"Circ"

It was Katie and I who decided to circumcise Sorin. But it was my decision to be in the room and watch it happen.

More than a few people said, "You watched it?!" I don't know... it was just something I felt I should be present for. Mom can't relate. Dad needs to be there. I'm comfortable with surgery at this point. While I didn't see Katie get cut open for the birth, I saw her opened up as Sorin came out. So watching him get circumcised seemed doable, and it was for the first part. I'll spare you the details, but let's just say the precision of those tools (and Francoise, the French pediatritian) are worth every penny they get. As they started, I was going fine. Then he brought out the clamp. That's when I took a step back, sat in the chair, and asked for a cold glass of water.

In the end, Sorin was one of a kind - he almost fell asleep for the surgery! There were moments when baby's usually cry pretty good, but nothing phased Sorin - just his dad. Of course I had to take one picture to mark the moment. The finger in his mouth is the sugar water that takes much of his attention away from the work of Francoise.

Link to Photos on Facebook

For those of you who aren't on Facebook, you're missing out on additional photos of the family, including our precious son, Sorin. Here's a link to the photo album so everyone can view them. More to come - stay tuned to the blog.

Little Man

Well the little man gave us some trouble last night... up until now we've been looking at each other saying, "Isn't this easy?"  or "This really isn't too bad!"  

We spoke too soon.  

Last night Sorin went through I would estimate about 8 diapers.  He kept wetting through his clothes and blankets and then twice Hans would change him get him all wrapped up again and then - literally - as he was walking up the stairs he would feel ( and hear ) him pooping and have to turn right around and go change him AGAIN.  We figured out the wetting through the blanket problem and now have this little cheer - "Penis down, penis down, what ever you do make sure his penis is down!!!"  And on top of all of this he has discovered his LOVE for nursing and much to my dismay wanted to nurse ever hour.  So mommy had no sleep last night and when he woke up at 5AM she had had enough and after nursing him brought him into bed with her where he LOVES to sleep and sleep he did...

Needless to say he slept like a rock : )

Happy one week birthday Sorin!!!!!!!!  We love you!

Uncomfortable Cries

It was a tougher day today with Sorin. Let me rephrase that: Sorin showed me he can be a little more difficult at times. He stayed awake more today than the few days past. It was nice to have him up b/c that meant there was a good chance he'd sleep better through the night. But it's hard for me to hold him when his cries aren't able to be managed. Katie's better at it than me. And she was coaching me through what kind of a day he's having, reminding me that it's not necessarily my technique that's allowing for the uncontrolable cries.

And still, the day wasn't all bad. At about 1:00 in the afternoon, he was on my chest sleeping for about an hour while Katie got a good 2-hour nap! He looks different today. He seems to look a little different every day. Once again, I wish I could write more, but it's been a long evening.

Sorin Comes Home

Yesterday, after four full days at the hospital Katie and I brought Sorin home for the first time. What an experience to put him in the car seat for discharge and walk him downstairs. It's a whole new Daddy Experience. As I pulled up the car, I came in for Katie and the rest of our stuff. It was great to take him out into the fresh air for the first time!!













Now I understand the sincerity of those signs from the early 90's - Baby On Board. It was the most cautious driving I've ever done.



















Here's Sorin arriving at home - August 25, 2008 at 4:00 pm.

Sorin - The First 48 Hours

What a crazy couple days. I realize that if you've had a baby, none of what I'm about to say is news. But it's still so new and fresh to me that it's worth recounting.

Sorin's schedule is certainly backwards - days are spent sleeping and quietly looking into the eyes of him who holds. Nights are spent up and uncomfortable, crying and feeding while making the hours difficult for mom and dad.

But what a treat to hold. It's a love for a person like I've NEVER experienced. He's fully reliant on me - yet more so reliant on Katie. I'm trying to connect myself, even my soul, to him in an effort to care for his every needs.

I've got so much to say about my son, Sorin. My mind is full of pictures and memories of the last 48 hours. He is giving me a new joy in my heart. God is good.

The Wait is Over - Welcome Sorin

It's 11:47pm, and it is my honor to announce that Sorin Steven Schiefelbein was born today at 4:41pm. He was 6lbs. 9oz. and was 19 inches long. The day has been so long, yet at the same time seems to have gone quite fast - I don't want it to end. But mom is exhausted.

I honestly don't feel like it's sunk in yet - I'm a dad. Katie's a mom. We're a family of three. You should see him. I could hold him forever. Katie did so well. Family was here and met Sorin at 8:30 tonight. I could tell stories and details, but we need to sleep - we, meaning Katie. I could go for a few more hours, but rest a wise idea right now. We've got a long weekend of abbreviated sleep.

I'm proud to be a dad. I'm proud to be a husband. Welcome, Sorin.

Almost.....!