Well, it's been quite a couple of weeks in the BatQuarters. Batgirl was sent into the hospital just after Christmas for some bedrest (Doctor: How long have you been having contractions? Batgirl: How long have I been having what?) and life changed a great many times after that, but Dash was born on Saturday, Dec. 30, to the open arms of all.
Much is a blur, but a few facts are true: Dash is a wee little pea, but very healthy. No one can believe that at 31 weeks he could breathe on his own, but he's a strong little guy. He'll be in the hospital for another month or so. And Dr. Beth Kilburg of Women's Health Consulantants saved his life.
Batgirl has had no actual interaction with the outside world, such that on Saturday when Dr. Kilburg said something about Barry Zito's contract, Batgirl had no idea what she was talking about. And there was something about Sidney Ponson (really? Or is that the percoset talking?) and Dougie M going to the Yankees (Again, really? Are we sure?) but it's all a little confusing.
Thank you to everyone for your kind words, thanks to RD for posting the news, and thanks to Twins Goddess for setting up the super-awesome online baby shower. Batgirl is going to be pretty scarce for awhile, but she'll try to recruit some guests to pop in here and kick the tires. And, of course, there will be baby pictures.
Posted by Batgirl at January 7, 2007 08:00 PMMost sincere congratulations/good vibes/heartfelt relief that all is well to Batgirl and her loyal subjects. Please keep the Batcommunity updated on young master Dash, robust and hardy little sprog that he is. With fortitude such as this, Carmen suspects he'll make a dandy catcher.
Posted by: Carmen at January 7, 2007 08:42 PMLet me second the heartfelt relief. My youngest sister came almost a month early, and while things seemed rough for the first few weeks, I'm happy to say she grew up to be healthy, happy, and as annoying to her older brother as any other little sister can be. Congratulations on the new arrival, and we look forward to your return. My best regards to the entire Batfamily!
Posted by: sadgoatboy at January 7, 2007 09:54 PMI'm so glad to hear both Dash and BG are healthy and thriving! Dash, I wish you rapid growth. To the rest of the Batfamily, I wish you as much sleep as possible! Congratulations again.
Posted by: twink at January 7, 2007 10:00 PMwe are glad for the update to know that things continue to improve and what an impressive little guy to have himself doing so well!! Continued best wishes for rest, health and speedy return to home.
Posted by: CapitalBabs at January 8, 2007 01:10 AMCongratulations to the whole family. Many thanks to Dr. Kilburg too!
I look forward to seeing more baby pictures. Get your rest, BG. Spring training will be here before we know it.
Posted by: Rach at January 8, 2007 07:30 AMSo good to hear from you that both you and the rookie are doing well. Make sure you take good care of yourself during this stressful time so that both of you and Jeb will be ready in 38 days when pitchers and catchers report--I know I for one am looking forward to Dash's insights on the team.
And feel free to post lots of pictures.
Posted by: Sandee at January 8, 2007 08:11 AMI'm glad you're both doing well! Take care!
Posted by: JustBeth at January 8, 2007 08:12 AMMy cousin's three sons -- all of them -- were born eight weeks early. They are now -- all of them -- the absolute terrors of the neighborhood.
Before you know it, you'll be begging the Dashling to please, for the love of Boof, sit down and be quiet and give you five minutes peace.
And yeah, it's not the percoset.
Posted by: CarrieICL at January 8, 2007 08:21 AMGlad to know you are all doing well!
And it might have been percoset... on Terry Ryan's part.
Posted by: Katharriet at January 8, 2007 08:45 AMCheers, and thanks, to Dr. Kilburg!
It's terrific to hear that Dash is thriving so well, not to mention that his Batmommy is doing well also. Take good care of them both, Jeb.
JCrik
Posted by: JimCrikket at January 8, 2007 08:56 AMFirst off, any post that starts with some Neil Diamond lyrics is sure to be a beauty. Second of all, once again, congratulations on your delightful tot and on everyone's health and well-being - Dash is sure to be chock full o' character after such a dramatic entrance. (Please know that prayers are continuing for you both from here in adidasland.) And thirdly, it makes me sad to report that the news on both Big Ol' Stupid Roly-Poly Sir Sidney (now there's a nickname destined to catch on, eh?) and Dougie is true. All we can hope is that Sid never makes it out of Ft. Myers, and that Dougie ends up batting fourth for the Bombers.
Posted by: adidasman at January 8, 2007 09:22 AMBreathing at 31 weeks? That's pretty awesome. He's ahead of the curve!
Posted by: Roscoe at January 8, 2007 09:27 AMFear not, adidasman. I'll be in Fort Myers for a week of camp (as a spectator, unfortunately).
It would be a real shame if federal agents were to find a kilo of pure Columbian-grade cocaine hidden in Sid's car...
***DISCLAIMER TO DEA: THIS STATEMENT IS BY NO MEANS INTENDED AS A THREAT, SIMPLY A TIP***
Posted by: JohnWayne at January 8, 2007 09:29 AM"Blur" and "little interaction with the outside world" describes life with children to a 'T,' BG ;-)
And this is *before* t-ball, which may perpetually warp whatever remaining perception of reality you have left by then.
But repeated congrats.
Posted by: tgd at January 8, 2007 09:52 AMCongratulations, and horde some of that percoset. It is better if you ignore the Twins right now; especially the pitching staff.
Posted by: al at January 8, 2007 10:01 AMcongrats, BG! I'm glad you and the baby are well, and I hope this month in the hospital for little Dash goes quickly so you can have him all for your own.
Posted by: kafumbly at January 8, 2007 10:14 AMCongrats BG!! Cheers to the good doctor!! I am sure little Dash will be running all over the place before you know it.
As to El Sid--I am probably in a minority side here--but I think it was a shrewd pickup by TR and the slimmer El Sid will go back to his form of a few years back and win 12-15 games...
DAM
Posted by: DAM-DC Twins Fan at January 8, 2007 10:35 AMDAM, you are truly delusional. Sir Sid is a head case - you live here in DC and saw his demise with the Orioles, so you should know the story well. I admire your pluck and optimism, but I saw him pitch with the Yankees in Toronto last year and he was abysmal - no reason to think he'll perform differently with the Twins. Give me Garza or Perkins (or Shaggy, for that matter) over Sid any time.
Posted by: adidasman at January 8, 2007 11:13 AM"We're confident he'll put on a few pounds by then," said General Manager Terry Ryan. "The kid already has more range than Tony Batista."
Good to see you haven't lost your sense of humor, BG. Best wishes to you and your new addition for a healthy 2007!
Posted by: Sarah at January 8, 2007 11:30 AMBeeg! Glad to hear you and little Will are doing well (don't worry, you can keep telling everyone else his name is Dash, that's fine with me).
Posted by: Will at January 8, 2007 11:53 AMThe 30th was a big day for another member of the Twins family as well. Seems Sidearm Pat Neshek went to Vegas and got hitched on the 30th.
I suspect the Nesheks and the BatFamily had somewhat different celebrations of the two events.
JC
Posted by: JimCrikket at January 8, 2007 04:08 PMCongratulations on your blessed birth. Premature babies are always a scare. Thank goodness Dash is in great health!
Posted by: Brooklynegg at January 8, 2007 05:29 PMCongrats to the entire Batfamily!! :)
I wish it was the percoset, but apparently TR was so excited about the future 2nd baseman (??), he lost his mind and signed Ponson.
Posted by: Stacy at January 8, 2007 05:32 PMBatgirl and Family-
So glad to hear you and Dash are doing well. It's good to know you are both well...Congrats again, and good luck to the both of you!
Congratulations!
And, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't he a shade bigger than LNP already?
Posted by: Me at January 8, 2007 06:37 PMAgain, congratulations! He's absolutely beautiful.
Posted by: TwinsPrincess at January 8, 2007 07:28 PMCongratulations, BG! I'll admit I was a bit freaked out by RD's post, but glad to hear little Dash is healthy (and you too). All best wishes, and here's hoping the tyke is sleeping through the night by the time the season rolls around so we can look forward to at least the occasional postgame blog.
Smitty
Congratulations! (They don't seem to be in short supply, but there it is any way)
Good to hear Sir Dash and family are doing well. Best wishes for a good night's sleep and a I hope that the next month goes by fast for all of you.
Love,
twin-X
Dear Dash
Welcome to the world. I think you have a great name for a shortstop or NASA pilot, or maybe even both. Lew would be so jealous.
uncle p.e.m.
Posted by: public enemy mike at January 8, 2007 10:37 PMWelcome back! (Briefly!) It's great to hear that everyone's healthy. We'll miss you while things are crazy, but under the circumstances, I'm sure we can stand to read your pinch-bloggers' merely-great posts in place of your excellent ones. Congrats again and good luck!
Posted by: cubsalot at January 9, 2007 01:56 AMI was so surprised to check in and find this news! Congratulations! He's beautiful.
Posted by: Beth at January 9, 2007 03:03 PMBatgirl
Congratulations!
Stature isn't determined by physical measurements. My elder girl was born 7 weeks premature, with hyaline membrane disease and the accompanying respiratory distress. She was 3 lbs., 4 oz. of fightin' fury and after 6 weeks in the NICU of Children's Hospital (may Radke bless its name), she came home 4 lbs., 12 oz. of pink, bubbly girl-child. She's now a 29-year-old, 5'7"-tall beauty, finishing up her master's degree in public health at U of MN and making a difference in the field of cord blood based transplantation. I'm weeping as I type this, but I wanted you to know that a tough beginning is probably only be the start of an ongoing miracle.
Posted by: mental wimp at January 9, 2007 07:23 PMWonderful update!
Posted by: Linda at January 9, 2007 08:54 PMCongratulations! That is really cool news. I am glad both mother and baby are being so well taken care of!
Posted by: talldrinkowater at January 9, 2007 10:31 PMThanks, Mental Wimp. Your post made me weep, too.
Posted by: Batmom at January 11, 2007 04:02 AMWow! Just caught up with the news...
AWESOME.
Posted by: BAT bandwagoner at January 15, 2007 06:48 PM