First day of school

It's the night before the first day of daycare..and sure enough this post is coming at 3am.  The bear seems to be going through separation anxiety, as well as teething, and getting over a sickness - so she's very clingy and only interested in mom these days.

But still very determined!  Trying to get her to self sooth to sleep is an epic fail.  The crying and wailing, non stop.  Most interesting is her tenacity. She will cry and stand by the crib wall for a while  get tired and then go to lie down.  But then just as she gets down she remembers "no, I must keep fighting" and she gets back up.  She won't even lie down, just put hey face on the bed, then get back up.  Saw her do this
about 12 times tonight over and over.

She's got the will power...so interesting to see her dedication!

Rainy days

Just one of those rainy autumn days what you don't feel like doing anything but curling up.  The baby is closing in on 5 months, and she's perfect cuddling material; independent head movement, not so fussy, giggly and curious.  Enough to warm a father on a cool rainy sunday.

A few of my buds have entered into fatherhood this summer too, so this next year will be a year of firsts for us all.  Very cool to be able to share this feeling with those closest to you, and share the happiness along with the anxiety...this is life.  Live it and love it.

The girl, or The Bear as we call her is presently napping for now over 1.5hrs which is nearly record time.  Mommy's out do it's daddy day today, but mommy will be pissed at the map time because The Bear only sleeps for 25min with mommy.  Daddy's got the Magic Touch - oh yeah!

Biggest change so far? My To Do list grows longer and longer like a tapeworm (ed. bad analogy) as free time evaporates taking care of the bear.  You have to force yourself to be efficient, doing what you can as she sleeps.  That also means figuring out your priorities, which is a good thing: focus on what matters most, and realistically that is my daughter.  Who can say no to those eyes?

The 4am feed

Sorry if I haven't posted in a while, but you could probably surmise that the reason is closely linked to why this post it's at 4am...

Oh baby!

Coming up on 4 months and what a ride it continues to be.  The funny thing how nature works, she pushes your limits - I sweat it feels like just when you've had enough them something new happens and you're right back into it.  Something better happen soon because these 4am feeds are killing us!

Don't get me wrong we love being parents more than we could have ever imagined. But now as I walk down the street our in the mall and I see other parents, I find myself giving ' the nod'.  It's like a secret handshake or so, a subtle gesture that you share with only those who would understand and who understand you.  It almost feels like we're war vets who have gone through battle together - you share the same battle wounds, experiences and struggle but just don't talk about it anymore....just nod in knowing that you made it through, soldier. You made it through.