Ayvind Finn Hutchings!

My first nephew (though 4.5th time as an aunt) was born last night around 9 or 10pm. It was a looong, difficult natural labor, and both my brother Nick and amazing sister-in-law Tia were just exhausted. But it's all for the best since now we finally have a beautiful baby boy. He's small, but mighty at 5 lbs, 14 ounces, and 19 inches long. He has black hair, almost like a mullet (awesome!), which is even better since most Hutchings babies are born bald. I myself remained that way until about the age of 3.

Yes his name is Ayvind Finn, which most people won't be able to say, so it's Ay (as in pay) and vind (as in wind). It's originally Scandinavian, but they changed the spelling to make it easier to pronounce (hee hee). I think it's gorgeous though and totally suits both parents and baby. Finn comes from Tia's best friend Donna who they couldn't name the baby after, as it is a boy, and they didn't want it to get beat up too badly. Though with my unusual brother as his father, this might be inevitable. So Donna chose Finn which I think is adorable. His nickname is the "Mini Pooper" since Nick and I call each other Poo and Pooe respectively. I know it's dorky, but it would take a long time to explain why. So Ayvind is officially the Mini Pooper.

I wish I could be there, but sadly, I am stuck in LA, waiting anxiously for pictures of my first nephew! I have another niece or nephew arriving in I think July, so this is all just too exciting!

Positive Feedback

So far I've received two e-mails regarding the critiques I did for the screenplay competition. Both were so overwhelmingly gracious, they made me tear up. I thought I would be bombarded with hostile screenwriters questioning my judgment, pissed off that I tore their baby a new one, if they responded at all. Maybe this is just me projecting because I am terrible at taking creative criticism, even if I know they're right.

Both screenwriters that responded were just so happy that someone read their script and took the time to appreciate both its strengths and areas it could be improved. They took my advice seriously and are actually excited to rewrite. I personally hate rewriting even though I know it is necessary. So again, I must be projecting. Anyway, I was overjoyed to receive those e-mails, though I wonder if they don't get forwarded to us if the writers are indeed pissed. That could be why I haven't gotten any hate mail. My name is anonymous twice over luckily so my house won't get fire-bombed by the writers of some of the truly dismal scripts. So even more good news.