Today, I woke up at 7.16am.
This is “sleeping in” to some, “nothing special” to others, and “the middle of the night” to still more.
For me, it was huge! I didn’t do it on my own, I did it because my computer was Skype-calling me to wake up, and tell me that I’m an uncle. YAY!
No, no gender-reassignment, I just reject conventions and gender-focused labels. (This may actually *be* why I got a PhD: a gender-neutral title is mine forever, even if I’m an unemployed vagabond!)
My closest friend welcomed bébé #1 today, and this little lady was a long time coming. 
Thanks to the surrogate, little Aloysia Rose (named for her grannies and to be known as “Sia”—like “see ya!”) came into the world at 12.10am EDT. I’m so excited! I’ve been walking around grinning for the last two hours, and it didn’t even have anything to do with this:
Bug-free coffee and a morning coconut-oatmeal-lentil cookie. 
I’ve also made my counter-offer and might be on my way to living in Brazil…
and I’ve pulled out my websites and handouts and camera books and am getting ready to bring back my next “I learn my camera” photo for you soon.
I LOVE TODAY!
August 10th, 2011 at 07:44
congrats on being an uncle!!!
You rock!
August 10th, 2011 at 08:18
YEEEE – congrats, Uncle!!
also congrats for taking a step toward staying – good luck and all that.
August 10th, 2011 at 10:10
I love the “uncle” monicer.
What will you call Sia? Besides…Sia?
Niece? Nephew? or how about Monkey? Then you’d be a monkey’s uncle. <– hopefully you have heard of that expression.
If not, consider it a "bug in your ear" (0:
August 10th, 2011 at 14:38
@ Missy: oh, aren’t you too clever?
What will I call her… I think probably “peanut” or “bean” while she’s still tiny, and maybe as she grows up, too. We’ll have to wait and see. I might have to meet her to work this one out…
August 10th, 2011 at 14:38
@ Kristina: thanks! Let’s cross fingers… and settle in for the “Brazilian time” lag now.
August 10th, 2011 at 14:39
@ Sonia: thanks! And while I agree, I had very little to do with bringing this little person into the world. Her parents, the surrogate… many are rocking right now, I think I’m rolling.
August 10th, 2011 at 18:28
Oh congratulations!! How exciting! I love the name too – beautiful. Enjoy your uncle-dom
August 10th, 2011 at 19:23
@ Kari: thanks! I’m going to rock it like it’s 1995. Wow. Don’t know where *that* came from…
August 10th, 2011 at 23:59
Congrats, Steph! Sia is very lucky to have you as an uncle! … and YAY for Brazil! How exciting – can’t wait to hear the next update!
August 11th, 2011 at 08:30
@ Audj: thanks—she’s a lucky kid, anyway. Her parents are great! And Brazil is a definite +/-, but at least it will be an adventure (if it happens…)!
August 12th, 2011 at 07:36
OMG! Not in my wildest dreams did I think you would consider living in Brazil, but Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah!
Awesome.
But, now who is going to help me finish my house?
(kidding)
August 12th, 2011 at 08:49
@ Andie: see Day 53, Baby! I’m all yours!!
August 14th, 2011 at 14:48
I have overlooked this one too?!?!?!
Okay, I must have been a little confused lately …
January 8th, 2012 at 23:35
[...] One of these things is not like the others, I KNOW, but do you remember this? [...]