Steely Dad

Two years ago today, Mommy was in the operating room and I, dressed in full operating scrubs, was sitting in a long, sterile corridor waiting for the doctor to summon me. The excitement of your arrival was a continuation from the day before, when we witnessed one of the best Super Bowls of all time, the NY Giants besting, until that point, the undefeated New England Patriots on an improbable last-minute drive. It was a harbinger of good things to come.

Although I had been guessing you were a girl from the day we found out Mommy was going to have a baby, as I waited, I had this incredibly clear vision that I was about to meet my baby princess. Suddenly, it dawned on me: what if you were a boy? And even though my gut feeling was undeniable, I had to be prepared. Of course, we could’ve abated our curiosity 20 weeks earlier at the ultrasound appointment but Mommy and Daddy wanted to torture themselves. In any case, it was well worth the wait.

Why were we in the O.R. instead of a nice, cozy birthing room? Good question. Being someone with a penchant for flair, you decided to flip yourself Week 38. Yup, you were in the homestretch and thought, I want to be sunny side up. Mommy was none too pleased.

The waiting was over. show time! I followed the doctor into the operating room where Mommy was waiting, scared to death, but patiently. Although I wanted to be “below the equator” to watch all the action, the doctors preferred I wait by Mommy’s head. Not to be deterred, I still took some peeks over the curtain.

Finally, after some manipulations and maneuvers, the doctor lifted up your tiny, beautiful body in all its glory. And although I knew it as soon as I saw you, Doctor B announced, “It’s a girl!” Involuntarily, my hands went to the top of my head and the tears flowed in a deluge of pure, overwhelming joy. I couldn’t believe I was blessed again, this time with a perfect baby girl. My princess.

So today we celebrate a truly special day, one that I will always cherish and remember for all of time. Happy birthday, Ivria Ruth, I love you forever and always.

PS Enjoy the homemade Foofa cake! Yo Gabba Gabba!

It was four years ago today. Mommy and I were anxiously awaiting your arrival into our world. We were in the hospital room, Mommy in the bed, Dr. B and I watching the Padres take on the Cardinals during the MLB playoffs.

You were going to be our first baby. We were beyond excited to meet you.

So we waited, and waited.

And then…

You decided it was time to introduce yourself.

As I was watching in complete amazement, I saw the crown of your head. I was completely overcome with emotion at the power and miracle of life. I fell in love with you right then and there as I knew that I had been touched by G-d. I could no longer hold back the joy that rained from my eyes.

I never knew how much a parent could love a child until that moment when I saw you in your full naked spledor, screaming, crying, letting the world know that you had arrived and it should take notice.

I guessed you had to be around 8.5 pounds. I was astonished when you tipped the scale at 9 pounds 11 ounces.

I now had a son, a beautiful baby boy who I would love and cherish.

I am honored to be your daddy.

It was four years ago today but it seems like it was only yesterday.

I love you, Hogan Isaac, forever and always. Happy birthday, big boy!

Love,
Daddy