The Official Announcement
On December 14th, 2006, Isaac Rahksa Heine (ไอสิก รักษา ไฮน่า) was born at 9:05 in the morning. He weighed 3,100 grams, or 6 pounds and 7 ounces. Isaac means “he laughs”. รักษา (pronounced ráhk-săa) means “he heals”.
From the first contractions to birth was about 13 hours. The delivery was difficult (yeah, I’m one to talk), but there were no serious complications and Cindy was able to do it naturally because she’s superhuman. Isaac did have his cord around his neck causing him to be a little blue (which freaked me out), but the doctor handled it extremely well and had Isaac crying very shortly after birth.
We were hoping he’d be born on the 13th, which is Cindy’s birthday, but he missed it by just a bit. However, Cindy (and others later) pointed out that Cindy was born in California. And in California, it was the 13th when he was born. I figure it all works out the same from God’s point of view.
Afterwards, Cindy and I stayed in the hospital for four days while Cindy recovered. Sean, Prang, and Cindy’s mom stayed with Matt and Sandra at home (though they came to visit fairly often). Today, just when Cindy had recovered and we thought we were going home, Isaac was discovered to have enough jaundice to need treatment. So he has to sit under some lights for 2-3 more days. We decided I should come home to be with Matt and Sandra (hence the announcements now), and Cindy is currently with Isaac in his personal tanning salon.
Everyone says he looks like me, but you can judge for yourself (links to pictures are below). The Thai folk who see him keep saying his hair is “gold”. Looks brown to me, but we did get to see him next to some Thai babies in the nursery when he went in for his first bath, and I can see why they might say gold. The hair on those babies was black. Also – and Cindy made sure to tell Isaac this later – he was by far the cutest one there. I know that’s not really fair to the other babies, but we can’t help that it’s true.
I’m sure this space will be covered with things we learn as parents in the near future. For now, the biggest thing I feel (other than missing both my son and my wife hugely right now) is a very, very strong need to protect my family. That’s why I stayed in the hospital with Cindy and Isaac while Cindy recovered. That’s why I’m home with Matt and Sandra now. Seriously, if I felt someone was threatening any of them (and emotional threats count!), I think I’d get all big and green and angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.
Pictures! Here’s a link to a whole gallery full of them (with captions where I thought necessary). I took some pictures of the hospital room just so you could see what we’ve got out here. The rest are of Isaac and various members of his new family. Here’s some teasers:
I also got movies! Just a couple, and he doesn’t move much (and my camera doesn’t record audio), but seeing him blink just a little is actually a lot cooler than the still pics you normally see of newborns. In Movie One, he’s just staring. In Movie Two… well, he’s staring some more. But he’s most active (and most cutest!) in Movie Three. He kicks!
Again, congratulations. That is so cool that you could spend those four days in the hospital with Cindy and Isaac. I was always booted out even while mom “relaxed” (lol)while waiting for some of you to have your own private tanning sessions. You do have the Heine instinct to fend for your family – I am proud of you. In fact, I am proud of all of you and it is more wonderful to see than words can describe.
I can tell that a new ritual for my day will be watching him kick in that video. That’s awesome. Courtney says that she desperately wants to kiss his cheeks. We can’t wait to meet him!
-Matt
Ok, now that I have seen the pictures, Kirsty will know exactly what I am doing at this point. Sorry, I can’t help it but the pride wells up within me – especially when I see how your family has grown from when we were there in February to how God has blessed you now.
Congratulations, Adam and Cindy! Isaac is beautiful and Jesica and I are way amped for you guys. Looking forward to the updates of God’s work through this new member in your family.
Oh (sappy comment follows) I remember a picture of me holding a certain baby not very long ago! Life moves fast-seize each day as a gift from God, and enjoy each moment with your precious family!
Oh my gosh! My new nephew is such a cutie pie!!!!!! I can’t wait to show Alyssa the photos and video of her NEW BABY COUSIN (because whenever she mentions him, which is quite often and to whoever will listen, she yells!) We can’t wait to meet him in less than 2 weeks — YAY!!!!! We love you (and baby Isaac too!)
Is it possible to miss someone you’ve never met this much?? I think so, because I miss little Isaac incredibly (oh, and you too, Cindy & Adam!). Can’t wait to see you in a short 10 days!
I love Uncle Adam and Aunt Cindy and Baby Isaac! I miss Baby Isaac! I’d like to HUG Baby Isaac! See you soon!
Congratulations! He is adorable! I wish I could hold him and give Mommy-Cindy a big hug! Great job! I know it was a lot of work (words can’t quite describe it). I’m so proud of you! I love you all! Give baby Isaac a kiss for me (did you know that’s my little guy’s middle name?)
Congratulations.
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Dear friends, I’m so happy for you, and think it’s incredible that Issac is starting life w/you two as parents And with so many people excited to welcome him into the world along with you! God’s blessing on you all! Carol
What an adorable cherub! He’s smiling already and looks most content in Mommy’s & Daddy’s arms. He’s got quite long legs and indeed, golden hair. Congratulations! We look forward to seeing you in February!