Graham Ryker Altic

Graham Ryker Altic was born at 4:22pm, March 16, 2006, after a brief 30 hour delay. Though a bit premature (c. 35 weeks), he weighed in at a stout 6 lbs. 13 oz and was 20 inches long.
They put him on oxygen and an intravenous line because he's too early and is having trouble breathing. Because of this he may be in the hospital for a week or more, but we're hoping his size works in his favor.



Shannon delivered naturally – no meds and no doctor! The medication part was on purpose, the doctor part was on accident. After waiting a day and half with contractions every two minutes, you'd think they would be ready! But four nurses rushed in at the last minute to take care of things, though Graham shot out onto the bed with no one there to catch him. Poor guy. I cut the cord and was standing there with a dumb smile on my face and bloody scissors in my hand when the doctor came rushing in.

Graham gets his middle name from my father, Richard. Ryker is a Dutch variation of the name. My middle name is also Richard. He's also picking up a number of pet names and terms of endearment, including: Graham Cracker, Grammy, Golden Graham, Milligram, and Grambo.

We'll accept visitors starting tomorrow but you may not be able to see Graham up close for a few more days.