Evan's Blog. Meh.

Today is Chloe’s first birthday.  It’s been 365 days since a doctor handed me a crying six pound baby.  I was so overwhelmed at that moment I did not really know what to do.  I think I said “hi.”  The next few hours and days were quite scripted: family, nurses, lessons, sleep, food, repeat.  Next thing I know I’m sitting in my living room holding a baby.

Flash forward to today and I can change a diaper with one hand.  I’ve done things I literally could not have imagined I would ever do (will spare you the details but many of them involve snot, poop, chewed up food and vomit).  Some of my proudest moments include singing Chloe to sleep when she was upset and figuring out how to put together everything we bought (to the people at Fisher Price who make the Zen Cradle Swing: f@%k you).

I know this sounds cliche but you can’t know what it means to be a parent until you are one; it is the hardest thing I’ve ever done yet also the most rewarding.  I’ve had some dark days (and nights) but have also experienced highs I did not know existed.  I also have a new-found respect and appreciation for all the parents out there - especially my own.

Along the way I discovered that my wife is a terrific mom.  I never really thought about Linds as a mom until we had Chloe.  She continues to amaze me to this day.  She just knows what to do.  And Chloe looks to her for the love, support and comfort only she can provide.  And it’s always there.  Even after sleepless nights or marathon conference calls or business trips.  Linds has been there 100% of the time (for both of us).  Watching their relationship grow has been a wonderful experience for me.  Their bond gives me strength.  Chloe would not be the amazing, happy, full-of-life baby she is if not for her mom.  

I could not have gotten through this first year with the support of my family.  My mom came over every Tuesday for the first few months to be with Chloe so Linds could get some rest, take walks and just be outside doing adult stuff.  And my sister (“Auntie Val”) has watched Chloe almost every Sunday night since she was born so Linds and I could go out and have dinner.  These Sunday dinners were - and still are - such an important part of our lives.  And for the past three months I’ve been taking Chloe over to my folk’s house every Saturday for lunch and play time.  I’ll always cherish this time we have together.

And then there is my Tumblr family: friends who knew me before Chloe was born and new friends I’ve made since she arrived.  Sharing this year with you has been so much fun.  Your comments, ideas, opinions, suggestions and encouragement have meant the world to me.  And to all my parent buddies (you know who you are): I love playing in this virtual playground with you.  Keep those pics coming!

Bring on year two.