Family Funday Sunday

Today, Kiwi and I kind of resumed our weekly routine that we used to do on Sunday’s before Razz joined us.  Sunday used to be the day we would sleep in.  Once we were up and around, we would pull ourselves together and go out to breakfast somewhere in town.  We have about 5 favorite places that we frequent around town for breakfast.  I’m not certain why we are both so enamored with breakfast, but that is our meal of choice to have served to us.  How do you like your eggs?

After our meal and showing off Razz to the manager of one of our favorite restaurants, we went to Babies R Us to pick up some non essentials.  Ladies and Gentlemen, if you’ve never stepped inside a Babies R Us, you should.  To quote my cousin, they are the enemy.  I have to agree with him.  Half of the stuff inside their store you never need, but their helpful marketing and pregnancy consultants will try their best to convince you otherwise.  We had to return some things to get different sizes and colors, and definitely took advantage of their winter clearance sale.  Razz already has his winter coat for the fall and winter of 2011.

After that trip, we tried to interest Razz in the NFC Championship game and a bottle, but decided a nap was more his speed.  Some shepherd’s pie for supper, and we’re biding our time till bath time.  Returning to work full time on Monday is going to be a huge adjustment for me.  I’m excited to return to the office full time because working part time leaves me with a void but I’m apprehensive in how my adjustment will be handled by all in the house.  It happens every day around the world, so I’m not certain what I’m nervous about.  Just another day in the life!

Five Tips for the New Father

Baby Razz watching me multi-task.

1.     Become the Ultimate Multi-Tasker – If you aren’t already someone who can do more than one thing at the same time, figure it out.  Being able to have a load of laundry washing, while your washing bottles and cooking a quick dinner all while you talk to your family on the phone is crucial.  I haven’t mastered it just yet, but I’m getting much better than I was two weeks ago.  I find a Bluetooth headset to be an essential part of making multi-tasking easier, click here for some reviews.  Being able to focus is key, too.  Prioritize your to do list and your life will be much easier.  If you don’t have a to do list, get one.

2.     Laundry (Learn It, Live It, Love It) – You may have never washed a load of towels in your life.  Folding might seem like learning Russian to you, but I would suggest learning it.  Since our return from the hospital I feel that our washer and dryer have run non-stop.  There are many things worse than washing and folding clothes.  It will make your life easier because it’s one less thing your wife has to do, and she will appreciate your efforts.  If she doesn't, well my friend, you have bigger problems.

3.     When Baby Sleeps, You Sleep – Even if it’s a 20 minute nap, when the baby decides to take his or her nap, take yours.  Your body will greatly appreciate you later.  It took me 10 days to learn this, but I’ve finally taken it to heart.

4.     Remember that Can’t Miss Game? – The National Championship is on?  Big deal.  Your alma mater is playing Duke in basketball? Catch the highlights on ESPN.  That’s what ESPN News is for.  Sure, it’s not as fun and you may have missed the controversial call that was a huge momentum swing in the game, but you have bigger fish to fry.



5.   Imitate a NASCAR Pit Crew – When it is diaper change time, you want to make certain that you get everything clean down there for baby.  You would want the same done for you.  But, when the bottom meets the changing pad, you want to be quick and efficient.  Get it off, get it changed, get a fresh one back on.  Failure to do so will result in a load of laundry.  Baby’s body has a tough time regulating their own temperature very well.  When cold air meets warm body part, it usually results in uncontrollable urination.  Really not fun to deal with.  Really, really not fun when you have to wash the changing pad cover, the onesie and sleep sack the child was in.  Be quick about it, everyone will appreciate it in the end.

Hurricane Razz

WOW.

That’s really all I have.  My son Razz joined us on this earth last Friday at 3:15 in the morning.  Our journey to that point was boring at times, chaotic at others but worth the price of admission in the end.  We spent a good portion of that day just waiting.  Waiting for a room, waiting for the medicine to work, waiting for the Doctor.  I’m not a big fan of waiting, neither is Kiwi.  Hurry up and wait.  We did a lot of that.

The wait was worth it though as Razz is a blessing.  His innocence and personality are awe inspiring.  He’s had somewhat of a rough go of it thus far as he had a rough delivery and is still battling a case of jaundice.

So since we brought him home on Monday, we’ve been on a roller coaster of sorts.  Coming home meant we were on our own.  No nursing staff or lactation consultants to help us out.  I know that the hospital is supposed to be a place for healing but it is impossible to get any rest in a hospital unless you’re in a coma. Somebody is coming in your room, on average, about every 45 minutes.  I timed it, and got the average.  It was redunkuless.

I’ve experienced the gamut of bodily functions in the last week, too.  #1 and #2 don’t bother me all that much.  I can deal.  #3 (vomit) on the other hand, I don’t do so well.  Poor Kiwi, bless her heart, had such a rough delivery that I got my fill of #3 for the next 5 years in about a 12 hour time span.



Razz is here and Kiwi and he are both healthy and safe at home.  I’m trying my best to keep the laundry beat down as the pile seems now to be never ending.  Sleep has never been so precious.  Neither has my son, Razz.