It was after a settlement conference in Ft. Lauderdale that Andrea and I became distracted from the responsibilities of our law practice by a cute little girl walking with her parents along the beach. It got us to thinking, and one thing led to another, and Andrea soon found herself in the predicament described here and here. Since then, I haven't written too much about her predicament, but I have from time to time, so I consider myself duty-bound to tell you how the story ended.
It ended (and began) yesterday at 1:02 a.m., with the safe delivery of Samuel Lamere Schaeffer. Vital statistics: 8 lbs., 4 oz.; 21 inches long. In reviewing a draft of this post, Andrea said I should also be sure to add that Sam is "very beautiful."
Andrea also wanted me to say a kind word about her doctor. I was especially impressed with his ability to maintain a running dialogue about The Bachelor throughout the delivery, including (and especially) during the minor glitches that had me thinking about disaster, tragedy, and heartbreak. The doctor remained calm throughout.
Sam's namesake is my grandfather Sam Nakis, a long-time figure in the Greek-American community who was recently invited, in his late 80s, to tour Iraq with a buddy who's a former U.S. Senator. My grandfather had the good sense to decline, and he talked his buddy out of it too. "Too dangerous for a couple of old men," is what he said, or something like that.
As for the rest of my weekly report, I'll leave it to your imagination.
Congratulations! You and Andrea must be very proud. Expecting the birth of your future junior partner, only to be surprised by the birth of a future senior partner in an appropriately named law firm: Samuel Lamere Schaeffer. As expected, you remain the junior partner in this expanding practise.
Posted by: Abnu | May 22, 2004 at 09:59 AM
Thanks for sharing the good news with your cyber family, Evan. Congratulations to you and Andrea, and best wishes to Samuel!
Please don't tell Samuel that the guys will always be junior partners in your family firm.
Now, get back to the beautiful mommy and baby, and get some sleep.
Posted by: David Giacalone | May 22, 2004 at 10:50 AM
Congratulations! Such great news. And you will soon discover that babies bring with them a spate of good fortune for the law firm. It's happened to me with both my daughters (jury victory and large attnys fees award with the first, very lucrative appellate matter with the second) and it's a phenomenon that's been confirmed by many of my colleagues. It's just another bonus of what in itself is already a pretty amazing gift.
Posted by: Carolyn Elefant | May 22, 2004 at 11:15 AM
Congratulations and best wishes! Enjoy some time away -- we'll all be here when you return!
Posted by: Kevin Heller | May 23, 2004 at 07:49 PM
The very, very best to the entire Lamere Schaeffer family. Long life and happiness to you all.
Now if we can just get the federal MDL Panel to East St. Louis, your success in life will be complete. . . .
Posted by: George Wallace | May 24, 2004 at 11:30 AM
Thanks much to all of you for your kind words, which are much appreciated.
Posted by: Evan | May 24, 2004 at 09:56 PM
A little late to the party, but wanted to add my congrats to the mix. Mazel tov to the entire Lamere/Schaeffer/Legal Underground clan.
Posted by: mad | May 25, 2004 at 12:22 PM