Here’s Our Girls!!!

Riley Jane (click pictures for larger view)

 

Kelsey Rahne

Twin Girls!!!

We have Twin Girls!

Riley Jane and Kelsey Rahne made their grand debut at 4:00am this morning. They both weigh in at about 3.3lbs each and are healthy. They came in at 31 weeks, just shy of the hoped-for 35 weeks. They are in the NICU at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. Both babies cried well, meaning the lungs are developed, and the doctors say they are healthy, but under-weight. Now, if only their proud papa could develop that kind of problem. We are ecstatic, in tears, and can’t wait to hold them.

Lisa went to India today, and I have been handling arrangements from here at home. I hope to join Lisa and the girls in  2 weeks or so. They will be in the NICU for at least 3 weeks, gaining weight and preparing for the long trip home.

Home to those that love them and ache to hold them.

Riley and Kelsey, you may never know how much you are loved and cherished. But your mom and I will spend every waking moment to make sure you have some idea, some inkling of how much we love you two. I’ll see you girls soon..

Love,

Daddy

OMG, We’re in Labor!!!

12:00am and we just got a call. Our surrogate has gone into pre-term labor. They are doing a c-section as I type this. Lisa is frantically packing and getting a flight/hotel arranged. This is it, and the babies are only at 31 weeks. I am worried, as the babies will be in the NICU for at least two weeks. Lisa is going on her own for now as I have to work. She was slated to start her new job on Monday. They said they would give her the time to go to India. Now I hope they hold her spot. Updates to follow..

The Baby Shower

On the 24th of May we had our baby shower at The Guenther House in San Antonio. We arrived about 11:20am and started greeting the guests, many of whom had already arrived. The cake was set out on its own table, and was absolutely perfect for having twins. It fit the theme of the babies nursery and was delicious. It was half Italian creme, half raspberry creme. We tore that cake up!

They had set the gifts off to another table, and the guests were seated 8 to a table.

It was comfortable in the room, on the 3rd floor, but about an hour into the shower, the A/C went out. Keep in mind it was 98 degrees outside, we are above a restaurant and two of four walls were glass. Wow, it got warm quick.

Lunch was a wonderful Champagne Chicken Strudel, with green beans, and rolls/muffins/biscuits. With mint tea. Delicious!

Time to open gifts. We received everything from bibs to blankets to clothes to a pinata. A massive Winnie-the-Pooh pinata. So big he need his own seat belt on the way home. We got many of the things we asked for as well as some things we didn’t even think of. And I assure you, we appreciate each and every gift and thank our guests profusely. You folks have made this a lot less stressful, when it come to being ready for the twins.

Here are a few more random pics from the shower.

Some of our relatives, Lisa’s Aunt Ruth and her cousin Katie and Lisa’s step-sister in law Laura and her daughter Lindsey.

My best friend Frank, his wife Stephanie and their son Danny..He’s a sweetheart!

My co-workers, Susan and Dan and Dan’s wife Isabel.

 
Special thanks to the Edgewood Lions Club members. You folks are awesome and even though we’ve only met you folks a few times, you treated us like family. Thank you!

And a very Special Thanks for Larry and Margaret Rourke for throwing the Baby Shower for us. You are appreciated!!

Good news!

(Or “Do I have an awesome wife, or what?!)

Lisa has been having a bit of a problem getting hired on permanent at her job. She is what is considered “pool” meaning she fills in where they need her. She has been promised a permanent position several times, only to ultimately be passed over time and again.

Well no more!! She was asked in for an interview for a position with a hospital in south Austin and she went for an interview last Friday. It went well and she was asked to come back for a final interview. The second interview was yesterday. She found out last night that she did indeed get the job. And she is ecstatic. Her shift will be Sat thru Monday 7am to 7pm. That means she will be home for the twins 4days a week. And the pay is better as well. Now some of you may be thinking that it is a hell of a commute to Austin from San Antonio. It is, but she won’t be commuting.

Big thanks to my best friend Frank and his lovely wife Steph for letting Lisa stay over in Austin on Saturday and Sunday nights. Huge help there!

So Lisa gets to turn in her 2 weeks notice today and I know she is just giddy to do so. She has been lied to and ignored for two years. She is done with that. She now has full time work, paid time off, vacation, better benefits, and a position where they actually want her there. 

And get this. She starts in early June and they have given her July off to return to India for the twins. How cool is that?!?!?

Lisa, darling, I am so proud of you. You never cease to amaze me with what you accomplish day in and day out.

P.S. I totally found that job for you!! Hope this position makes you infinitely happier than where you were.

 

 

The Cribs have Arrived..

(or How to break your back in 3 easy steps)

My parents finally tracked down the cribs we wanted for the twins. They shipped them direct via UPS and they arrived on Friday. And again, Mom and Dad, thank you so much! I quickly headed to the office to pick them up, as we were not home when they arrived. There sat 2 large boxes about 5 feet high, 4 feet wide, 6 inches deep. Each. Weight? Oh, about 120lbs each. And you know what the damn shame of it all was? No dolly to be found. What kind of an apartment complex (to be fair, it is more of a townhome than an apartment) doesn’t have a dolly on site?

So lug it by hand it is. The lady at the office was nice enough to let me load them onto the golf cart, but I still had to carry them about 150 feet to the cart, through an office. Time to see if I have the strenghth of a bear, or of the little claw game at Wal-Mart. I’d say I came in closer to the bear, however, I did have to stop once mid-trip to regain my grip.

I get them loaded onto the cart and she drives me around to my garage. Now to unload the buggers. That went well, only about 20 feet. I stacked them in the garage as the nursery is not ready and I just didn’t have the where-withall to move them up the stairs. Lisa, what was the number to that moving company? Think I’m gonna need ‘em.

The nursery.. It promises to be pretty without being gender specific. Since we don’t know the gender of our twins, we are trying to keep it neutral. Primary color is a pretty lighter green, with purple and light yellow accents. The green is something like this color here.  The Purple is rather subdued, looking a little something like this, and the yellow is very light, something like this, but a bit softer. We are going with a circus animal theme, without the circus. No big tops, no ring masters, no clowns, as their dad will be a big enough clown, just a bit of animals likes bears, lions, elephants, and the like.

I can’t wait for the nursery to be finished. I plan to assemble the cribs this evening and get them situated. I will post pics of the work in progress.. Stay tuned..

Planning a baby shower!

(Or “How to get other people to buy you baby stuff!”)

Just kidding, I actually feel guilty about the whole affair. I am not one for asking for things from anyone, but it is tradition, so to speak.

So we went to Target™ and Babies R Us™ and opened a Baby Registry. And let me tell ya, my guilt grew exponentially as this stuff is not cheap!

Between cribs, playpens, clothing, bottles, diapers, toiletries, and what-not, it added up quick. Now I see why the tradition started! We asked for lots of diapers, bottles and onesies. If you have ever had a child, you know what a onesie is. It is a gift from God. So easy to dress a baby in, easy access for diaper changes, toss them in the laundry. Good stuff. We did ask for some big ticket items, but aside from our parents, we don’t expect anyone to spend a lot on these gifts. Any gift is greatly appreciated, as I expect to go completely broke with 7.2 minutes of having the twins back home. Just kidding. Or not.

Lisa knows this is a one-shot deal, that with the twins, we are getting all the children we will ever have. And as such, she wanted a beautiful shower. So I put some artwork and photos in the bathroom. Just kidding. She and her mother looked hi and low for a place that would hold the thousands of people that would be invited. The Alamodome was booked, as was the AT&T Center. But they only hold about 20,000 people, so they wouldn’t have worked anyway. We considered moving it to San Pietro Plaza, as surely it would hold everyone and probably be nice weather too. But with passports and visa’s and airfare, it just wasn’t feasible. So they decided on the Guenther House. And it is beautiful! The event will be catered with a wonderful lunch..but bring your own flask.

So the list had to be trimmed. And quicker than an Oprah weight-loss plan, they got it down to about 60 people. I think. Judging by the invitations we assembled, I still think we invited the equivalent of the population of Rhode Island. But, in their defense of having a big shower, it is only due to the number of family friends that have been rooting for us for years. They love us, and who can blame them?

Just in case you get an urge to spend a few dollars, here are the links to the registry. No one is obligated by any stretch, but a gift will get you mentioned in the Thank You’s that will be on this blog. So every reader will know what a nice thing you have done for two new parents of a miraculous set of twins.  Target and Babies R US. As Bartles and James so eloquently said: “Thank You for your Support!”

 

Breaking the Fourth Dimension

That’s right! 4-D Ultrasounds! Very neat, you can actually see what you baby looks like in the womb.

But also very scary. Because it is not a photograph, the baby looks like an alien. Very strange. But still it beats a standard ultrasound. With a 4-D, you can look for any physical defects and can really see the gender. No mistakes there.

 Which Lisa and I cannot enjoy as India has laws against knowing the gender before the birth. Seems that gender selection is a big problem in India. Like china, boys are more sought after, and girls are less desirable. I think that are afraid that if a couple found out they were having a girl, they would abort it if it was an Indian couple, and if it were a surrogate couple, they would just disappear and abandon the child. Lisa and I don’t care if our twins are girls or boys or both.  No way we leave those children behind.

Here is my thought on boys vs girls.

Boys: Easy to dress, no bows or lacy socks. No need for little leotard leggings over a diaper and under a dress. Boys just need shirt, pants,sock shoes, and a backwards ball cap..done! They seem to play outside a little harder than girls. The toys are cool enough now days that dad’s want to play with them even when the boys is not around!

And let’s not forget the hangout getting dirty factor. Boys are more ready to deal with grease and dirt and oil when helping Dad work around the cars and house. Not saying girls won’t but let’s face it, boys are meant to get messy. Girls seem to need to be clean, dainty, and pretty.

Now there is one area that a girl would be beneficial. I have excellent eyesight and my targeting aim is usually dead-on. So I know my sons, when having their diaper changed, stand a good chance of inheriting Dad’s superior targeting skills. Not a fun time to be had by all, I’m sure.

Now, with that small list of things, and by no means is it complete, here is where I would love to have a girl.

Daddy’s little girl. Is there anything sweeter? and the Protector factor goes through the roof. I can’t wait for the day I get to tell some punk that comes to date my daughter that “She is my princess, my light and my life. I look forward to many happy days of her smiling, and discovering new things in life. I never want to her to hurt, to cry, or to mourn.  And I have 40 acres, a shovel and a shotgun so you will have her home by 11pm. 

My boys will be self-sufficient, able to handle themselves in most any situation. They will be well mannered, well spoken, and respectful. They will be who my parents raised me to be, but hopefully without the deep seeded mischievous streak. I’d like them to be funny, appreciate a practical joke, master the fine art of burning their friends without insulting or embarrassing them. I’d like them to be someone that anyone would invite into their home.

Either way, good or bad, they will be loved, guided and educated. Protected and nurtured. Spoiled yet modest.

I hope I can be half the Dad my father was. If so, we’re all going to be just fine.

 

 

I leave NY

(notice it doesn’t say “WE leave NY”)

And it darn well doesn’t say “I Love NY”. It should, because I really do love NY. In my rearview mirror, that is.

That’s right, my loving wife decided to turn this into a mini-vacation, meanwhile, I had to drag my happy butt back to work. She goes to Stamford, CT to hang out with Aunt Lucy and Uncle David..Me? back to the grind.

Although my grind isn’t bad at all. But I’m NOT in CT, chillin in the snowfall..Thank God. Not a fan of snow. Lisa loves it..more power to ya, sweetie

Actually, I didn’t mind at all. It’s good to have some time away from each other every now and again. But not too much time apart..I don’t sleep well when she’s not with me..and I miss making her laugh. I had the dogs with me, but they only smirk..alot. Ever say something funny and the dog just stares at you? Yep, that’s Buster and Cody. They give you the whole “You do realize we can’t answer back and probably wouldn’t if we could” look. Just like me, my dogs are a couple of smart-asses.

Buster has been our baby for about 6 years now, and I can say, without hesitation, he has been the best dog I have ever had. He’s smart, funny, loyal, and best of all, he housebroke himself.. All around a wonderful mini-schnauzer. And he listens to you. Intently. Un-blinkingly. Face it..he stares. He will eyeball you until you take notice of him. Pretty damn unnerving sometimes.

Cody? Oh man, where to begin? We’ve had him for 5 years and technically, we have a pet named Buster. Buster has a pet named Cody. We got Cody to keep Buster company while we are at work. Buster is pure white, Cody is damn near black. Ying and Yang, Salt and Pepper, or better yet. TweedleDee and TweedleDum. Cody is Lisa’s Dork dog. Socially Unacceptable, yet as lovable as they come.

We are concerned on how the dogs will react to babies. Buster should be fine. Cody, not so much. Going to get a crying doll and train him. Cross your fingers.

Sirius Satellite Radio

(Or “Take That, FCC!!”)

The night before the Today Show appearance, we were in-studio guests of Derek and Romaine on OutQ radio. We have known Derek and Romaine for about 3 years now. We stop by to see them when we are in NY and Romaine stops by to see us when she comes to San Antonio. And they are always the highlight of our NY trips. Two genuine and hysterical people.

So we are on the air and the best, absolute best part about Sirius Radio is that most channels are uncensored. You can say what you want, how you want. It’s wonderful and I think makes the shows much more enjoyable when topics can be discussed as you would discuss them in your home.

Derek, Romaine, We love you guys!

They were so supportive of our endeavors to start a family and were happy to let us use their show to inform those in the GLBT community that there is a viable way to start a family. In fact, many listeners contacted Planet Hospital after the show. Thank you Derek and Romaine!

We see NY

(or NY sees us!)

When we walked off the set of the Today Show, we met with Maureen McCormick. Ya’ll know her as Marcia Brady on the Brady Bunch. Let me tell ya, she’s a knock-out. Very sweet, and she congratulated us and said she was so happy for us. That was nice, she could have ignored us.

Also, we ran in Dee Snyder from Twisted Sister. I was a giggling schoolgirl. I have been a Twisted Sister fan since 8th grade. I got to speak to him for a few and he was the nicest guy.

We walk out of NBC after Mara Schiavacampo gives us a tour of MSNBC studio. Really cool stuff. As soon as we beat feet onto the street, a couple spots us and asks if they had just seen us on the Today Show. We affirm their suspicions and they congratulate us. Very nice folks.  And we head over to a cafe for Lunch with Lisa’s Uncle David. Now there is a post all on its’ own. Uncle David is the coolest uncle. Not only can he teach you to be cool ala Sinatra, Martin, etc. But can get you completely schnockered before noon. He makes the most awesome Bloody Caesar’s. Really..your nose is numb before 9am. And I love it.

So we all walk into the cafe, grab some soda’s and I spot Dee Snider with 2 gentlemen, talking. He speaks with me for about 10 minutes about old Twisted Sister music and what not. He seemed genuinely happy to speak with a fan. Didn’t come across as bothered. I really like the guy. To be a rocker, and fairly shock styled at that, he was so agreeable. Wish all celebrities were like that. You listening, Tommy Lee Jones???

Anywho, we decide to see some of NY. We hit St. Patricks Cathedral, Carnegie Deli, and Times Square. I spot the NHL headquarters, and I HAVE to go in. Hockey stuff galore, I’m in heaven. While in there, another lady recognizes Lisa from the Today Show. I then realize that, hey, maybe people do watch this show. Maybe we really reached someone that may have had similar issues we had conceiving. And I felt good about that, too.