Sara And Pat - Baby

Eli's coming...

nospam@example.com (Pat Hepfer) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 22:03:17 -0600

... weather he is ready or not! We had a doctors appointment today and the decision was made to induce labor Friday the 16th at 7:00am. He is already a big boy, if he were to go till Tuesday he would be estimated at nearly 9 pounds. We are planning on being at the hospital tomorrow by 6:45am to begin the next stage of our lives.
Everything has been such a blur, last it seemed it was 80 degrees out, with well over 100 days left on the baby count down. I watched it snow today, and there are 4 days left. Both Sara and I have been so busy working, time has really flown by. The musical opened tonight, and apparently went well. we have been working out bugs and finishing details for a while, I am so glad to have it finally done. Its odd not being there, but its really nice to know that I have people working on it that understand the importance of me being here now.

We will have lots of updates in the very near future!

Pat

Its dark already... Over the top kids stuff...

nospam@example.com (Pat Hepfer) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 21:02:34 -0500

Fall snuck up on us, the leaves are already starting to change, and there is a distinct chill in the air. Fall be far is my favorite time of year, its a shame I work so much during it. a good portion of the month of October I drive to and from work in the dark. I assume the leaves continue to change, though, the most I see of it is when I leave for work I can see the moon through bare branches.

We are beginning the build for "Oklahoma" the musical classic. I must admit, its not my first choice of shows, but with Eli on the way, there is a good chance I might not be there to see the actual show anyway. This, unlike the last musical I did, has many moving set pieces instead of one large static set. It promises to be a challenge all the same, real corn field and all.

With Eli's due date drawing closer we are trying to get everything in line. it seemed like not long ago it was over 80 days, I guess that was about a month now. we are working out all the details, and make sure we have everything done, impossible I know.

There is so much cool stuff out there for kids, its not just clothes and toys anymore. I have found some really cool baby stuff online:

www.poshtots.com has this very overpriced, but super cool tricycle. Looking around their site, there is apparently a market for grossly over priced kids stuff. A $10,000 girls bed, and a $40,000 back yard play structure, just to point out a few. I could totally build that stuff...

An artist took a classic pram baby carriage and made this. I don't think its for sale, but a really cool design. I wonder what type of space age controls are in there?

www.kidkustoms.com This is by far my favorite so far. It feels like what Orange County Choppers would design for their kids. Their site has some great pictures of what they do. Apparently you can get this with spoked rims, and a variety of add ons including an MP3 player dock. The $2500 starting price seems a bit much, I thought $500 for a "peg perego" stroller was a bit much. Then again your kid would be destined to ride a custom chopper and would probably be a total bad ass by middle school (that could backfire). Do they make infant sized biker jackets? Oh yes they do!
I think you cant really call this a stroller, this is something much cooler.

Got anything cool like the above? send it to me!

...back to reality...

We went to a baby shower for Ben and Kathy today. It was a nice time, and we got to see everyone for a bit. I think us all having kids around the same time will actually help us see each other more. I think it will be good for us and the kids to be able to spend more time together. Bob and Amy Donley's son is now 2 months old, we are due in under 2 months, and Ben and Kathy are about a month after us. All of our kids being so close to the same age should be a lot of fun in the years to come.

Pat

Nursery progress...

nospam@example.com (Pat Hepfer) — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 22:03:02 -0500

This weekend has been busy for both of us, and it feels like it only speeds up from here. School is back in very soon, and this year promises to have a lot of challenges.
This past Friday we did the load in for LCC's annual Caribbean Festival. Saturday was the event, a day that took us well into Sunday morning. While I was working to the sound of Reggae and Calypso, Sara was prepping and painting the nursery. We picked out a soft blue, it seemed fitting for a baby boy. I really like the color, the more I am in it, the better I like it. I set up the crib today while Sara was at a baby shower thrown for her in Carson City. It was probably best for me to be here, I don't think I would be any good at shower games.
I picked up the mattress today at Babies R Us. I did some research and found that some mattresses have a firmer side for the crib, and a softer side for the toddler bed. this seemed to be a good idea, kinda a two for one. The crib done, and I think it looks pretty good.
Now, about that changing table...

Hopefully by the end of this week, wish be luck.

Pat

Bed(s) construction is complete...

nospam@example.com (Pat Hepfer) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 20:37:01 -0500

And now its on to the changing table. The bed construction is done, cross dowels and all. I put everything together, just to make sure it would work, and after a bit of fine tuning there they are! I still have a lot of finish sanding ahead of me, but the pictures give a good representation of what I have done. I am going to work as fast as I can to get the changing table done, I really cant wait to see this set up in the room.
Sara and I went to Lowes and picked out paint for both our room, and the Eli's room. We are moving to the now guest bedroom, and he will have our current room. We figured it would be best for him not to have direct attic access. Since we are moving everything anyway, a fresh coat of paint seemed like a good start.

I will upload pictures of the progress on the changing table/ dresser as soon as there is something to report. (hopefully very soon)

Pat

So close, but so far away...

nospam@example.com (Pat Hepfer) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 21:13:32 -0500

I worked on the bed today, it went so well for the first half of the day. I flew flawlessly through the assembly of the crib sides, everything just went too well. I started to fir everything together, starting with the bed set up... well, I didn't really get past the bed set up.

cross dowels are the worst idea ever.

So, maybe thats not entirely true, but I really had no idea how to properly do them beginning this project. After what seems to be countless hours working with them I can safely say I still have no idea how to properly do them. The bed is still not completely together after over 4 hours of trying to make them work with out completely obliterating the bed. Frustration is the only way to describe it, hopefully tomorrow will be better. After I work out the cross dowel nightmare I will be nearly done with the bed. All I will have left to do is finish sand everything, stain and clear coat... simple... right?

I am optimistic that the dresser will go much faster.

Pat

The rocking chair

nospam@example.com (Pat Hepfer) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 23:40:26 -0500

I have a rocking chair that I am hoping to refinish before the baby arrives. its a very simple craftsman/ mission style chair that I got from my Grandma Oberst's attic back from the Willow Street days. It has been sitting in Mom and Dads garage attic for over 10 years and it seems the time of need is just about here. The chair passed the wifes approval, both in comfort and style, so its off to get refinished. I am guessing based on what little I know about it, its from the 1930's, maybe even older. Mom does not think it was used by the family. She thinks it was there when they bought the house. Either way its a cool old chair, and it matches the style of furniture I am working on for the kids room.

Speaking of kids furniture... no, its not done yet, but close! All that is left on the head boards and foot boards is attaching the top caps, and making and installing the coves. I have never made coves, not to mention made them curve, so it should be fun. I anticipate having that done by the end of Friday. After that I have the sides of both bed configurations to finish, about 75% cut, the big challenge will be the cross dowels. Cross dowels are a metal cylinder that has threads that cross through it. The piece acts as a nut that is embedded in the wood, a very clever hidden fastening system. I also have never done these, so tomorrow will be full of challenges.
The end is near for this project, I have learned so much, its really been fun. I am looking forward to someday having a place to have this more permanently set up. I can really see myself doing lots more of this.

Pat

Finally something constructed...

nospam@example.com (Pat Hepfer) — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 23:49:27 -0500

...but not at all finished. I finally have the headboard glued together. The last pic was a bit of an illusion, it was just sitting there, it looked put together. I really wanted to get an idea of what it was going to look like.
The trim that holds the slats is in place, and was not at all fun, but looks really cool. the pictures don't do it justice. I did the finish sanding on the legs, 220 grit sand paper sure makes a nice smooth finish.

The air conditioning isn't playing nice in the building, so the temp and the humidity fluctuates drastically. when the air is on and working properly it is right around 70deg. It easily gets up past 82, and naturally the humidity follows, not the end of the world but challenges follow. the plywood has really shown the humidity, most of the parts I precut are currently smiling at me.

All of the plywood I have really dealt with till now has been domestic pine. I have used several grades, from CDX to AA stain grade, and I have never really encountered a thickness variation. As it would turn out, the foreign made plywood has a bit of a different version of 3/4in and 1/4in. Both are just about 1/16th under what they are supposed to be.
Fun, yeah, thats the best word I can use to describe that part of this project

I came to realize how much better I work with out radio today. Normally I have the music going in the background, but today I didn't and it made all the difference. I guess when deciphering these overly complicated plans I need all the concentration I can get. this is definitly harder then scenic construction.

Going to get some sleep and hit it again hard tomorrow.

Pat

Headboard takes shape

nospam@example.com (Pat Hepfer) — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 21:32:40 -0500

The headboard is finally looking like something. The temp and humidity in the space did not really help the plywood situation. when I cut it yesterday it was flat, today it was pretty warped. I think its correctable, but definitely a pain. I am going to be working again tomorrow in the hopes to have a finished product before the kid starts kindergarten.

bored? stop out and take a look.

Pat

Progress!

nospam@example.com (Pat Hepfer) — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 21:27:39 -0500

I worked on the crib today, and actually got lots done. I was lucky and had help towards the end of the day, Joe and Randy stopped by. I think I got more done in the time they were there the I did the rest of the day. Its really difficult to maneuver a full sheet of plywood by myself, 80 pounds and 4' x 8'. I am really excited to get back to it tomorrow, I think it will actually look like something very soon!

We had dinner and strongbow with Joe here at the house. It was a good ending to a good day.

hopefully pictures of my progress tomorrow.

Pat

PS
Holy crap its almost August...

Crib progress and a kicking baby

nospam@example.com (Pat Hepfer) — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 21:28:47 -0500

Crib progress is moving along at a slow but steady pace. The crib legs are just about done, one more set to go! The top trim of the cribs is also in the clamped stage. Due to a minor misunderstanding on the plans, I had to use a few more clamps then I should have had to. it will all work out, but progress slowed after the top trim was clamped mainly due to the fact I was out of clamps. A bit overboard, perhaps, but I want it to turn out nice... maybe I should read how they want me to do it a bit more closely.

We had a doctors appointment to today, good heart rate of between 130 and 140. It turns out that even though pop tarts are really good, they are not really good for you. The Doc was nearly offended that Sara had been eating pop tarts, to which Sara replied "but they make him kick!" The baby really likes pop tarts, though the doc thought there might be a healthier alternative to make him kick. She suggested watermelon, but to be fair, they were strawberry...

Tonight I was able to see the baby kick for the first time. I have heard this was going to happen, and up till now I have been able to feel him kick, but to see it is totally different.

I talked with Ben tonight, they had their ultrasound today. They are also having a boy, and we are really excited for the opportunity for our boys to grow up together like we did. We did everything together, I cant really remember a time with out him around. One of my earliest memories of him is me going under his crib and standing up to soon and thump.
We are about 11 months apart, and our kids are due with in a month of each other. I am really glad to be going through this with friends. Bob and Amy, Ben and Kathy, Jen and Dan... all having kids so close together. Its nice to be able to talk to people that are right there with you.

More to come on all of the above and more soon.

Pat

Tool load in complete, almost

nospam@example.com (Pat Hepfer) — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 23:10:37 -0500

The trailer has been filled twice, the back of mom's trick filled once, and we are almost loaded in. Sounds ridiculous that I have to load in to make something. As it is I don't have a lot of room to do much here. If I learned one thing from my dad it was not to park my can in my garage, thats where all the toys go.
Tomorrow picking up the plywood and all of the set up will happen. I am hoping to really get started on this soon, enough of all this moving stuff. I am really jealous of all of those people that have a full time shop set up.

I am really looking forward to creating something that will be used for so long. In all of my set construction we build something that takes 6 weeks, is used by a cast for 2 weeks, viewed by an audience for a few days, and gets completely torn down.

I know he won't appreciate the bed and the dresser for years, but I hope he will someday.

Look for pictures soon.

Pat

Tool load in

nospam@example.com (Pat Hepfer) — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 08:54:34 -0500

The tool load in has started. it sounds like its shouldn't be a big deal, but the table saw alone is about 600 pounds. Dad helped me get the trailer there and unloaded, no way I could have done it alone. I am planning on getting the rest of the tools in and set up today. The crib will be the first thing completed, followed by the changing table, mainly because the cribs is going to be significantly more difficult. I am planning on taking pictures of the progress and posting it on the site.
Today will consist of loading in the rest of the tools and picking up all of the lumber. Look for updates soon on the woodworking at hand.

New kid outfit, The QD kid, Naming the kid

nospam@example.com (Pat Hepfer) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 20:13:57 -0500

Theresa was in town a few days ago, we went to lunch and shopping, just a casual afternoon. We went into the Children's Place, a kids clothing store, and found a really cool outfit for the kid. Apparently much of my days as a child were spent in overalls, so I figured it couldn't be terrible for my kid to have at least one pair. After all, I turned out ok... well, pretty much.

The QD Kid
Yesterday I was picking up a few things at the QD not to far from home. As I was collecting my change a blonde haired kid burst through the door and announced to the world "I can ride a 2 wheel bike that's why I am getting a slurpee!" His dad a bit behind him with that proud "yeah, I taught him how to ride his bike" type of look. Congratulations came from the clerks, but they didn't matter to the kid. That kid had an accomplishment, and a reward: a slurpee.
Before there were leaves on the trees this year, Kasar was out trying to learn how to ride his bike with out the training wheels. Kasar lives next door and is 5 years old. I worked with him for a little bit, and off he went. He by no means had it perfect by the end of that day, but once he got going... now its not uncommon to see him flying by with Ernie in tow. I hope some day I am able to walk proudly into a QD and buy a slurpee for my kid.

Naming the kid
Choosing a name for our unborn child has been a remarkable challenge. There are so many things to consider in making a decision that will impact someone whom we haven't met yet. Some people have told us that we can't name the child till we look at him. That being said, we have also been told that nearly all new-borns look like Walter Matthau. Walter really wasn't on our list of names.
We have been discussing this for what seems like forever. We would call each other and say "I heard this name on the radio I really liked..." We have a baby name book that is thicker then most dictionaries. Over a dozen little flags hanging out of the side of it all pointing to something we thought would work. Eventually we decided on writing all of the names on post-it notes and putting them up on the wall. Each of us would take one down that we didn't like. Good then, its settled, that's how we are going to do it. I started writing out all of the names that we had discussed as Sara was at the computer, but I couldn't remember them all. In substitute I wrote all of the charters I could remember to Gilligan's Island. I put them up on the kitchen cupboard and waited for laughter. As it turns out she liked the shortened version of Gilligan, Gill. A neighbor kid having the same name ruled that one out.
Finding out it was a boy was helpful in this process. Most boys would disown us for naming him Gracie, I picture a scene similar to the Johnny Cash song "A Boy Named Sue."
After all of this we think we may have finally decided on a name we both like: Eli William Hepfer

WE ARE HAVING A BOY!!!!

nospam@example.com (Pat Hepfer) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:02:11 -0500

We just got back from our ultrasound appointment, and the pictures confirm we are indeed having a boy. It was really surreal to watch this little person on the screen. The Technician measured everything on the screen and said everything looks good. We are both really excited. It really didn't matter to either of us what it was, but it's really good to know! Click the Picture to the left to get a full sized version with all of the images.
Pat

How we told my mom...

nospam@example.com (Pat Hepfer) — Wed, 09 May 2007 18:20:41 -0500

We took mom for her birthday to Bravo, a really good Italian place in Eastwood town center, for dinner for her birthday. We invited Dave and Tracy and they were running a bit behind (some might say this is a common thing). We brought with us a present, very obviously a bottle of wine in a dandy gift box. Sara had picked up a Bottle of Piesporter, several handfuls of dove chocolates.She had also picked up a onesie in the Classic Pooh style, mittens and a little hat (click the picture to the left). She wrapped the wine in the onesie, placed that in the box and covered the top of the bottle with the hat, covered in the candy. After waiting on pins and needles for Dave and Tracy, we finally were able to give her the gift. She opened the box and started pulling out the candy, finally getting to the hat. She pulled it out, sat it on the table, picked it back up and sounding half joking said " is someone trying to tell me something?" At that point, after all of that suspense, all we could do was just giggle. She looked up with the most delighted look, "REALLY???" she screamed. All we could do is shake our heads yes in the laughter of relief. We hadn't told Dave, Tracy, or Grandma O yet either, so it was a really big surprise for everyone there. Dinner went remarkably well, we all had a really good time. After dinner we stepped outside, and commenced the calling of just about everyone. we all huddled around the speaker phone calling everyone we could think of, it was so much fun we hardly noticed it was so cold out... it was march 14th after all.

Since then it seems time has flown by. It seems like the last time I looked at a calendar it was mid April. Summer is almost here, I am really looking forward to preparing for this child to join our lives. We will be preparing for the coming months, though I am sure we will not be ready. The doctor told us only have one more ultrasound, and it the child is feeling modest, we might not find out if it's a boy or girl. Naturally the thought is, its our child, chances out modesty will not be a strong trait.

Pat