Ewan's Corner

2008 was a huge year for my family and I. Here goes recording some of the best parts, and a snapshot of my life as it stands at the start of 2009.

My third child and first daughter, Hannah Grace McPhail, was born on September 11th – a little angel. We are now a family of 5 – still seems surreal at times, but always wonderful. My wife proved herself stronger and braver than I could ever have imagined – Hannah was born at home, without the use of drugs or any medical intervention. Best birth experience by far (says he who did none of the real work) and we are relaxed and confident – more so than with the boys.

I made the work transition to pointy haired software development manager in a new team, and apart from occasional attacks of impostor syndrome (a good thing) I am loving the people and the work. I am more grateful than ever to love what I do and do what I love as part of a brilliant team – especially in the current uncertain economic climate. I also got a 5 year watch / recognition gift from Derivco (actually 7 years in October) – initially I thought the whole thing was terribly corny and old fashioned but the sentiment was right and honest, and it just reminded me – again – how lucky I am to work at such a genuine company.

My Family

I read over 700 bed-time stories in 2008 (not unique – some I can quote
verbatim). Keeping the work/home boundary intact has been tough
at times, but I think I’ve done a pretty good job. Watching the boys
play games together is wonderful, with mad laughter filling the house and your soul.

Clair: My lovely wife remains my hero and best friend. A home birth was a wonderful experience for us as a family, and she has surprised me (both of us I think) with her strength and patience in looking after all of us – 3 boys and a breast-feeding baby girl. I’m not sure what I did to deserve the kind of wife who wants to be a “home executive”, is a wonderful mother 24/7, cooks Lindt Brownies in her spare time, changes her own tires and looks great doing it – but Lord am I grateful.

Caleb: My eldest little man, my sensitive explorer thinker and a dreamer like his dad. At 4 he is full of questions about everything from babies to death and he dreams of flying a spaceship to Mars. He has mastered the PC mouse and the game of Peggle, his heroes are Lightning McQueen and Jimmy Neutron, and he would far rather be indoors watching Wall-E than outside playing in the sun. His mind never stops, he has the most amazing dreams, and he is busy with a growing social circle. He loves his baby sister and has trouble leaving her alone sometimes :-)

Daniel: My little (he prefers “medium” since Hannah arrived) 2 year old is kind and sweet and tough and cute. He would rather be outdoors digging a hole or riding his bike than indoors, and he charms everyone with his smile and infectious laughter. He speaks wonderfully, and is busy swapping nappies for undies – he adores his older brother. He loves to help us with his sister, and is fascinated by motorbikes and airplanes. His imagination is exploding, and like a typical 2 year old is pushing boundaries wherever he can. Like his brother he adores books and is showing the same incredible memory, quoting whole stories verbatim (and harassing me if I leave out a single word).

Hannah: My little angel. She is a calm, relaxed and happy baby – at least in part due to her wonderful birth experience, confident parents and probably being a girl helps :-) She sleeps almost through the night, only cries when she has a valid reason and stops immediately when you fix the problem. She smiles often and laughs occasionally – wonderful moments. She is full of chirps and gurgles and squeaks. She loves her brothers and happily falls asleep on my knee in front of the computer.

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