So-so news about the Smith twins

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: Naemanson
Date: 17 Nov 00 - 08:44 PM

As requested in your PM Wesley here are the words to the song The Old Liars. It is by Julia Lane of Castlebay and was recorded on Run Before The Wind. It is copyrghted in 1993. That was the year I met Julia and Fred and this song is one of the first things I heard them sing off of the stage.

The Old Liars

CHORUS
Oh what has become of the old liars all
Julian and Manley and Frankie and Paul?
Down at the co-op when fish weren't so few
They'd lie through their teeth and they'd swear it was true

On warm afternoons in the summer we'd go
With handline and bucket to the harbor below
To the dock with the rope and the chains and the spars
Where the weathered old planks smelled of bait and of tar
The fish house was piled high with old fishing gear
With a sign that said something 'bout "All the bull here"
In a big leather armchair a white-haired old man
Would give us a soda and a handful of clams

CHORUS

Sometimes there were others who sat in the shack
A-telling their stories of fishing 'way back
When the weather was better or worse than right now
They always would say it was bigger somehow
They'd tell of the days when they hauled traps by hand
Out in their dories away from the land
In the winter they'd row till their hands would turn blue
And some of the stories you knew could be true

CHORUS

But then they'd continue with never a smile
And tell of the day when they rowed fifty miles
Blinded by fogbanks and capsized by storms
And rescued by mermaids with gold on their arms
Then there was the one 'bout the fisherman's ghost
Doomed to eternity because of a boast
His coming would warn all the sailors of gales
The wilder the weather, the stranger their tales
CHORUS
Then we'd run down the gangplank and bait up our lines
And drop the weight down where the flounder are fine
We'd wait for the tug that sometimes never came
Then we'd go up and bother the old men again
And now that they're gone I feel empty inside
Though people will tell me their jaw was all lies
Their tales were as true as the tide and the breeze
My children will never hear stories like these

CHORUS

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: campfire
Date: 17 Nov 00 - 07:20 PM

Don't worry about being the only Dad there - it's great that you're going!

Best of whatever I can offer from our house to yours.

campfire

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: Wesley S
Date: 17 Nov 00 - 05:57 PM

Many thanks to everyone for their good wishes. I wish I had time to PM all of you but I do have to get some work done. I'll pass all your good wishes along to Bretta and the boys. But now I'm on my way to a parenting class alone. That should look a little odd. I'm sure there will be some single moms but single dads?? Wish me luck keeping my Mrs. in bed. I'll check in Monday.

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: Mrrzy
Date: 17 Nov 00 - 10:01 AM

Good for her firm, and good for you guys! And what nice Irish names, too!

I have to say, I wish I'd been put on bedrest when I was pregnant with my twins. I was told to "take it easy" but that wasn't enough. My twins are now 5, doing very well and all, but Timmie does have lingering disabilities and will have lifelong struggles that might not have been the case had his placenta stayed whole... which it might have had I not gone out and about my normal life, having gotten tired of acting ill when I didn't feel it. So my advice to the Mom is... when it's getting to be a pain to stay in bed... STAY IN BED ANYWAY. And Dad - no advice for you other than to write a letter to Better Business Bureau or something, saying what a great place to work your wife has! We all need more of those. The year that I had the twins I missed nearly 11 months of work, what with the complicated pregnancy, then maternity leave getting used up before the twins even got out of the hospital, then family leave, then my back blew out again and I was off on disability... and they held the promotion I'd been up for till I got back! I love my employers, Dilbertesque though they may be in other ways...

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: Naemanson
Date: 17 Nov 00 - 09:17 AM

When we first placed our daughter in my father's lap he took his unlit pipe out of his mouth, looked down at the happy little baby lying there and said, "Hurry up and learn a language so I can lie to you!"

He's always had a facility for telling tall tales and now that she's 19 she believes that he has never once told her the truth in her life and she loves it that way.

Oh what has become of the old liars all,
Julian, Manley, and Frankie and Paul,
Down at the co-op when fish weren't so few,
They'd lie through their teeth,
And they'd swear it was true.

Here's hoping your kids get to know a few "old liars". And appreciate the tales they tell.

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: alison
Date: 17 Nov 00 - 07:54 AM

and if you want advice from a paediatrician... you could message Mark Cohen........ I know he has offered advice before too....

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 17 Nov 00 - 07:02 AM

Moew blessings and prayers and Light coming your way...

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: aussiebloke
Date: 17 Nov 00 - 06:37 AM

Hope it all turns out lovely, and that you have two wonderful children from the 'trying' and 'tedious' process which confronts you.

Alison (above) is a Midwife, and so was I about a hundred years ago - it seems that you have both of us in your corner, 'barracking' for you, and cheering you on...

There is nothing I can say to make this easier for you - the usual pithy platitudes apply...


Hang in there...

Take it a day at a time...

We are thinking of you...


Cheers

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: Clifton53
Date: 17 Nov 00 - 02:31 AM

I thank my lucky stars daily for the health of my wife and children, and now I pray for yours. All my best wishes.

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Nov 00 - 01:31 AM

Wesley, I think I mentioned in your earlier thread that my daughter had to spend 19 weeks in bed with her twin boys. It was difficult, as she was not allowed to work, get up for any reason except to go potty and a quick bath each day.

Her husband really got her through it beautifully, packed her lunch in a cooler and put it by the bed, made her breakfast in bed before he left for work, had a tv with cable hookup in the room for her, called her as often as possible, sang to the boys and to her, set up all of the preparations they'd not had time to earlier, the cribs, playpens, etc.

They both did a beautiful job. Their boys were born prematurely, but because of how well they managed at keeping them inside where it was safe for their lungs to develop, as Ebbie mentioned, they were able to go home with my daughter, which was 3-4 days after birth. I got there when they were two weeks old and was in heaven for the month I visited. To look at them now at 2« you'd never know their parents went through so much, nor that they were preemies.

You have a big role right now, but I know you will feel so good when you first see your boys and realise you and Bretta managed this wonderful thing so well.

All the best to you and giving thanks for good and timely birthing as well as perfect health for all concerned.

kat

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: alison
Date: 17 Nov 00 - 12:26 AM

prayers, thoughts and lullabyes from here too.....

just being nosey now (I'm a midwife).... how many weeks pregnant is your wife?.......

seen many twins born before their time.......and spend a while in "special care" doing the "growing up" they need before going home......

take it easy and do what the doctor says..... and if I can offer any "professional" advice drop me a PM....

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: Bugsy
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 11:32 PM

All my good thoughts and best wishes are with the four of you at this time. Keep her spirits up as best you can though. It could be a long old haul being confined to bed all that time.

good luck.

Bugsy

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: GUEST,Whitewing
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 11:22 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless. ww

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 11:12 PM

Wes my friend, when I look at my boys, I will think of yours and keep the good thoughts coming your way on a regular basis. Every smile I give them will be sent on for use by Brendan and Patrick (good name that) and every bit of frustration I feel will be sent along too.......That's what kids are about anyway. A strange mix of emotions triggered in all of us.....but all my thoughts are loving thoughts and I offer you the best that Karen and I can send your way.

A big Spaw hug for Bretta too, but carefully........and here's one for you too. Hang tough. We're here for you.

Pat, Karen, Tristan, and Michael

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: CarolC
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 11:00 PM

My best thoughts and wishes are with you and your family. Good luck with everything.

Carol

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: Susan from California
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 10:54 PM

Ditto to all the good thoughts and prayers...will send lullabyes, too. :-)

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 08:12 PM

If you are the type to believe in a higher power of ANY sort I wouldn't turn down a few prayers right now. If you're not a higher power kind of person and you just come here for the music feel free to send a lullaby or two out into the night { or day } so that Bretta and the boys - Brendan and Patrick - rest well and grow strong. Thankyou for your time and indulgence - Wesley Smith

Wes, that's perfectly put! I love it...

My daughter too had to go on bedrest before her twins were born. It was so impressive to have the docs say, several days in a row: It's too early, their lungs aren't ready yet. And then they finally said, OK! Their lungs are matured. You can get out of bed and start walking all you like.

The first twin was born 45 minutes later!

The best of good fortune to you and Bretta, and may "Brendan and Patrick rest well and grow strong."

Ebbie

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: guinnesschik
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 06:23 PM

Best wishes, good health, and much happiness to the four of you. My thoughts are with ya'll.

g'chik

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: GUEST,Kernow Jon
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 05:15 PM

Wesley
Love and prayers for all of you
KJ

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 03:58 PM

We are thinking of you all Wesley. Tell Bretta to get plenty of rest.

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: Troll
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 03:13 PM

Wesley, if anything I do or say makes a differenct, please know that all my prayers are directed at you and your family. GOD! That sounds pompous. Good luck and best wishes.

troll

troll

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: Hollowfox
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 03:02 PM

I'm glad you two are being careful, and I'm glad her employer is letting you be careful. Get what housekeeping and baby-proofing you can done now, Wesley ;), and thanks for letting us all know. Good thoughts from this end, Mary

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: Jed at Work
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 02:52 PM

Wes - my best wishes and prayers go with you both.

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: Morticia
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 02:48 PM

lots of good thoughts and hugs zooming your way from me, Wes, love to Bretta and the boys

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: Naemanson
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 02:21 PM

It sounds like things are on track and all will be well. I'm sending in my order for an easy pregnancy and a successful outcome.

Several years ago I was ordered into bedrest for a couple of weeks followed by several weeks of bed-as-much-as-possible. I built myself a bed desk which had feet that rested on the bed and an angled top so I could write and use the laptop without it lying on my lap or stomach. If you are handy at all something like this might be a good present.

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: MMario
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 02:15 PM

glad things are working out. From all I hear, it's not unusual for twins to be light, even in a perfectly normal pregnancy.

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: jeffp
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 02:11 PM

Wesley, caution is a good thing. So glad that her company is willing to work with her on this. My hopes and prayers for a successful pregnancy and delivery!

jeffp

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 02:11 PM

I am keeping your boys tucked away for safe keeping. Lots of prayers and kind thoughts to Mom and Dad.

Subject: RE: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: mousethief
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 02:08 PM

Wes, prayers for all four of you from this corner. God bless.

Alex

Subject: So-so news about the Smith twins
From: Wesley S
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 02:03 PM

This is NOT a music thread but I think you'll see why I couldn't possibly label this as "BS". A bunch of people have asked me to keep them informed so here goes :

As of yesterday my wife's doctor ordered her to bed for the rest of the pregnancy. It's a gravity problem - not her blood pressure - so we all have hopes that this will turn out alright. Her due date keeps getting shorter however. The doctor was originally talking about the first week of February and now we're hearing around Christmas or New Years. Both of the boys seen to be OK but they are light in weight { taking after their Mom - NOT their Dad }.

What also had us worried was to be without her paycheck for a long period of time. But thank goodness her company will outfit her with a laptop computer and her doctor says that it's OK that she works from her bed. Her bedroom office should be set up by tomorrow. Thats something that we won't have to worry about. Some big companies are actually nice.

This is not a dire emergency and there is no reason to panic but we plan to be VERY careful and err on the side of caution. At least she'll be able to catch up on the reading that she says she's behind on.

If you are the type to believe in a higher power of ANY sort I wouldn't turn down a few prayers right now. If you're not a higher power kind of person and you just come here for the music feel free to send a lullaby or two out into the night { or day } so that Bretta and the boys - Brendan and Patrick - rest well and grow strong. Thankyou for your time and indulgence - Wesley Smith