Heart Ache

Since the death of my father I haven't been as affected by the passing of an individual as I was on Thursday when I found out that legendary Social Historian and author Howard Zinn died of a heart attack. I had always hoped that I would be able to see him speak in person, but never made that happen. When I first read A People's History I threw the book across the room to the wall, in disbelief. Zinn's social history changed the way I viewed the world and my country. Is it coincidence that this man, who advocated so fervently for human rights of citizens in this nation and others, criticized the role of corporations and monied interests in our foreign affairs and how American democracy is continuously marginalized by the upper class, died of a heart attack less than a week following the Supreme Courts decision to reverse directions on how corporations can spend their money in the political arena. I realized after his parting just what a hero he was to me. Thank you, Mr. Zinn for being a true patriot.

Does this mean you're sick?

Ciara stayed home from work on Monday, what would have been her first planned day of maternity leave. Brandi, who watches Aden during the day, had to cancel due to her kids having the same 24 hour flu that we had had the previous week (Oops! Sorry Brandi.) Tuesday, just before 4:00 A.M., I rolled over and coughed. I had swallowed wrongly and was merely trying to clear my throat. Ciara, who had been denied a real nights sleep for a month because of the alien growing inside of her doing pilates at odd hours, commented with a "tone" in her voice, "Does this mean your sick?". That should have been my first clue. An hour and a half later after we had both showered and I was on my way to work, I commented "Someone's grumpy today." She said to me, "This is the day I'm going to have the baby."

At 11:30 I got a phone call from one of Ciara's friends. "I'm bringing her into the hospital". We arrived at the same time just after noon. Ciara was putting on her gown and getting ready for a physical exam. Beth, the attending nurse was quickly our favorite and we requested that she stay with us. Once we were admitted, I stole a few moments to make some phone calls and take snap or two. Ciara, though in pain during contractions, was calm and as relaxed as I have seen her.Ciara had recently had her haircut, which we both agreed may make birthing easier for her. Notice the big smile on her face, this was at 2:05 in the afternoon, just 15 minutes before the baby would arrive....Ciara's a rockstar.






This birth was some of the best communication between she and I. We had an excellent breathing pattern reminiscent of a crew team. When it was all said and done, I told Ciara that I counted only 3 actual pushes. Rylan Thomas Hargrove was born at 2:20 P.M. It was a textbook delivery,

au natural and Ciara was walking around a short time after.















I highly recommend afternoon deliveries. The doc and nurses were done with much of their work by the early evening. We had time to have a moment with just nuclear family. Aden was not initially impressed with the addition but warmed up as the afternoon wore on to evening. My mother was there as was Aunt Caity. They were tremendous help during this time. With such an "easy" delivery we only had to stay in the hospital for 24 hours. We got home as soon as possible on Wednesday....and how good it was to be home.

Chocolat Chaud et La Neige

After Christmas we had a couple of requests for another hot chocolate party. Originally Ciara and I had decided not to given her late stage of pregnancy. Caroline and Cathy's visit made denying the urge for chocolate and socializing impossible. We went ahead and pulled together a quick party. It was great having Ciara' s friends up for an extended visit. Cathy has one beautiful little girl and we all recently found out about Caroline's pregnancy. The three mommies exchanged stories, questions, advice and reassured each other. The party was a hit and the kiddos and daddies got to get outside and play in the snow.
Basker had difficulty moving around in the snow...

but Rocy found a solution...

We had a great time with good friends, the snow, and of course the chocolate. We look forward to hosting again next year.

Getting Ready for the Baby

With a special delivery on its way, Ciara and I amped up our efforts to include Aden and prepare him for big brotherhood. Ciara's appointments were only a week apart. We were able to pick Aden up from Day Care a few times to bring him to the appointments and hear the baby's heart beat. We learned just what a flirt he was after he spent 15 minutes delighting the nurses with his various tricks and a charming smile.