NewPlew

I’ve noticed myself looking at my watch more and more these days. At work, out with my friends, wherever - constantly glancing at my watch. “Yup, it’s ten seconds later than it was ten seconds ago.”

I think it’s because I don’t want to miss a thing with Thalia. I really love her. I love seeing her smile, listening to her sing-song way of chanting da-da-da-da to me on the way to the sitter. There’s something so interesting, looking into her tired eyes as she grumpily screeches, fighting the natural urge to sleep.  See - she thinks she’s going to miss something, too.

We’ve had Thalia at home for over a year now, and it’s been the ultimate test. I won’t know if I passed until she’s grown, but I like to think I’m at least not screwing things up to the point of no return.

Jo’s been gently reminding me (to death) about our need to have Thalia’s one-year photos taken. I just wish I had a better camera; we could do this on our own! Anyone have a good, affordable photographer in the Indy area they can recommend?

Next week is Thalia’s birthday. Holy cow.

I’ve been so busy with life that I’ve neglected to do what I intended this blog to do - catalog Thalia’s first years on this earth, and my experiences guiding her safely into adulthood.

So many things have changed since she showed up. I don’t mean the constant struggle to keep things clean, the constant vigilance against her illogical desire to eat carpet fuzz, the constant worry about lead toys or food-borne bacteria. I mean fundamental changes, like how every day I wake up at 7:30 AM. No alarm clock, not crying baby, nothing at all needed. It just happens. Or how when I watch a parent futilely attempt to calm their baby in the middle of a crowded restaurant, my first reaction isn’t to roll my eyes and wonder why they don’t just take the little screamer away to somewhere more secluded. I just give a sympathetic nod: I feel your pain, brother. 

Thalia has unlocked a joy in my soul that I have never felt. I love picking her up out of her crib in the morning and giving her a big hug and kiss. I love that just thinking about this makes me shed a tear of heartfelt happiness and gratitude that my life includes this little girl. Sappy? Cheesy? No. It’s real, true, unconditional love. Let me tell you - it is a feeling that just doesn’t go away.

Even in the worst of times - teething, tired, and ticked-off, she’s still better than most of the other things I have in my life. And to know that I have such a great partner-in-crime as Joanna to back me up. Well, it makes all the difference in the world.

Joanna and I have been transformed by Thalia. We’ve been thru the gauntlet of high temperatures, long nights, philosophical (loud) disagreements,  and epically-nasty diapers and we’ve come out stronger in our love for one another. My faith in her is greater and stronger than it has ever been. And to think, October 2008 will be our 10th Anniversary.

Thanks, Thalia. In just one year, you’ve vetted me for a lifetime of parenting. I love you and can’t wait to see where you take me next on this long walk called life.

No, not for Thalia, but for me. I’m leaving the familiar digs of IUPUI for the friendly confines of TGFI.net. I’ll do some consulting and a lot of coding, kind of like what I do now, only for an actual design firm. Consider me totally psyched.

Coincidentally, I’ll be starting my new job the day before we move out of our too-small Apartment into a yet-to-be-found home. Finding a home for rent in Franklin Twp. has proven to be tougher than I thought. Here’s hoping we come up with a few good candidates this week.