Andrew's blog

There have been many things about becoming parents that have surprised us. There are also been things from organising LCA2010 that have surprised us. One of the more surprising things that is that Susanne has become more of a geek.

Not terribly surprising really, that after co-directing one of the ultimate geek conferences that you'd pick up a few things. Not only is Susanne now an expert Inkscape user, she is now at home hacking HTML, writing using LaTeX, posting on Twitter & identi.ca, using request tracking systems and last but not least IRC. IRC was vital to organising LCA, but Susanne and I have continued to use IRC now that LCA is over to chat while I'm at work, and as it turns out around the house. For example:

<MadHatter> 16:10:54> Please pick up your son
<MadHatter> 16:11:05> now please
<MadHatter> 16:11:10> NOW please
<MadHatter> 16:11:12> NOW
<MadHatter> 16:11:18> NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW
<MadHatter> 16:11:28> I'm on strike
<MadHatter> 16:11:41> Andrew
<MadHatter> 16:11:56> Andrew Graeme Ruthven!
<MadHatter> 16:12:10> Pick. Up. Your. Son
<MadHatter> 16:12:13> Please
<MadHatter> 16:12:19> Please!

The funniest part was that, even though I was using my laptop, my IRC client wasn't running. My IRC proxy was happily logging those requests, so when Susanne was cracking up with laughter (thinking I was ignoring her) I was able to catch up on what was happening...

The newest addition to the Ruthven family shot into this world with great gusto and enthusasim on Thursday morning. Dad was in great shock at being woken up at 2:20 am, when contractions began, then a mere 2 hours later at 4:32 holding his son - Adam Ruthven. Mum was in even greater shock at arriving at the hospital to be told that she was ready to push!

Mum & Dad are both incredibly proud of Adam, weighing in at 3.6kg (7lb 15oz).

Dad & Brooke brought Mum & Adam home on Friday morning, where we've had to readjust to once again having sleep deprivation.

Brooke is thoroughly enjoying having a baby brother. She is being a perfect big sister, helping us care for Adam, even helping with nappy changes! (We're hopeful this will continue...)