No Ethan Yet!

For those of you who we haven't talked too (which really isn't many since we've been on the phone quite a bit these last couple of days), Ethan decided not to make an appearance on Thursday. The nurses tried to induce three times with a pill (something that ends in ocin) and while I had some contractions they just didn't do any good and my cervix never opened up to let the baby through. Since my blood pressure and swelling were down while I was in the hospital bed the Dr. decided that I could just go home. It was a frustrating 14 hour experience and now we know that our little boy is a stubborn German!

Induction, 28 December 2006...

Well, this morning we arrived at Bay Park Community Hospital in Oregon, OH. We were admitted to room 2317. At around 0900, the first induction started. It was pretty normal and boring. Katie napped a little and I laid down on the couch. Both our families waitied in the waiting room and I told them that this process would take awhile. I took my mom to get lunch for Katie and I at Big Apple Deli. The ladies their were so happy to hear that Katie is about to have a baby! They must know us since we stop their after every doctor visit. The second induction occured around 1300, and this one brought around some activity. Katie felt more and better contractions but, as I write this, they have subsided. The nurse said that Ethan's heartbeat rises when the contractions go up, and that's a good sign that his brain activity is normal. His heartbeat is terrific and in the normal range. It will be just a matter of time before he arrives. I will write more as the progress continues.

Here is Katie in the hospital bed trying to get some sleep, but I had to take a picture.

Graduation!

I finally graduated on Thursday, December 14th, 2006. My wife and parents were in attendance. I graduated from Owens Community College with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. I also graduated cum laude with a cumulative GPA of 3.64. I was also inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa international honors society. This was a very proud moment for me as this was three plus years in the making. I couldn't have done it without the patience of my wife and family. Now onto my Bachelors Degree from Tiffin University!

This was the banquet for the graduates with honors. I'm in the back row towards the left.

My wife and I after the banquet. I had to show them were the reception was going to be since they got lost trying to get to Owens, even though I printed off to maps with directions.

I had to show my family were EXACTLY I was sitting so they could see me.

My wife and I after the reception. Here I am with my honors chords.

My parents and I after graduation.

Lt. Christopher Goertz

Katie and I took apart in the pinning of the lieutenant bars onto Chris Goertz on Thursday, December 14th, 2006. I have known Goertz since I first came into the guard. He was also one of my groomsmen. Fortunately, we were able to attend since the timing was in between my graduation rehearsal and my graduation. We wish Goertz the best of luck in his new assignment in the Air Force.

Grandma Gillig's Baby Shower

This was Katie's second shower for Ethan on December 3, 2006. Again, we received some wonderful presents from everyone. Thanks to everyone for caring. Ethan will appreciate it.

Here is the layout of food on table number 1.

Here are the beverages on table number 2.

Here is the auction with Grandma Gillig as the auctioneer.

Here is Katie unwrapping some presents.

A family picture with the grandma's. I think grandma Gillig is trying to hide.

Katie is with our newly appointed Godmother, Brandi. Her husband James is Ethan's Godfather. Apparently, he likes the title of Godfather and we warned him not to eat oranges.

Grandma Schmidt's Baby Shower

This was Katie's first baby shower for Ethan on November 26, 2006. The following are only a couple of pictures that were taken on that day. Enjoy!

Here are some lighted rubber duckies floating in a pond. I thought that was cool plus it will be fun during bath time.

The food is about ready to be served. In the background from left to right are Grandma Gillig, Grandma Schmidt and Great-Grandma Schmidt.

Here are the twenty or so guests for Katie's first shower. Katie and I enjoyed all of the gift's that were given. Thank you so much!

And here is the aftermath. This is back home in Toledo after unloading all the presents. This is Jaber doing what he does best. He always wants to be on top of something that is new that he doesn't recognize.