, if you examine it in the following light: The democrats are the party of affirmative action. They truly believe that placing less qualified people in various positions based simply on race is a good thing. Don't get me wrong, I think the motivation behind affirmative action is noble in some cases (e.g. trying to correct historical wrong doing versus pandering to potential voters), but the practice is reprehensible. You do not correct an injustice to person A by doing that exact same thing to person B, especially when person B was not even born when person A was discriminated against. But I digress...

The point is, that if the overwhelming majority of democrat voters subscribe to the tenets and practice of affirmative action, is it much of a stretch to suppose that that mentality has carried over into who they vote for? In that light, I don't think it is unreasonable to suppose that some fraction of Obama's hold on the democratic party is due in part to his race.

The more I learn of the senator, the more conflicted I become about his candidacy. For example, he has talked the talk and walked the walk when it comes to transparency. His tax returns and his earmarks are out there for all of us to examine. Those are both very good things, and they lend credence to his changey hopitude. It's also one of the few areas where he is very clearly different from Clinton.

When we he3ard about the lapel pin, or not putting his hand over his heart during the national anthem, I thought it was a bit odd, but hardly defining. You certainly can love your country, and be a patriot without those trappings, but more and more keeps surfacing. For example, there are Michelle Obama's comments about never, in her adult life being proud of this country. I shrugged that off too as a likely rhetorical flourish gone awry. But now, footage of sermons from the church that the Obama's attend has surfaced. I realize that Obama does not set the tone or write the sermons, but if I was in a church and the pastor/priest/minster said this:

"The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing 'God Bless America.' No, no, no, God damn America, that's in the Bible for killing innocent people,"

"We have supported State terrorism against the Palestinians..."

""We bombed Hiroshima, we bombed Nagasaki, and we nuked far more than the thousands in New York and the Pentagon, and we never batted an eye," Rev. Wright said in a sermon on Sept. 16, 2001."

then I would get up and walk right the fuck out. If I found out later that that was being preached, I would get up and walk right the fuck out. God Damn America?!?!?! And what's with the bit about the government giving them the drugs? Does he think this some sort of CIA conspiracy against the black man? That seems most likely to me.

Clearly, there is more here than just lapel pins and hand placement. Based on Michelle's words and the senator's expressed support for Jeremiah Wright, I have a very clear picture of them sitting in church and nodding approvingly when those statements were made.

Senator Obama, you really need to address this. You need to show us (not just tell us) that you think Jeremiah Wright is the scumbag nutcase that his own words so very clearly show him to be. Or you can go fuck yourself. Your choice.

Update: Some interesting discussion here (BuffaloPundit)

Colloquium Announcement

For those who think that the Global Warming science is settled.

Title: THE SECONDARY ROLE of CO2 and CH4 FORCING in CLIMATE CHANGE: PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE. Al Gore's CO2-Global Warming Theory and Real Facts You Are Not Even Supposed to Find Out!

Abstract:A review of the recent refereed literature fails to confirm quantitatively that carbon dioxide (CO2) radiative forcing was the prime mover in the changes in temperature, ice-sheet volume, and related climatic variables in the glacial and interglacial periods of the past 650,000 years, ...

I'm not familiar with Dr. Willie Soon, but he is from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. The talk will be here at UB, in 220 NSC. If you're interested but are unfamiliar with the campus, I'd be happy to provide directions.

Teething

is yet another indication that the Almighty has a twisted sense of humor. So is the platypus.

For the Record

I'm really sick of seeing pictures of Obama in various ethnic garb cast as some sort of "BAD THING". As one who has done some international travel for work, you do as the natives do. Eat what they eat and wear what they wear-it's good business. I still keep in contact with my friends in St. Kitts, primarily because I ate a fish head.

Pass the popcorn!

So Her Royal Cankledness is upset with The Obamessiah because he called her out on her positions.

He: She's in favor of NAFTA

She: That's a lie!!!

Me: She was all for for it when Willie Jeff signed it...

Seriously, watching the party of Crooks and Liars call each other crooks and liars will never get old.

How is this possible?

One of Obama's talking heads was on Hardball, and was asked to name a single accomplishment of the Senator's. Talking head was stumped. Huh.

You would think that he who supra perambulates aquatically (can't take credit for that one, but can't remember whence it came either) would vet these guys a little better.

The real stumper is that I can name an accomplishment of the Senator's, and by accomplishment I mean something he worked on in a leadership role that is a net positive for this nation. How come his supporters, the folks that are (by being allowed to speak for him) his face not aware?

He, and Senator Coburn pushed through legislation to create a "pork" database to make it easier for you and I to follow pork barrel spending. Personally, I think that's huge.

He also said yea, nay and present alot (I stole the last bit from FrankJ)

Michelle Obama

So, MO has stated that she's proud of her country for the first time in her adult life. I'm not going to pretend to know the significance of this statement, but I see a range of possibilities grouped into 3 main threads.

First, it's simply a carelessly worded rhetorical flourish, and MO really does love this country.

Second is that she's another "Blame America First" Sean Penn/Susan Sarandon type limo liberal.

Third (and most delicious to contemplate) is that she's just this side of rational and the stress of the campaign will push her over the edge at which point she'll uncork something that would make Cynthia McKinney say "Damn, Girlfriend!!!"

Update: For the record, these are ranked in the order I think them likely, most to least.

Yet another example...

illustrating why there is a 2nd amendment, and why every sane, thinking person needs to recognize that it does, indeed, grant an individual right.

A young girl of 17 breaks up with her boyfriend who then switches to violent stalker. Girl calls the police several times because she's afraid. Police tell girl if she calls them again, she's getting arrested. Violent stalker murders girl.

Stavi Salute: CNN.

Look, the facts are this: The police can't be everywhere at once, even if they want to be. The police are not responsible for your protection*, and in fact you cannot hold them liable for failing to protect you-even if you are calling them for help because someone is violating a restraining order. You need to be able to protect yourself, and a firearm is the most expedient means of doing so.

* See the following: Pinder vs Johnson-Abusive ex boyfriend of Carol Pinder (recently released after an arson conviction following his attempt to burn down Ms. Pinder's home) breaks into her home and is hauled off by the cops after threatening to murder her and her children. He is released a few hours later, goes to Pinder's home and lights it up, killing her 3 children. The courts found that the police had no obligation to protect her. If you want to know why lawyers are generally reviled, contemptible creatures then read this bit "the fact of a promise does not create a corresponding obligation." Only a lawyer could come up with that. How the everloving fuck does someone who believes that gain any credibility with anyone? I don't want to get derailed from my main point here, but really. No wonder 77% of all trial lawyer donations go to Democrats.

Or the following: Warren vs DC. Three women were raped and beaten for 14 hours after repeated calls to the police, who had assured them that help was on the way. Yes, 14 HOURS after REPEATED calls for help. Courts ruled the police were not liable.

Or the following: The tragic case of Jessica Gonzales. In a nutshell, her husband was a batterer, and during divorce proceedings there was a restraining order prohibiting the husband from approaching the house or taking the children without pre-arrangements. He grabs the kids, she calls the cops and shows them the restraining order. They tell her there's nothing they can do, even though they knew where he was. He murders the children and the courts rule that the police had no obligation to protect her or her children.

There is one person that is responsible for your safety, and that is you. Any law that impedes you from protecting yourself is a violation of the Constitution, and common sense. I urge all of my readers to go out, get a pistol permit and start carrying. I urge all of my readers to get a shotgun for home defense, and learn how to use it.

I'm not some crazed gun nut, and this isn't fear mongering, anymore than urging preparedness for any other of life's disasters is fear mongering. Learn to protect yourselves, because no one else will.

Can you kick a party in the nuts?

Fred's out.

Yahoo

CNN


Seriously. I cannot fathom why the GOP failed to flock to this guy. Swift kick to all of you except FrankJ who has carried the torch high. A swift kick in the yam-bag to you all.

They've said it all along

and I guess I should have listened.

In this presidential election, both parties have been presented with ideal candidates, to the extent that such exists. The Democrats have Barack Obama, a young idealist with the ability to reach across racial, gender and party lines. A man who seems to genuinely believe in the promise of America and a drive to do what's best for her. A candidate that lines up with the Dem majority on nearly every issue. The Republicans have Fred Thompson. A man with a long history of rooting out corruption and a record of adhering to the principles that Republicans hold dear-Liberty, small government, strong defense.

In short, each party has a candidate that should be running away with their respective parties nominations.

Democrats like to paint Republicans as stupid, and occasionally studies surface from liberal universities purporting to prove this. Since Obama is a solid second for his party and Thompson a probable 4th, clearly the average IQ of the Democratic party exceeds that of the Republican party.

It makes me sad.

Most bizarre porn clip...evah!

If you're into pterodactyls....

http://porn.gonzo-movies.com/video5138/Pterodactyl_Dinosaur_Spermo_Plasmoids

VNSFW goes entirely without saying...

This says it all

From the Buffalo Snooze:

"The governor in his sophomore year is facing his first big budget deficit, and he is considering creative ways to raise money."

Here's a novel little concept I've been working on. How about spending less money, Jackass.

Private companies want to lease lottery systems from states, with a huge upfront payout. Which is fine, except for the reduced revenue later on coupled with the increased spending that our Demopublican/Republocrat representatives and their unaccountable "Authority" patronage mills are going to drop on our heads.

Oh those Zany Nigerians!

I keep the email address that is attached to this blog for one reason-spam. Any time I need to provide an addy to get into a site or leave comments, I use the phyteach2002. This reduces spam at the one I check regularly (phyteach2001 at the same free provider), and it also collects some interesting stuff all in one place.

We've all heard of the 419 scams. Pundit (Buffalo type, one each) frequently plays these guys, and there is a fantastic site dedicated to reverse scamming these assholes that can be found here. Be sure to check out the hall of fame.

Imagine my surprise, however, when I received an email from none other than Kofi Annan!!! Apparently, after a 7 month meeting, the UN is stepping in to repay all those who have been scammed by the 419'ers. The irony of these lying thieves using the name of one of the biggest lying thiefs in history to lend an air of legitimacy to their claim is just delicious.

Who knew Annan was reduced to using a yahoo email account?

Text follows:

Attention:

How are you today? Hope all is well with you and
family?,You may not understand why this mail came to you.We have been
having a meeting for the passed 7 months which ended 2days ago with the
secretary to the UNITED NATIONS.

This email is to all the people that have been scammed
in any part of the world, the UNITED NATIONA have agreed to compensate
them with the sum of US$ 100,000. This includes every foriegn
contractors that may have not received their contract sum, and people that have
had an
unfinished transaction or international businesses that
failed due to Government probelms etc.

We found your name in our list and that is why we are
contacting you,this have been agreed upon and have been signed.You are
advised to contact Mr. Jim Ovia of ZENITH BANK NIGERIA PLC, as he is
our representative in Nigeria, contact him immediately for your Cheque/
International Bank Draft of USD$ 100,000. This
funds are in a Bank Draft for security purpose ok? so he will send it
to you and you can clear it in any bank of your choice.

Therefore, you should send him your full Name and
telephone number/your correct mailing address where you want him to
send the Draft to you.

Conatct Mr. Jim Ovia immediately for your Cheque:
Person to Contact Mr. Jim Ovia
Email: jimovia126@yahoo.com
Phone: 234 1 8057108623
Thanks and God bless you and your family.Hoping to hear
from you as soon as you cash your Bank Draft.

Making the world a better place.

Regards,

Mr. Kofi Annan
Former Secretary (UNITED NATIONS).

Apparently, Kofi's not a big fan of the spell-check, either.

Speak of the Devil

And ohh, does he appear! In comments to the Previous thread, My Interests asked what we thought of McCain, and my response was that I am angry with him about a few things-not the least of which was BCRA.

We all remember Moore's movie lambasting the Bush administration, released shortly before an election. By the standards of BCRA it should have been considered a political advertisement and governed under those standards. Thankfully (even though I despise everything he stands for, believes and says) it was not. Now, however, when someone on the Right tries something similar about Her Royal Cankledness, now the Authorities are stepping in. (yes, that's low and sophomoric-deal)

The 1st amendment is pretty clear, it's high flippin time that those with political power back clear the fuck away from regulating political speech.

Don't make us utilize the 2nd amendment...

Stavi Salute to: Brain Terminal

NH Presidential Debates

Last night, ABC held back to back debates in NH, one for each party. The format was a bit different, and I think it's a hit.

Instead of a single question with timed responses and rebuttals, it was more of a roundtable with 15 minutes allotted for each topic. The candidates were free to state their positions and basically argue with each other. The moderator, Charles Gibson (who did a great job, methinks) would interrupt infrequently allow all to comment, or to steer the discussion if interesting points were raised. There were 6 Republicans for the first hour or so, and then 4 Democrats to finish.

Here's my thoughts:

Fred Thompson, without a doubt, should be the next president. It seems that he gets all the issues right. Whether it's 2nd amendment freedoms, taxes, or foreign policy, Thompson's the guy.

Ron Paul. Oh Ron, how can you be right about so many things and so gobsmackingly wrong about the threat of Islamic extremism? They don't attack us because we invade their countries. They don't have countries, Dr. Paul-they have a drive to establish a world-wide caliphate. They don't hate us for supporting brutal regimes, as they are brutality embodied. They hate us because we are "Other". So we had an air base in Saudi Arabia, big fucking deal. We didn't tell the Saudis "We're putting our planes here and if you don't like it tough tittie." We entered into a mutually beneficial agreement with the Saudis.

Barack Obama: The more I see this guy, the more impressed I am with him. While I disagree with nearly every position this guy has, I don't feel like an Obama administration would be a catastrophe of unmitigated proportions. I get the sense that, if elected, he would do his level best to move America forward, whereas if Clinton or Edwards gets the nod from the American people I predict 4 years of trying to punish the Republicans for the crime of not being Democrats and taking away their toy for 8 years. Depending on who the GOP nominates, I may have to seriously consider casting a vote for him. I said it over at the Pundit's blog-I almost wish this guy was a Republican/Libertarian type.

Fundamental philosophical differences

As you may have surmised by reading this blog, I like to cook. As you may know if you've ever eaten with me, I'm also fairly adept at it. The result of this is that we frequently have folks over to eat, meaning I cook fairly often.

If you've ever met me, you've also probably sussed out that I'm by no means a neat freak. My wife, also not a neat freak, however is a bit more concerned with appearances than I am. Which is ok, we work it out.

One thing my wife cannot stand, is dishes in the sink coupled with company in the house. This, of course leads to all sorts of hilarity when people are coming over and I am cooking. In all fairness to her, sometimes I make a huge mess when cooking. This weekend, however, not so much.

ME: Puts rib rack in the sink when finished. About 40 minutes before guests arrive, and I'm back out to the garage to tend to the food.

SHE: Wigging out because I put something in the previously empty sink.

ME: New years resolution to learn how to cook sans dishes, utensils etc.

Basic Rib Rub

I've always had an inclination to experiment in the kitchen, and a desire to create unique flavors. To that end, I am going to try to systematically develop some recipes, and have some fun trying new stuff. As a baseline, I wanted a simple, understated rub for ribs, something that I could alter for each new direction I wanted to move in. Below you will find that rub. I put it on 3 racks of back loin ribs (commonly referred to as "baby backs") and cooked them in my Weber Kettle (the WSM is not yet assembled) for the Winter Classic. I was extremely pleased with the results, and I will share the technique here.

1/2 C Turbinado Sugar (resists burning better, has slight maple flavor)
1/4 C Salt
1/4 C fresh ground black pepper
1/4 C Paprika
1 TBSP Allspice
1 TBSP Granulated onion
1/2 TBSP Cayenne pepper

This rub was not real sweet, salty or hot and it will do nicely as a starting point. This recipe makes enough rub for about 20 racks of ribs. My first change will be to double the amount of Cayenne pepper and see how that goes. After that, I may increase the allspice, onion or add garlic. In fact, what I will likely do is modify this recipe and then make ribs using the new and old iteration since I have plenty of the first whack left over.

As a side note, when I apply a rub to meat I do the following. First I wash it with water and pat it good and dry with paper towels. Then I coat lightly with Olive Oil (of questionable sexual history-who cares if she's a virgin. I want experienced humpers!) and then apply the rub. The oil helps the rub adhere to the meat, and does not evaporate like water would.

So, dear readers here is the challenge: Make this rub with your own modifications and then wow your neighbors. With a cheap shit charcoal grill, a rib rack and some aluminum foil you too can make kick ass ribs.

Awwwww Yeaaaahhhh!

Lookee what Santa brung to ole Scooter. It's almost like being born again.

This brings the number of charcoal fired cooking apparatus at Casa de Chuckles up to 4, 5 if we count the terracotta fireplace. For examples of stuff we've cooked in one of these (My friend Brian has had one for a few years) see here, here and here.

I don't know what I want to cook first! The current front runners are: Brisket (possibly corned and coated with cracked peppercorns and Weber's mustard), Ribs, Chicken (perhaps with and Asian or Mediterranean marinade), Salmon or a Pork Butt.

It occurs to me that I need to spend more time cooking and blogging about those efforts. Maybe even a cookbook down the road?

OxyGoreon

"Former Vice President Al Gore said Thursday the United States is "principally responsible" for blocking progress at U.N. climate conference."

Progress at the UN?!?!? If ever there was a self contained contradiction, it's this.

Of course, in light of this development (HT Kim Du Toit, Craig), it seems the case for solar variations driving climate change is getting stronger every day.

It's clear that Al Gore is not telling the complete story-there is no consensus among the scientists studying this issue. In fact, he is flat out lying when he says that, and he bloody well knows it. His movie has been picked apart and show to be rife with errors that the warming crowd happily accept because the message is "truthy". Not unlike some fabricated memos from a few years back.

I don't claim to know if our changing climate is due to human action or natural variation or some combination of the two. I'm inclined to think, given it's historical variability and self equilibrating tendencies, that it is largely beyond human influence.

When people like Al Gore start walking their talk, maybe I'll be inclined to think they really believe what they are saying, but for now the former vice president is little better than a cynical snake oil salesman looking for a leg up.

Tosser.

Holy Shit!

Bomb adorned madman has taken hostages at the Clinton Campaign headquarters.

Here's hoping the situation is resolved without loss of life.

Something I should have done long ago

Is link to Ms. Gina Elise. She is an absolutely stunning young lady with a predilection for 40's era pinups and love for our wounded soldiers.

To that end, she has started her own charity, Pinups for Vets (make sure your sound is down at first). The 2007 calenders sold out fairly quickly, so if you want to get an 08, better bust a move.

Many thanks to Cookie, who asked me (shamed me is more like it) to post this. There's a drive on to get 100 calenders for wounded soldiers, and there's a bit of time pressure. Ms. Elise is heading to Walter Reed in January, and it would be great if she had 100 calenders for our wounded troops when she goes. So, needless to say, while you are over at her site buying yourself a calendar, please buy one for a wounded soldier as well. I can't think of finer way to track your recovery than on one of these calendars.

Thankfully, I was never wounded, but I can imagine what sort of a boost this is for some of these guys.

Me? I'm buying a few. I should also point out that picking 3 photos was pretty damn hard.

Hello Pot, I'm Kettle. Pleased to meetcha!

Hillary Clinton is declaring Obama "less than truthful".

You really can't make this shit up. Well, maybe FrankJ could...

She's home!

Ava has come home! We brought our baby girl home Tuesday afternoon, and we spent a very pleasant, relaxing week visiting with my brother and his wife while doting on our newborn.

Just a couple of thoughts- If your looking for a pediatrician try Century Airport Peds. They have office hours 7 days per week, a completely separate room for sick child visits, and seem to be extremely responsive. We called on Saturday about a pooping issue, got some good dope (navspeak-good advice) and cleared up the issue. We then got a call Sunday morning from them asking if things were moving along. The secretary knew we had a newborn (we haven't even been in the office yet) just by name.

I'm looking to join a gun club. I hear that 3F up in Lewiston is great, but that's a bit of a haul. I'm looking for the following-indoor range of 50 m (although 25 will do), skeet range, outdoor range to 300 or so m. Any suggestions?

National Ammo Day

Today, 19 November, is National Ammo Day. It is politely requested that all firearm owners purchase 100 rounds of center fire or 500 rounds of rimfire amunition. Help support the firearms industry, and ensure that you have enough ammo on hand to enjoy your hobby.

Me?? I just bought 1000 rounds of .22LR (Federal) for the Marlin Model 60.

Veteran's Day

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

-LTC John McCrae

It's the last verse that matters. People scoff at staying the course, but progress is being made, the tide of bloodshed is receding, and peace will break out. Day by day, the Iraqis step up and we can bow out, leaving freedom in our wake. A pox on those who would undercut this effort for partisan gain, or simply out of hatred of the president.

To absent friends...

I don't think she's my daughter

My daughter still refuses to eat. She's getting plenty of nourishment through her lines and tubesm but shows very little interest in bottles and breasts.

No interest in bottles and breasts you say?!?!?! My wife has some 'splainin to do.

Mixed Bag

So, the results are in, and of the races I really cared about, half of my candidates won.

I am absolutely thrilled that Jim Keane (D) did not win. He is the poster child for what is dysfunctional with local politics. I'm optimistic that Collins (R) will be a good thing for Erie county, and almost certain he's better than his opponent.

I am also very glad to see Kathy Hochul (D) did win. Her opponent (O'Laughlin (R)) seems like a mean spirited SOB, and I could not support his proposed course of action with regard to St. Eliot of the Street's (D) drivers license for illegal aliens proposal. For those not here, Spitz wants to give illegal aliens drivers licenses-forms which, thanks to the motor voter law, are tied to voter registration. O'Laughlin vowed to go to jail before he complied. While I am certainly in agreement that Eliot's move is downright criminal and he needs to smacked about the head, neck, breast and chest with a 2X4, the job of the county clerk is NOT to set policy. That's not what the position is elected for, and attempting to set policy contrary to that set by duly elected officials (however empty headed it may be) is wrong. Plus, O'Laughlin just acted like a total dick during the campaign.

I was saddened to see Alan Bedenko did not take the the 4th district EC legislature seat. This republican would have gladly seen the democrat majority in that body increase from 12-3 to 13-2 if it meant The Pundit was in the chamber. Alan's a guy that really gets what's wrong with this area and how to fix it. So, to all you Clarence republicans: You're dead to me.

Last but certainly not least is Rus Thompson, republican contender for the 10th EC leg seat. Like Bedenko, Thompson understand the issues facing us, and would deal with them withoput pandering to those who typically feed at the public trough.

I do hope that Rus and Alan run again. Hopefully, with these races behind them they will have a bit of name recognition and will be able to carry the day.

More Pictures

Yeah, this is going to be all Ava all the time for awhile. The middle picture shows her left thumb(s). Me, I think it's neat and am lobbying for keeping it, but cooler heads will likely prevail.

Ron Paul and Jesus Christ

For quite some time now, the starboard side of the blogosphere has had quite a bit to say about Ron Paul, and particularly about his supporters. Specifically, at every gathering of Republican candidates, or at every anti-war rally, 9-11 remembrance (and other publicized gatherings) there are Truthers waving signs that 9-11 was a hoax or an inside job, and they are also waving Ron Paul signs.

Now, I have been hesitant to paint Paul with this particularly virulent strain of "very bad teh crazy", for the same reason that I don't think Jesus is too happy with Fred Phelps. He's never shown any support for, nor indicated that this is what he thinks.

Finding out that he has paid Alex Jones, mouthpiece of the Trooofers, $1300 dollars (under Jones, Alex) changes that. If this is the same miscreant with a megaphone that was all over the Debunking 9-11 myths show on the History channel a few weeks back then Paul has shown himself to be in league with a bad brand of insanity.

HT Captain's Quarters

Updates

Ava was born premature. She was also in the 9th percentile for her gestational age, meaning we have a pretty small baby on our hands. Not catastrophically small, but small enough to warrant neonatal intensive care. In spite of all the problems we had leading up to this, there is much to be optimistic about.

She has been breathing well on her own since birth. In fact, since I was standing outside the OR when they did the C-section, I heard her before I saw her. Before she had been lifted from her mother's womb, she was screaming. Not just crying, but wailing. Think Robert Plant doing his best "I just got my balls pounded flat with a hammer" from The Immigrant Song.

Since that time, if you leave her be, she sleeps like an angel. Start jacking with her, however, and she is really not shy about expressing her displeasure. So, she's feisty and has an attitude-a good sign of healthy baby.

When she first went to NICU, they had a tube in her throat for feeding. She did not take to a bottle well at all, and by last night most of what would be fed to her via tube would stay in her stomach. Today, they pulled the tube out to change it and decided to let Kelly try and bottle feed. She took all 15 ml, which is 5 more than was the prescribed diet. Basically, they put a few extra in the bottle so that if she spilled a bunch, she'd still get her 10 ml. Current status is no tube, being bottle fed a mixture of mamma's milk and formula and doing quite well with it.

Yesterday, she might, while awake, open her right eye. As you can see from today's picture (previous post) she is now opening both eyes.

It really is amazing, the things you get excited about with a baby.




Ava with Aunt Marcy.

Some pictures

Momma and Baby



Kisses from Daddy



In the name of all that's holy, PUT ME BACK!!!!

Actually, how about a caption contest for the last one?!?!

She's here!

Ava Mae Whitmire, born 23 October, 2007 at 7:25 a.m.

She's a bit on the small side, at 3 lbs, 15 oz, so it may be a few weeks before we get her home, but she seems healthy.

Cranial ultrasound-no problems with the ventricles.

Cardiac Echogram-PDA and PFO are still open. Since these are normal holes in the heart to allow blood to bypass the lungs for placental gas exchange, this is not an issue. We will have to wait and see if they close.

Abdomen-seems normal. She's feeding with an NG tube and attempting to feed by bottle. She's already pooped once, so it appears the plumbing is all connected and working properly.

Since the heart and GI tract were common the "big ticket" downs complications, we are very hopeful. Mother and baby are doing well, and we thank you all for your kind words, wishes and prayers.

Ding!!!

She's going to be here within the next 12 hours or so...

It's about 4 weeks early-no great shakes I'm led to believe

That's Mr. Brimley to you

Ayuh, ole Scooter here has the dye-uh-beet-us. Yesterday's sugar number? 270.

I reckon I got no one but m'self to blame.

Pretty soon you guys are going to start thinking I only post bad shit to get the sympathy comments...

Scotty is sad

The internets are a little more empty today. John Cox and Allen Forkum are calling it quits.

I'm dumbfounded, and I really can't believe that this voice has fallen silent.

Fuck.