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.

Thalia Lynn Plew
June 4th, 2007, 6:59PM
9 lbs 9 ounces

Hello, Thalia. This is your daddy. We’re going to have a lot of fun together. I can’t wait for you to teach me all of the great things a father can learn from his daughter!

I know you’re in the NICU right now, but that’s okay. You had your umbilical cord wrapped around your neck, what do you expect? The Nurse says we should have you here with us in the next day or two, so sit tight in your little warmer-bed.

—-

If you leap awake
In the mirror of a bad dream
And for a fraction of a second
You can’t remember where you are
Just open your window
And follow your memory upstream
To the meadow in the mountain
Where we counted every falling star

I believe the light that shines on you
Will shine on you forever
And though I can’t guarantee
There’s nothing scary hiding under your bed
I’m gonna stand guard
Like a postcard of a Golden Retriever
And never leave till I leave you
With a sweet dream in your head

I’m gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you’ll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
Who loved his daughter more than I love you

Trust your intuition
It’s just like going fishing
You cast your line
And hope you’ll get a bite
But you don’t need to waste your time
Worrying about the market place
Try to help the human race
Struggling to survive its harshest night

I’m gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you’ll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
Who loved his daughter more than I love you

I’m gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you’ll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
Who loved his daughter more than I love you