Memorial Stone #14 - Fatherhood

Last November when I started blogging my first few posts covered key events or changes in my life that I wanted to put down in writing. I called these posts "memorial stones" because they all are testimonies of God's love and faithfulness. This probably goes without saying, but becoming a father definitely qualifies as a memorial stone. Not only is Aidan a gift from God in and of himself, but my understanding of God as my Father is deepening tremendously.

The first days were hectic. We were so worn out that the line between dreams and reality was often blurred. I woke up one night thinking that Aidan was between my wife and me (some parents let newborns sleep with them in their bed, but we don't - just our own personal preference/comfort level because we don't want to roll over and hurt him). I didn't see him so I alarmingly looked on the floor thinking he fell off the bed. I woke my wife up and asked her where he was. She replied, "I'm feeding him right now." I then realized he was safe in his crib and we both were dreaming. We got a kick out of that one.

After about a week or so Aidan developed really bad colic. We tried several different relief remedies and nothing seemed to work. He was like that for a couple weeks and we were frazzled and at our wits' end. It tore at our hearts and made us think we were bad parents. He is just about over it now thanks to much prayer and two very good books: "The Happiest Baby on the Block" and "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer." Both have been enlightening and produced amazing results.

Last Friday Aidan smiled at me for the first time. I cannot describe how that felt. He smiled so big I saw his top gums where teeth will eventually be. As this becomes more regular I'll try to snap a pic of him. Oh yeah, more pics from the past month will be up shortly.

As it seems the norm the past few weeks, I am behind on blogging and reading others' blogs. Since I am rested enough to remember things like my address and how to spell my name correctly (both of which I had trouble with recently), I figure it's high time for regular posting again. For those of you who are still around, thank you again for your patience and blog friendship. God bless you!