Well, it's day 6 and I'm pretty sure nobody is actually reading this anymore (I wouldn't), but what the heck - this blog site is free and what kind of a new dad would I be if I didn't waste everyone's time by forcing stories about my newborn son upon them.
The first few days back home felt extremely busy, yet it's difficult to relay any particular events of interest. Basically, it's watching Joey eat, sleep, eat, sleep, eat, sleep, eat, sleep, eat, poop, yeah! It turns out number twos are a good thing, so we're constantly rooting for them despite their olfactory consequences. Don't worry, I'll refrain from describing them in detail. For those of you with kids, you already know. For those of you having kids, you will soon know. And for the rest of you, you don't want to know.
The strangest thing so far has turned out to be this light blanket thing that we have to wrap around Joey because he's jaundice. This thing is straight of Star Trek. Basically, the base looks and sounds like a video projector and there's a tube coming out of it that connects to a blanket/strap thing. This blanket glows neon blue and has to be wrapped around our little guy's torso 24/7 for a few days. For this reason, I've begun calling him "Glowey." The strangest moment came last night when I woke up in the wee hours of the morning. Caught somewhere in the haze between sleep and reality, I looked about the room in utter confusion. There was a loud humming noise, the room was glowing with a neon blue hue, and I had no idea where I was (those of you who know me know that it takes me a while to wake up). I thought that I had somehow gone back in time 3 decades to the time of lava lamps and black light art. After scoping the walls and failing to find felt Led Zeppelin posters, I looked to my left and found that the source of the glow was coming from something under the blankets. I peeled back the covers and saw that a little body was the source. He looked like a hybrid of E.T. and Avatar. I was so out of it, I momentarily forgot that I had a son and I almost screamed. Anyway, the whole contraption is pretty futuristic and pretty cool I think since I'm kind of techie. The future is now folks, and my glowing blue baby is proof positive.
Lindsay is doing unbelievably fantastic. We went straight from the hospital to the Beall's house for a family BBQ. She was cruising around the house playing with her nieces as if nothing had changed. In fact, we later joked around that both of us forgot a few times that we even had a son. Lindsay is the best mother any little critter could ask for. She has to wake up every 2 hours to feed him in the middle of the night, but does so with joy - even telling me that it's like Christmas morning every time she wakes up and sees him snuggled up next to her.
Our dog, Walter, has taken the whole thing unbelievably well. He's taken it upon himself to be Joey's personal protector. Whenever Glowey cries, Walter sprints to him to ensure everything is OK and then lays down right below him. He needs to learn a thing or two about personal space, however. When Joey is on the couch, Walter loves to stick his face right in Joey's and lick his head.
We can't tell you all how much we've appreciated all your support in the forms of visits, calls, texts, notes, dinners...etc. It's such a blessing to have such a loving community and overwhelming support. We thank you all and send our love. When Joey is old enough, I'll make sure he makes it up to you all in one way or another. I'm guessing he'll be pretty tall, but if he's anything like his pops he won't be very adept at manual labor, so maybe he can change out your lightbulbs or something.
As for future posts on this blog, time will tell. If there's something interesting/entertaining to write about, I'll post it. We shall see. I'm pretty sure I've achieved annoying dad status already, but I don't want to push it.
Keep 'em coming Matt! This was great to read, and I love the picture of the new family at the bottom. Can't wait to meet him in person!
ReplyDeleteLove you guys,
Bob
I am still reading! I love it! I think it is so fantastic! Glad to hear everyone is doing well!
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Erin Cole
still reading too! amazing how technology has changed in just 3 years...emma had to lay on a "light table" @ home for 4 hours at a time...it was hard not to be able to hold her, so that wrap is a God-send! Linds, you look amazing:) you do not look like you JUST had a baby...he is precious, your writing is great, Matt & I hope I can come meet him soon. Hang in there - the sleeping will get better...then worse, then eventually better some day:) love you linds! xoxo
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are settling smoothly into parenthood... Joey is a cutie pie & Lindsay you look amazing, always have but can't believe you just delivered a baby last week!! Matt maybe you could post a photo of Lindsay looking exhausted & wiped out so the rest of us feel a little better :-o! Seriously, I can relate 100% to Lindsay's feeling of utter joy every time she gets to nurse her son, looks into his sweet tender new face & holds his perfectly created body... I still feell this way with our girl, (except I am not nursing her anymore at 22yrs. old & just moved hm from college!) I have always said we should have given K the middle name of Joy because she is such a Joy to behold and I will never grow tired of being her mother. Enjoy every minute you two & remember to make your marriage relationship a priority & then you will overflow onto Joey & loving harmony that will fill up your home. Blessings from our house to yours... want to stop by and see you soon!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous family!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, your posts are amazing! Thank you for sharing. Glad to hear everyone is healthy, happy, and adjusting nicely (knock on wood). Tell Linds I say hi. You guys have a beautiful family. I hope I get to meet little Joey one of these holidays when I'm in town, and I guess catch up with you two while I'm there as well ;) Take care!
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