You could win a cash card

The hubbub surrounding the newly born Baby Zeigler still hubbubs. He made it home Wednesday evening and continues to do pretty much what he did in the hospital: eat, sleep and poop. This is somewhat reassuring to all involved, interested and otherwise aware. I suspect he hasn't noticed his surroundings have changed but sleeping 22 hours a day as he does, I suspect he doesn't notice much of anything. Given some of the things he's been through--you cut what off of where?!?!?--this is just as well.

The blessed event went off without much of a hitch. Or at least on my end. I was able to listen to my ipod, watch Seinfield, and drink Coke and not say much of anything to anyone. The plush chair in the waiting room was fairly comfortable. I even pondered a nap. More or less, it was a typical evening for me with little discomfort or drama. Well, there was the terrible inconvenience of no internet access. The hospital was a Wi-Fi hotspot but they didn't provide a computer so thanks for nothing. I can't be expected to provide my own. This is 2009 and I demand free computers everywhere for everyone. Make it so, Obama. Nevertheless, I'm thinking about going back there in a few weeks just to recharge my batteries and take advantage of the free services. Thanks, hospital maternity ward. You're the best.

Millicent had a different experience but that's what she gets for getting knocked up. I think that's in the Bible or something. I keed. Everything went fine and there were no complications, which was both a blessing and a relief. A blessing for her and a relief for me as before Andy called and gave the all clear, I'd had just about all I could stomach of the David Letterman/Tom Hanks love fest on the boob tube in the waiting room. (Remember when he used to be funny?) So after some time we were allowed in to ooh and aah which we did willingly and accordingly.

Though this weren't my first rodeo, this was the first one where I had a horse in the show. Not to say Millicent, Andy or the babe are in any way equinely, understand; they usually walk upright, generally avoid oats and smell somewhat better. Anyway, the usual feelings were a bit more intense this go round than previous ones. Usually only when one reflects does the actual impact of an event register, however, this was a situation where I knew that a profound change had taken place in my life and for once, it was a positive one. As I like to say, sometimes God smiles.

Every hack never fails to point out how there's something reviving and hopeful about a newborn. What this insight lacks in originality it makes up for in truthfulness. A cliche ringing true, imagine that. A hope that maybe we'll finally get it right this time. That never happens of course, but even for a brief moment it's a nice feeling.