new thread
Just a quick note to congratulate all of you who have posted updates recently... FANTASTIC progress, everyone.
And Tristan, it's great to know you're still coming around, man.
Anyway, I'll be posting a "3 months from bald" update soon. Our family just got a little bigger, with the birth of my son, Oliver Richard, on February 6th. He's a big boy, at 9 pounds, 14.2 ounces, and 22 inches long. We had been planning a home birth, but Oliver was 2 weeks overdue and the contractions just weren't getting regular. We went to hospital, where we were attended by a great doctor and nursing staff, in addition to our two midwives who'd been providing care throughout the pregnancy. They administered pitocin, which made the contractions regular enough for active labor to kick in. Being a strong proponent of natural childbirth, my wife did it all without any pain medications... in fact, she barely made a sound! Tough lady. Lots of family and a close friend were all present for our fourth (and final!) child's grand entrance.
Thanks to everyone on this board for the encouragement to stay true to myself, right down to the hair on my head. I've now got four children for whom it is my responsibility to set a good example of personal integrity.
--Val
Congratulations! Have a virtual cigar.
Both of our kids were born naturally and with only midwives attending, the first one at a birth centre and the second at home.
You know there are herbs that you can get from a health food store that will induce labour, instead of waiting for a doctor to prescribe pitocin. One of them is called blue cohosh. My wife took some to induce our second child. That's one way of avoiding the doctor and the hospital. Otherwise we could have slipped outside the 'window' allowed for home birth. This is controversial, but my wife and daughter had no problems resulting from doing that. I understand there is more pain in an induced labour, regardless of whether pitocin or blue cohosh is used, but fortunately I will never know! (Unless the Buddhists are right and there is reincarnation?)
It sounds like it went well anyway. Some people find that once it gets out of the hands of midwives and under the control of hospital doctors their plans for natural childbirth go out of the window, but I guess that depends on the doctor. Looks like you had a good one.
I hear ya, Elektros. We tried it all... herbs, exercise, breast stimulation, stripping the membranes, cervical massage, acupuncture, horseback riding... even breaking the bag of waters didn't bring on active labor (and at that point, we had to go in for an induction). For some reason, she just got "stuck" at 3cm for almost a week and couldn't progress. She had actually been having contractions for almost a month, but just not with enough regularity or intensity to move into active labor. It would have been nice to experience a homebirth, but all in all, we're very happy with our experience at the hospital, and just glad Oliver is finally here!
--Val
Hey congratulations to you and your wife!
From what I have seen on this board I have no doubt in my mind that you will set a great example of personal integrity for your kids.
Take care and once again congrats!
-J
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! on this joyous occasion!
Bruce
GRRRRR8 NEWZ, VAL! Congratulations, man! As they sang in the first love tribal rock musical, "HAIR!", LOL, "This is the dawning o/t Age of Aquarius, the Age of Aquariuuuuuuuuus!" so many a blessing upon YOUR new little Waterbearer! I, too, wuzz a big baby, that is, I weigh'd a lot; now, though, I'm quite slightly built, but that's genetics for ya. Hey, I'm SURE that your new bundle of joy'll be taking after his Dad! Go, Ollie, go!
All the best wishes for a continued happy family,
Quenyan
Congratulation man! Having children is a great blessing. Its admirable to see someone with such dedication to providing the best care possible to their kids. I wish your family and you the best!
Peace,
Ryan
Greetings Val, big congrats on your new son...big boy indeed! My wishes for good health and happiness for your entire family.
Best,
Max
Dont go shaving your head again for this one.
CONGRATULATIONS! A son (or daughter) must be the greatest joy in a a man's life!
Wow, four children, that's a big achievement!
Hey Val!
Thanks for the warm welcome! I'm back for good this time..
But more importantly .... CONGRATS! on being a dad again. Its such an awesome feeling isn't it? - to know that you have helped to create a new life! I will never forget the way I felt when my kids were born. - Its been quite a few years back; but I will never forget.. its one of the best things in the world.
Take care Val and I'm looking forward to seeing some updates from you soon..
Be Blessed..
Tristan
Congratulations on your new arrival and I'm sure you are very pleased and more fun and joy to the family. I'm sure you have a full life and with 4 kids now.
Cheers,
John.B
I am so very pleased whenever I hear that someone I think of as being an interested, involved and caring parent, has another, wanted child. If only all children could be born into such circumstances. Congratulations to you and your incredibly tough wife, as well as to your daughter, the new big sister. (And it seems Oliver is a body-builder as well, weighing in at over 9 lbs! Wow!)
All the best to you and your family and I expect NOT to see you on here to much in teh near future. (Papa will be busy.)
Cheers!
Shawn (Mr.Crow)
...Going for terminal length !??
Congrats on your new addition and hope baby and mother are doing well.
Kevin
Hi Validus,
I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to this latest bouncing BIG bundle of joy to your ever growing family! I am genuinely happy for you and yours, you have so much to be proud of.
Take care,
David
Thanks for all the kind words of congratulations, everyone! Just goes to show what a great community this is, not just for hair-growing support, but for sharing in all of life's many-colored moments.
--Val