Grossman family west

san francisco


Archive for January, 2009

First Geyser

Saturday, January 31st, 2009

For those readers who are still pre-child, one of the “healthy baby” signs that the hospital looks for in the first 24 hours is a healthy poop (which is black and tarry). So you can imagine our unreasonably jubilant delight, which would look strange to the uninitiated, when Avi produced a gallon of the black tarry stuff at about 6 pm tonight. Apparently, Avi got excited too, for he nearly shot out Holly’s eye with an equally impressive stream of pee. Holly dodged it as expertly as Bush dodges shoes, but the geyser of pee shot two full body lengths over Avi’s head and onto some hospital forms that, we’ve now decided, weren’t important. Our boy has mad flow.

No picture on this one, all. You’re welcome.

Surprise! It’s Gigi!!

Saturday, January 31st, 2009
Why is Holly so surprised?

Why is Holly so surprised?

Question: What makes Holly this surprised and excited 24 hours AFTER meeting Avi? Answer: A surprise visit by Holly’s mom, Dee, whom the grandkids call “Gigi!”

A surprise visit by Gigi from San Diego!

A surprise visit by Gigi from San Diego!

First Ear Exam, and (of course) more photos

Saturday, January 31st, 2009

This morning, Avi had a normal ear exam (passed with flying colors). It’s pretty wild–the machine plays sounds into baby headphones (which stick to the cheek) and monitors brain waves when it plays sounds. Picture below. Also, I have added a set of portraits to the Photo Gallery.

Testing Ari's Hearing. He passed his first test!

Avi's first Hearing Test--he passed!

Movie Star

Saturday, January 31st, 2009

Like all parents, we have high hopes and great expectations for our little guy. But he’s eight and a half hours old at this point, so we’re thrilled with his just Being for now–so much so that we have him starring in a couple of movies doing just that. See them in the Photo Gallery!

He’s Arrived! Avi is here!

Saturday, January 31st, 2009

Many thanks to everyone for their support, comments, and well wishes! A special thanks to Debbie, who was here for nearly the entire labor, our doula, Lindsey, whose unwavering support and encouragement kept Holly going and provided relief for Joel (time to update the blog!), and the wonderful staff at UCSF.

And of course, Holly–I don’t quite have the words to describe how proud I am of the incredible love you showed our family through this entire experience. I’m truly lucky to have you.

Avi’s stats are on the front page and pictures will be coming soon to the photo gallery!

10:30 pm. 10 cm.

Friday, January 30th, 2009

Woah.

With Relatives Like These…

Friday, January 30th, 2009

After about 12 hours of labor, Holly decided it was time to get an epidural. Ever the staunch supporters, Joel, Debbie, and Lindsey lined up in front of Holly to (literally) support her while the anesthesiologist began the 10 minute process to set up the epidural. The Dr. pulled out the largest needle I had ever seen. After numbing the area, the Dr. started in with a giant needle. Apparently she rubbed up against a nerve or something, because Holly jumped a bit. Right about that time, I started seeing spots and getting lightheaded–while I was standing in front of Holly and supporting her to keep her still while the Dr. was sticking the largest needle I had ever seen into my wife’s back. It kinda felt like a dangerous circumstance, to say the least. In an effort to maintain my composure, I turned my head to the side… and saw Debbie kneeling down on the ground with her head bowed down! It was about that time that I remember Lindsey and the nurse suggest that I have a seat (and not a moment too soon).

Some help we are! 2 Grossmans down, Holly and Lindsey still standing.

The Fainting Duo, sitting down per Dr's orders

The Fainting Duo, sitting down per Dr

4 pm, 7 cm

Friday, January 30th, 2009

for those keeping score at home…

Bigg’uns!

Friday, January 30th, 2009

Check out the bottom readings in the picture: those are contractions. See those plateau mountains? That’s because they’re SO HUGE that the max out the reading! They’re reading over 100! My wife is off the chart on the contract-o-meter!

DISCLAIMER: i have no idea what this actually means. My invented “off the charts” explanation sounded plausable to me and it reinforces my opinion that MY WIFE IS SUPER-HUMAN(!) and so I’m sticking with it.

Maxing out the Contract-o-meter

Maxing out the Contract-o-meter

Debbie Arrives

Friday, January 30th, 2009
Debbie and Ellie

Debbie and Ellie

Debbie just arrived, complete with a new blue stuffed animal…