Man, paternity leave is really hard work!  I thought this might be some sort of mini vacation......you know, do a little fishing, hang out with the buddies, ....  But no!  I'm slaving away.  Boy, I can't wait to go back to work.

 

 

Yesterday we went to Oaks Park for a little entertainment.  Patrick slept in the stroller while Sam rode the rides.  His favorite was the motorcycle ride.

My Belgian Dubbel that I entered into the homebrew competition at the Oregon State Fair won second place in its category.  I have finally moved up after winning two 3rd place ribbons in other contests.  Maybe it will get 1st in the Fall Classic?  This was my first attempt at this style.  After reading Brew Like a Monk I now know exactly what I did wrong.  All I have to do is to use the newly available Belgian candy syrup, lower the OG, and ferment through the entire temperature range rather than holding it at one temperature.  All of that and who knows....maybe best in show?

The pinot noir grapes are ripening nicely.  I probably have 10 times the amount of clusters as I did last year.  Finally enough to try and make some wine!  I decided not to "green harvest" any clusters to improve the remaining fruit quality.  Instead I will let all of the grapes ripen and ferment them all.  This will be my first vintage so I want to start from some baseline.  If this wine doesn't taste good in the end I will then try and limit the grape production. 

Molly and Patrick were released from the hospital on Friday evening.  Everyone's doing well.  Patrick is learning how to nurse.  He's got a bit to learn too.  We have an appointment with the lactation specialist tomorrow.  Hopefully this will speed the process along.

 

We've had a few visitors since we've arrived back home.  Everyone seems to show up with food which is great.  Keeps us focused on Patrick instead of cooking and cleaning.

 

I added a baby page and will put all of Patrick related photos in there.  Someday I'll reorganize this.

Patrick Lindell Haynes was born on August 9, 2006 at 8:21 pm.  Boy did he come fast!  We were getting ready for dinner when Molly's water broke just after 6pm.  We passed Sam off to Linda and Dennie and headed for the hospital.  By the time we arrived Molly was having some pretty strong contractions.  I wheeled her up to Labor and Delivery and then went down to park the car.  By the time I got back she was having some intense contractions.  After a short but intense labor Patrick was born.  It all happened so fast that Molly couldn't even get an epidural.  Mom and baby are now doing well and are at the hospital until tomorrow evening.  Patrick weighs 7lbs 9oz.