NewPlew

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.