I am proud to announce that we had a BOY. He was born at 1:41 pm weighed 3.3kg (7lb 5 ounces) and was 52cm in length.
I will start from the beginning, we arrived at the hospital at 11 and checked in, not long after doing the admin did the anesthetist arrive. He was pretty cool and very straight to the point, basically he said that the risks involved with doing the epidural with Cass's blood condition is far too high. He said and I am not exaggerating, if bleeding occurs around the spine the best case scenario would be paralysis.
In saying that we obviously agreed to the General, Cass was wheeled in, I wasn't allowed to go so I stayed in the room. It would have been no more than 30 minutes later that the midwife came down and got me. I was pretty nervous by this stage, I was walking through the ward to get to the operating theatre when all these thoughts came rushing through my head. I was worried about Cass, how she went, worried about the baby, I know it sounds horrible but I was concerned as to how I would react if there was something wrong with him. My heart was pounding pretty hard and my head was hurting from thinking too much, I took a deep breath calmed myself down and walked through the doors.
Immediately, I heard him crying, he wasn't happy at all, being naked in a cold room after living in warmth and comfort for 9 mths would have been quite a shock for him. I reached the incubator and it was amazing, he was 4 minutes old when I got there and immediately I was asked to help the Doc do the measurements. I got to touch him straight away however he didn't want a piece of me he was still pretty angry. He looked great, nice and healthy and red all over. He also had alot of the vernix still on him which is a coating that is on him when he is in the womb for protection from the fluid. It is crazy when you look at their feet and hands how they are all blue in colour, it looks as though they are extremely cold, however it is just the circulation beginning and they pink up after a while. Chameleon like :)
The nurse had taken my digital camera in for the surgery and got some pics of all the stuff Cass and I missed which was great. I also brought the video camera up and began filming, at this stage Cass was still asleep.
About ten minutes later we were on our way to the room, when we arrived Cass's mum and step dad had just got to the hospital and they checked him out. I then got to bath him and wrap him up and nurse him for the first time which was good, it is so amazing how small and intricate his features are.
We arrived back in the room about ten minutes later, we were told that the surgery went great and Cass was fine. The baby had settled by this stage and was asleep. Cass arrived not long after which was a special moment he was about an hour old by this stage, the nurses didn't tell her what the sex was even though we had a good idea there is nothing like confirmation. I handed him too her and she was immediately overwhelmed with excitement and began to cry, then her mum started followed by the midwife. It was a great moment and one I will never forget, seeing Cass nurse our child for the first time.
I must admit for me it still didn't seem real that I was going to be parent, even up to today. It sure has hit home now and what an incredible experience. How amazing does it feel knowing that you have just created another human being. It is something that you cant explain, I never really got what the fuss was all about.........until today.
I will now officially introduce him to you all, his name - Samuel Patrick Lewis
There will be pics in the next post, hopefully tomorrow afternoon I will get a chance.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Parental mode has kicked in!
Week - 6.5k
Month - 39k
YTD - 437.5k
Well to an extent anyway
Last night I decided to take the hairy children for a quick run around the block, because they get pretty excited about this prospect I took them individually. This is so I could actually get some training in aswell rather than being torn in two when they decide to run in opposite directions to one another.
It was getting quite late and because I usually only walk them their run fitness is ordinary. The loop is just over 2k and they get quite a workout from it. After I had taken the two dogs for the run I decided to get in another loop on my own before it was too dark.
I really didn't feel that good last night which was probably due to missing out on lunch at work, I still managed to remain under 5 min K pace for the 6 odd km's so it wasn't too bad. The only slight drawback was a very dull ache in my right shin, it didn't last too long and I iced it straight away but it is the first time since I stopped running (well...as much) 44 days ago. Yes I am still counting :)
Earlier that day the physio was happy with my progress and said that I didn't have to go see her until I get back from my leave for the baby. I just have to concentrate on the calf exercises and my balance exercise which is very ordinary to say the least. I didn't notice how bad my balance was without shoes on, and dont even get me started on how bad it is when I am on one foot and closed eyes. It is amazing to see, my foot rolls straight in and my arch collapses to keep me from falling over. I can imagine what it is doing whilst running, no wonder I got shin splints.
Well, today I am on leave until the end of the month, that is because today at 1pm Cass goes in for her c-section. We are still unsure whether she is getting an epidural or going right under for it. Her platelet count is low and has been extremely low over the pregnancy, her risk for bleeding is high which they cant risk around the spinal area for the epidural. In saying that neither myself or Cass will see the baby being born as I am not allowed in for a general and she will be......... well you know.
Although disappointing the important thing is the safety, so whatever is the best option is fine by us. One thing for sure is that we will be parents for the first time in around 5 hrs hours time. Have the nerves kicked in???..... they are starting to.
Will keep you updated :)
Month - 39k
YTD - 437.5k
Well to an extent anyway
Last night I decided to take the hairy children for a quick run around the block, because they get pretty excited about this prospect I took them individually. This is so I could actually get some training in aswell rather than being torn in two when they decide to run in opposite directions to one another.
It was getting quite late and because I usually only walk them their run fitness is ordinary. The loop is just over 2k and they get quite a workout from it. After I had taken the two dogs for the run I decided to get in another loop on my own before it was too dark.
I really didn't feel that good last night which was probably due to missing out on lunch at work, I still managed to remain under 5 min K pace for the 6 odd km's so it wasn't too bad. The only slight drawback was a very dull ache in my right shin, it didn't last too long and I iced it straight away but it is the first time since I stopped running (well...as much) 44 days ago. Yes I am still counting :)
Earlier that day the physio was happy with my progress and said that I didn't have to go see her until I get back from my leave for the baby. I just have to concentrate on the calf exercises and my balance exercise which is very ordinary to say the least. I didn't notice how bad my balance was without shoes on, and dont even get me started on how bad it is when I am on one foot and closed eyes. It is amazing to see, my foot rolls straight in and my arch collapses to keep me from falling over. I can imagine what it is doing whilst running, no wonder I got shin splints.
Well, today I am on leave until the end of the month, that is because today at 1pm Cass goes in for her c-section. We are still unsure whether she is getting an epidural or going right under for it. Her platelet count is low and has been extremely low over the pregnancy, her risk for bleeding is high which they cant risk around the spinal area for the epidural. In saying that neither myself or Cass will see the baby being born as I am not allowed in for a general and she will be......... well you know.
Although disappointing the important thing is the safety, so whatever is the best option is fine by us. One thing for sure is that we will be parents for the first time in around 5 hrs hours time. Have the nerves kicked in???..... they are starting to.
Will keep you updated :)
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Mt Mee Classic
Week - 32.5 k
Month - 32.5 k
YTD - 431 k
Today was the morning of the classic held at Mt Mee, it is about 70-80k NW of Brisbane which is part of the Caboolture shire. The run is organised by The Run Inn with help I think from Caboolture Road runners.
The day consisted of a 50k, 26k or 10k run or walk starting at various times. I was doing the 10k which started at 9 am however Cass and I left early to watch some of the action before my race.
There were alot of familiar faces there not only from the Run In but from BRRC aswell which was good to see. Im generally hopeless with names but Schultzy, Hannah , Errol and Tracey are a few that come to mind. It was great to see Hannah (I hope she doesn't mind me saying this) not really concerned and being worried about the run. She was relaxed well as relaxed as can be after running over 3 hrs the day before :)
I went for an early warm up, the sun was in full blaze and baking me today for some reason, maybe because we were on a Mountain Range, being closer to the sun and all :) and by the time I got back I was feeling flat.
Feeling ordinary before the race started didn't concern me, it is just another training run in a rushed preparation for Warwick. Unsure of what to expect and as the course had apparently changed I had no idea what to expect, however I said to Cass between 45-50 and I would be happy. This gave me a good buffer if the course was tough...........and it was.
Apparently not as tough as the previous course but you always hear that comment from others when a course changes. With my injury well on it's way to recovery I still made this my main concern, hills aren't good for shin splints and so the downhill sections were pretty casual.
The race started with about 30 or so people, and the leaders quickly established their position, I was running about 6th place and pretty much remained there for the majority. The course was hilly in sections alot of gentle inclines that you noticed followed but short and steep sections. I reckon if I broke into a walking stride I would have been able to maintain the same pace.... I was running that slow up some of them.
I reaced the turn around in just under 24 mins had a drink at the station and set off around 24.15 for the rtn trip. It felt as though I came home faster but the times didn't reflect that. I had two people pass me and I caught another, unsure of my position as I didn't matter but a top 10 for sure. I crossed the line in 49.01.
Apart from the hills which really put you in your place in regard to fitness I felt good my recovery between hills was pretty good and I maintained a decent pace without pushing it too hard. My shins didn't complain but now overall my legs are a little achy now.
It was a good morning and I will try and get out there again next year.
Month - 32.5 k
YTD - 431 k
Today was the morning of the classic held at Mt Mee, it is about 70-80k NW of Brisbane which is part of the Caboolture shire. The run is organised by The Run Inn with help I think from Caboolture Road runners.
The day consisted of a 50k, 26k or 10k run or walk starting at various times. I was doing the 10k which started at 9 am however Cass and I left early to watch some of the action before my race.
There were alot of familiar faces there not only from the Run In but from BRRC aswell which was good to see. Im generally hopeless with names but Schultzy, Hannah , Errol and Tracey are a few that come to mind. It was great to see Hannah (I hope she doesn't mind me saying this) not really concerned and being worried about the run. She was relaxed well as relaxed as can be after running over 3 hrs the day before :)
I went for an early warm up, the sun was in full blaze and baking me today for some reason, maybe because we were on a Mountain Range, being closer to the sun and all :) and by the time I got back I was feeling flat.
Feeling ordinary before the race started didn't concern me, it is just another training run in a rushed preparation for Warwick. Unsure of what to expect and as the course had apparently changed I had no idea what to expect, however I said to Cass between 45-50 and I would be happy. This gave me a good buffer if the course was tough...........and it was.
Apparently not as tough as the previous course but you always hear that comment from others when a course changes. With my injury well on it's way to recovery I still made this my main concern, hills aren't good for shin splints and so the downhill sections were pretty casual.
The race started with about 30 or so people, and the leaders quickly established their position, I was running about 6th place and pretty much remained there for the majority. The course was hilly in sections alot of gentle inclines that you noticed followed but short and steep sections. I reckon if I broke into a walking stride I would have been able to maintain the same pace.... I was running that slow up some of them.
I reaced the turn around in just under 24 mins had a drink at the station and set off around 24.15 for the rtn trip. It felt as though I came home faster but the times didn't reflect that. I had two people pass me and I caught another, unsure of my position as I didn't matter but a top 10 for sure. I crossed the line in 49.01.
Apart from the hills which really put you in your place in regard to fitness I felt good my recovery between hills was pretty good and I maintained a decent pace without pushing it too hard. My shins didn't complain but now overall my legs are a little achy now.
It was a good morning and I will try and get out there again next year.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Gadget Man!!!
Week - 22.5
Month - 22.5
YTD - 421 k
Firstly thanks for the comments and wishes for Cass and the baby. Steve, I will be looking at a jogging pram, apparently one of my Caboolture relay partners makes them so I will look into it more after the baby is a bit bigger. Thanks also to Hannah who just reminded Cass about the little runners you can buy for babies, I was hoping she forgot about them..........Thanks again :)
After monday's effort I had no opportunity to do any training until Wednesday afternoon, in saying that I was a bit too tender after physio to even do this. It wasn't until last night after three days rest that I got out and went for a jog.
I finally got my act together and got a battery put in my HR monitor, I haven't used it for ages so it was going o be interesting to see what my heart is doing out there.
So I put the shoes on, the Polar on the left wrist and the garmin on the right and took off, all I need is a carrier for the ipod and I will look like a mobile electronics catalog.
The aim was to run for around an hour or 10k which ever I got to first. After about 5 mins into the run I noticed that the garmin hadn't locked on to the satalite's, so I stopped and waited for this to happen before continuing. I disregarded that I had just run the first K and once the GPS was sorted the run began from there.
The run went well, a few small hills in it but apart from that flat and it felt pretty comfortable. The suprising thing was that I was hardly puffing but the heart rate was quite high, overall the run took 54.20 for 10k with an av HR of 160. I just hope my HR is not proportional to speed because at that rate I will be struggling to break 50 mins before I reach my max.
I am so happy with the way my legs are going, no aches or tightness at all, and Im actually enjoying the slower paced runs, it feels so much nicer for your body. The customary ice and massage with my new massage device - a golf ball, was my post run activity.
This morning I can tell that I have been for a run, the legs are a little fatigued but I am having another rest day before Mt Mee tomorrow. Im not racing the course it will be another training run in prep for Warwick, it also gets Cass and I out of the house and to mingle with the running community that I have not been doing for a few weeks. Should be a good morning.
Peace Out!
Month - 22.5
YTD - 421 k
Firstly thanks for the comments and wishes for Cass and the baby. Steve, I will be looking at a jogging pram, apparently one of my Caboolture relay partners makes them so I will look into it more after the baby is a bit bigger. Thanks also to Hannah who just reminded Cass about the little runners you can buy for babies, I was hoping she forgot about them..........Thanks again :)
After monday's effort I had no opportunity to do any training until Wednesday afternoon, in saying that I was a bit too tender after physio to even do this. It wasn't until last night after three days rest that I got out and went for a jog.
I finally got my act together and got a battery put in my HR monitor, I haven't used it for ages so it was going o be interesting to see what my heart is doing out there.
So I put the shoes on, the Polar on the left wrist and the garmin on the right and took off, all I need is a carrier for the ipod and I will look like a mobile electronics catalog.
The aim was to run for around an hour or 10k which ever I got to first. After about 5 mins into the run I noticed that the garmin hadn't locked on to the satalite's, so I stopped and waited for this to happen before continuing. I disregarded that I had just run the first K and once the GPS was sorted the run began from there.
The run went well, a few small hills in it but apart from that flat and it felt pretty comfortable. The suprising thing was that I was hardly puffing but the heart rate was quite high, overall the run took 54.20 for 10k with an av HR of 160. I just hope my HR is not proportional to speed because at that rate I will be struggling to break 50 mins before I reach my max.
I am so happy with the way my legs are going, no aches or tightness at all, and Im actually enjoying the slower paced runs, it feels so much nicer for your body. The customary ice and massage with my new massage device - a golf ball, was my post run activity.
This morning I can tell that I have been for a run, the legs are a little fatigued but I am having another rest day before Mt Mee tomorrow. Im not racing the course it will be another training run in prep for Warwick, it also gets Cass and I out of the house and to mingle with the running community that I have not been doing for a few weeks. Should be a good morning.
Peace Out!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
We have a date!
Week - 12.5 k
Month - 12.5 k
YTD - 411 k
The time has almost arrived. Finally the Doc has committed himself and has set a date. For medical reasons Cass has been advised that a c-section is the best option, which we agree. We are neither for or against any method of delivery as when it comes down to it the end result is the same. You get a baby. In saying that we will be proud parents in 1 weeks time, the 11 May 06. We have been told the sex with about 80% accuracy, due to family reading this blog I will not disclose this info until the day :) Although there is a possibility that the sex is wrong I have committed myself to thinking that it is the one they told us, it will be a big suprise/shock if it is the opposite.
OK back to the important stuff, just kidding :) After the blog entry on Monday about the 7k run I decided later that night to do the 5k, after thinking about this I wouldn't of had any chance of doing this run before my Physio appt. So off I went, felt much better than in the morning, I remained under 5min/k pace for the entire run and finished in just over 23.30 for 5.25k. This has been my biggest training day for some time, much easier running 12 odd km split over two runs than one run for sure.
Wednesday, physio appt, the usual person that does my appt and causes me so much pain has gone so now I have a new person. All physio's have different methods but when it comes down to it they all hurt you and yesterday was no different. In fact she has found some tight spots in my calf area which she dug into HARD! she definetely uses more force. I think she has taken the Queen sadistic crown for sure. Only 6 days to go until my next appt......cant wait.
The physio is also happy with the current km so no major changes there. This week the BRRC returns after a month or so off with other events happening, however I am going to make an appearance at MT Mee and do the 10k. I am not going to push it and walk whenever I feel the need to, I just need to do some cram training that is sort of specific to Warwick. Unknown what I am in for but I guess I will find out Sunday :)
I have also just applied for some leave, my parents are from Sydney or rather Cental Coast and they are unable to make it up for the baby. I haven't been down there for almost 3 years so I guess it is my turn to visit. I have also planned the time over the period when the city to surf is on so I will be able to do it. I haven't done this race since 97 so it will be great to do it again. I just have to send some evidence that I can run under 75 mins for the race so I dont have to start in the second pack.
That is all for the present, I will keep you all updated and hopefully see some of you at Mt Mee on Sunday..
Month - 12.5 k
YTD - 411 k
The time has almost arrived. Finally the Doc has committed himself and has set a date. For medical reasons Cass has been advised that a c-section is the best option, which we agree. We are neither for or against any method of delivery as when it comes down to it the end result is the same. You get a baby. In saying that we will be proud parents in 1 weeks time, the 11 May 06. We have been told the sex with about 80% accuracy, due to family reading this blog I will not disclose this info until the day :) Although there is a possibility that the sex is wrong I have committed myself to thinking that it is the one they told us, it will be a big suprise/shock if it is the opposite.
OK back to the important stuff, just kidding :) After the blog entry on Monday about the 7k run I decided later that night to do the 5k, after thinking about this I wouldn't of had any chance of doing this run before my Physio appt. So off I went, felt much better than in the morning, I remained under 5min/k pace for the entire run and finished in just over 23.30 for 5.25k. This has been my biggest training day for some time, much easier running 12 odd km split over two runs than one run for sure.
Wednesday, physio appt, the usual person that does my appt and causes me so much pain has gone so now I have a new person. All physio's have different methods but when it comes down to it they all hurt you and yesterday was no different. In fact she has found some tight spots in my calf area which she dug into HARD! she definetely uses more force. I think she has taken the Queen sadistic crown for sure. Only 6 days to go until my next appt......cant wait.
The physio is also happy with the current km so no major changes there. This week the BRRC returns after a month or so off with other events happening, however I am going to make an appearance at MT Mee and do the 10k. I am not going to push it and walk whenever I feel the need to, I just need to do some cram training that is sort of specific to Warwick. Unknown what I am in for but I guess I will find out Sunday :)
I have also just applied for some leave, my parents are from Sydney or rather Cental Coast and they are unable to make it up for the baby. I haven't been down there for almost 3 years so I guess it is my turn to visit. I have also planned the time over the period when the city to surf is on so I will be able to do it. I haven't done this race since 97 so it will be great to do it again. I just have to send some evidence that I can run under 75 mins for the race so I dont have to start in the second pack.
That is all for the present, I will keep you all updated and hopefully see some of you at Mt Mee on Sunday..
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