Wednesday, July 18, 2007

X-Factor: Chapter 3






The deviant you see holding Max, in this very dark camera phone picture, is know around these parts as the Birdman. He's an integral character in the story of my life. He's also the first person from my side of the family to see and hold Max. Good Job Matt! Kim Jong Ramone will never live this one down. More on the Birdman in a second...

After Dr Devil told me that Max might have Herpes I had a text book reaction to her absurd accusation. I told her that it was impossible. And she gave me the typical health care worker response, everybody's at risk and Herpes can lay dormant for 10 years blah, blah, blah. So preoccupied with the fact that it might be Herpes, I didn't even think about Meningitis, an infection that killed my friend's sister. Like I said in the prior post, I needed to be angry to keep it together.

Erika and Allyson's Mom were there helping me calm Allyson down. Erika and Allyson's mom have been really great through all of this. Two real troopers! I was pretty angry most of that Saturday night, but the next morning I lost it and had my break down. Allyson became the strong one when I broke down. I felt foolish and guilty for being so upset. Tons of emotions that I really don't want to experience again anytime soon. Hopefully never again.

I did not share any of this news with my friends back in NJ, because It hurt to much to talk about it, and I didn't want them to worry about us or Max. I did tell my mother though. I leaned heavily on her for support, calling her every couple of hours anytime I talked with a nurse or a doctor. Having Mom to talk to really helped!

Then I got a text message from the Birdman. He informed me that he was going to leave directly after work Saturday night and come down for a day and a half to see Max and hang out with us at the hospital. A 12 hour drive folks. Kind of makes up for having me spend a week of my vacation last year painting a chick's house that he broke up with a couple months later. Shit I might even paint his next girlfriend's house for pennies on the dollar.

Having the Birdman there really made all the difference while we waited for the results of the spinal tap cultures. We ate really shitty cafeteria food, which we both really enjoyed. We talked about hookers and made fun of Kentucky and the fact that the Birdman had to drive through the Daniel Boone National Forest to get here. I always get Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett confused for some reason.

On Monday morning a doctor, with a much better bedside manor, informed us that the first cultures had come back and were negative. They watch the cultures for 6 days or so to make sure no bacteria grows. Every day the culture came back negative. Thank God! Still, the Doctor wanted to keep Max in the hospital for 14 days and treat him with antibiotics to be safe.

Allyson was discharged from the hospital around day 4 or 5. The hospital is very gracious and has let us stay every day since, for free! Last week was a very busy week for babies and the baby ward filled up so we had to spend a night in Pediatrics. We've been in 5 or 6 rooms and when we move from room to room we look like we're homeless with all of our shit on a cart. I've been sleeping on a plastic pull out bed, and have spent a small fortune in the cafeteria. Still, the baby is happy and healthy and we're coming home on Friday. That's really all that matters! I could go on and on, but then what would I talk about tomorrow?

By the way has anyone seen Scott Baio's 45 and single? I hear it's pretty good.

51 comments:

Alicia said...

NO! Don't watch Scott Baio! It's all crap I tell you, CRAP!

Max is sooo handsome! I love him! I am so glad he's happy and healthy and I'm so glad that it all worked out for you guys, despite the demon doctor and the mega-scare.

Tink said...

Thank God that nightmare is over. Now you guys can actually enjoy your baby. Congrats on the clean bill of health for Max!!

Tink said...

Damn. The ONE time I could have been first to comment and my boss had to walk in. Doesn't he know I'm busy?! Geesh.

katy said...

what a time you have both had, glad you had the support of your mum, mums are so special, and so are dads, and birdman is a star for driving all that way too wishing you both the best on your return home on friday as a family, got to keep coming back now to see this beautiful baby Max

captain corky said...

Alicia: Allyson and I have been scratching our heads trying to figure out how we managed to have such a cute son. ;)

Tink: If it wasn't for my boss I actually might enjoy going to work from time to time.

Her Indoors: Welcome to the tribe. ;)

Molly said...

Whew, Max does not have the terrible diseases...although you did tell us in your comments that Chapter Three was more upbeat.

I am very glad to see a picture of the Birdman. As I relatively recent reader, I was wondering, "Who is this masked man?" And there he is ever so sweetly cradling our little Max in his arms.

So the big homecoming day is Friday, then your little family can relax. Well...at least a little.

Lola Starr said...

Yay for the Birdman! Good friends like that can be hard to find, I'm lucky to have several. And yay for no icky diseases. Glad you guys are almost home. :)

Drizel said...

Ahhhhhh Capitan...I am sorry to hear the pain you guys are going trough,....but like his father he is strong like bull...or the alchol captain morgan I lovingly named you after...one day ask me the story...I think I never told you why I call you Al Capitan....anyways....the point....focus....
He will be fine...I will send some goood Karma...so if you see a rainbow go past your homeless troly...ITS ME:)
HUGZ friend:)

Nancy said...

Sounds like the storm is over and the sun can start shinning. Nice to have Birdman around for you.

I've got to tell ya this Cork ... that little guy will bring tons of more emotion out of you that you didn't even know you had. Ya know, GOOD thing stir Mommy and Daddy emotion too =)

I can't wait until you post that he is home =)

Jenny! said...

Haven't seen that show yet! Probably won't but it looks kind of funny. Good news for you guys! What a great friend Birdman is...and here I thought he was just a pervert!!!

Michael Colvin said...

HURRAH!

Pink said...

Yay Cork Family!!! Hoorah.

Now Don't.

Don't tell me THAT is BIRDMAN!

phhwroar!

And let me tell you - its not just that a baby is a mighty sexy accessory! (though Max is uber sexy)

Corks, I think its wonderful that you have a friend like Birdie (Matt) who would drop everything and bomb down to be there for you guys.

I'm sure having him there helped you be strong for Allyson who had to be strong for Max.

Again, let me remind you - you are one lucky bastard, Captain!
xx
pinks

CRUSTY MOM-E said...

two more days!!
Hang in there..try and rest..all hell breaks loose the moment you return home. :) (heehee cue Lex Luthor's devious laugh-wait, does he even laugh??)

You're lucky the hospital said you both could remain there. I'd have been kicked to the curb after day 5, and advised, you can return everyday if you want.
Hospitals..bluh!

Take care of mom.
I look forward to reading more about your first adventure at home.
Always,
crusty~

Pink said...

PS - I'm glad you're not a cowboy Cork. This is what is going to make you an awesome dad.
xx
pinks

Pink said...

correction: "makes" you an awesome dad!

Biddie said...

I'm so glad that he's coming home soon! By Friday, my brother and mother should be on their way home, too, so everything will be right with teh world...SIGH...
He is SO handsome, Corky. That Allyson must be SOME looker. :)

Jay said...

Thank God it's almost over and you can get Maximus (You did name him after Russel Crow's character in Gladiator, right??) home where he belongs.

I say we all go over and TP Dr. Devil's house. And maybe light a sack of dog shit on fire and put it on her porch too.

Anonymous said...

So would that be "Uncle Birdman"? Looks like he will be a pretty good one. Sometimes friends turn out to be pretty good family too.

I'm glad everything is going well and await that first picture of Max and the family at home! Beautiful!

Emory Rundle said...

Glad your baby is going to be okay. I always get Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett confused too.

By the way you have been tagged. Please visit my blog and check it out.

Jodi said...

I am so glad little Max is doing well. Did you hunt that evil doctor down and kill her? I would have!
I just knew Birdman was special. I am such a sucker for a guy with a baby in his arms!!!

J.

Gina said...

I am so glad that him being in the hospital this long is mainly precautionary, although that totally has to SUCK.

And what a great buddy you've got there. I think he's a keeper.

Oh, and Max is definitely a keeper too!

Hugs to you guys, only one more day left!

eric1313 said...

You will either be a happy captain, get some pizza, take some pickas and beer everywhere.

Or you'll be doing bottles, baths and diapars... And probably be happy about that too.
Good luck.

jAMiE said...

So glad the tests came back negative and he will be fine...i wish you and your little family all the best.

ps...haven't seen the Scott Baio thing..i wonder what channel it's on and if it's on here in Canada?

Anonymous said...

Where in the world did Jenny! get the idea that I am a pervert.

I am either offended or impressed. Not sure yet.

Anonymous said...

Thank you to everyone for their nice words that came in my direction. It was my pleasure to help welcome Max in to the world.

That is not my favorite picture of me, but hey if it works for ya
=)

Anonymous said...

And to Corky,
I'm glad I could be there, there are no limits to how far I will go to:

#1 get Steak N Shake

#2 have something I can hold over KJR


Allyson is a beautiful new mommy and I was happy to give whatever help I did while I was there. I hope you guys are going to be ready for me to come back right after Labor Day.

The Lone Beader® said...

It'll be so awesome when Max comes home.... ;)

Cazzie!!! said...

Well then, little Max is going to just love his house with his mum and dad hugging him ever so closely..and what about all those action figures to look after him :)

Crashdummie said...

Omg omg omg such an adoreable cuuuuutie! Cho chweet!

.. oh yeah, Max is pretty cute as well ;) j/k, I bet Max defines the expression " a bundle full of joy". And the black/white pics are so more live.

Unknown said...

Oh, I am SO glad that little Max's tests were negative. YEAH!! Home on Friday! Awesome! Props to Birdman too - what a great friend.

And that baby - is still totally adorable.

Ms. Tuesday said...

that Birdman is quite a guy...

so glad everyone is doing better! Congrats!

Lady K said...

SWEET pic of the birdman! He told me there might be something over here I might like ;-)

SO GLAD to hear that things are looking up, it warms my heart to hear it. YAY! I'm really glad you have such a great support system.

Metal Mark said...

I am just in shock that the Birdman doesn't look like his avatar. I at least expected him to look like Hawk from Buck Rogers.

MrRyanO said...

Captain! I'm glad this story has a happy ending! Welcome to parenthood! I hope it goes much smoother from here on out! Take lots of pictures because all too soon he will be walking and breaking your shit. You need photographic proof to prosecute. ;)

Anonymous said...

What a little sweetie,and the baby's cute too!lol

Blancodeviosa said...

best of luck to you all :)

Abby J said...

Really happy to hear Max will be coming home... enjoy every minute.

furiousBall said...

Yeah Max! Good job little guy. Birdman sounds like a great dude. Buddies like that are good stuff.

Debs said...

I am so glad Max is coming home!

As for Scott Baio I never liked him and I am not a fan of too many "reality" shows.

Jerrster said...

awesome I'll be doing my little dance on Friday....woo-hoo!

yes I saw a small portion of Chachi's show ...I laughed some.

Anonymous said...

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=)

thepantry33.blogspot.com

magickat said...

I HAVE seen "Scott Baio... 45 and Single". It's a train-wreck. It's awkward and uncomfortable to watch. Much like "Hey Paula" starring the most famous dancer in denial, Paula Abdul.

Now on to this baby - yay for Max! He looks sooooo lovable. And he seems to love eating. He must get that from me.

Glad he is feeling better and going home soon. Your friend Birdman seems like a kick-ass guy. I'll probably start stalking his blog now, too.

darkfoam said...

popped in from whimsicalbrainpan's site.
congratulations on your newborn son!
i'm glad those tests turned out all negative.

Big Pissy said...

I'm so glad everything is working out for y'all, Cork!

That Max is a beautiful baby....so pretty! :)

Webmiztris said...

Well, everything seems to be okay now, thank god.... that had to be scary.

katy said...

thinking of you all today and hope you all enjoy returning home as a family

CS said...

"Still, the baby is happy and healthy and we're coming home on Friday. That's really all that matters!" Yes it is! Now you can settle into the business of being a family.

Jenny! said...

Birdman...you should be impressed! I did hit the nail on the head right???

JINKS said...

Corky,
You have exactly what it takes to remain a good father. How do I know? I'm old enough to be your mother and from experience a man who has a healthy close relationshp with his own mother has been blessed with a key element....all those emotions.....don't worry about feeling them......they are just part of the "entire package" of being a parent. Max is a very fortunate child and he's in for a good life. Do me a favor, when you get to the point (and you will) that you and your wife can't remember how you ever enjoyed life without him in it....you send me a blog message.

Unknown said...

Glad you are all Herpes free!

You are lucky to have good friends like Birdman, too. May we all be so lucky.

Canadian flake said...

So glad things are shaping up for you and your family. Y'all have been in my thoughts and prayers. Max is SUCH a cutie.