March 12

As I cooked dinner Monday evening, a distant metallic scraping sound filled the air. The annoying noise seemed to be coming from outside. The sound magnified intensely from the side of our house as I opened the back door. I crossed my fingers, grabbed a flashlight, and investigated the situation as my fears were met. Weathered and tattered, our heat pump's fan finally snapped off of the motor housing. I called the HVAC repair company and they instructed us to switch our system over to Emergency Heat for the evening. Great, I thought.

We slipped on extra clothing and turned the thermostat way down.

Luckily, Tuesday morning the unit was repaired with a new fan. And, our house has reliable heat once again. Below are some photos of Daphne bundled up to avoid the cold chill...





Until tomorrow,
Dave T.

March 10

Today was my first day back to work since Daphne's birth. My metamorphosis into parenthood has affected my sleeping patterns and established a paradigm shift on my priorities (i.e., Nintendo and Hockey get downgraded a notch below playing with Daphne). Honestly, I still feel the same. I am not sure that I expected papa-tude to feel different. But now, my primary task is raising my child the best way I know how. Batteries not included.

Over the past week, two co-workers of mine have passed away (one from the flu last week, and the other from Diabetes today). It is somber and surreal to start losing acquaintances to death. Somehow, it makes you feel old and helpless.

Daphne was in rare form last night! Oh brother, she would not stop crying no matter how much we consoled her, burped her, rocked her, etc. So, Daddy Davey drove to the local 24-hour Kroger and purchased some Mylicon drops at 3am. The Gripe Water I raved about a few days ago did not seem to work well enough. I am still not convinced she has colic. Perhaps she has her days and nights mixed up, I cannot say. But, I definitely believe it relates to Jennie's C-Section medication (amoxicillin et al).

I pray tonight will be more restful. Its difficult for me to work productively while chugging coffee and splashing cold water on my face hourly. The bright spot on the horizon: Daphne should sleep through the night in a couple of weeks. Yay.

My one wish: a full night of contiguous sleep.

Photos shall be posted in the coming days.

Until tomorrow,
Dave T.

March 8

Eight day old Daphne is keeping us busy! Jennie is sending me out to Wal-Greens to buy some Mylicon drops (to help with fussy, gassy baby).

I tried to write a blog entry last night several times, but the crying baby took priority.

Jennie and I are tired, but managing to keep it all together...

Maybe I can upload some photos tonight?



EVENING UPDATE: 7:36pm CST
I just realized that tonight is Daylight Savings Time at 2am. Don't forget to set your clock 1 hour ahead.

This afternoon I bought some organic Gripe Water (and it really seems to be helping with Daphne's fussy behavior). She is sleeping like a champ now! Amazingly enough, we were able to take two naps today.

I did snap several cute photos today and maybe I will sort through them tomorrow while Jennie works on the numerous "Thank You" notes to be sent out.

More to come later,
Dave T.

March 6 Again...

Evening Update: Here are some photos as promised. Exhaustion has officially set in. Jennie and I are trying to nap whenever Daphne is zonked out, but the alarm clock seems to always buzz when we enter deep sleep. Breastfeeding every 3 hours is challenging!

Without further ado, here are some photos:

Good Things Come In Small Packages... (March 4)


Preparing To Leave the Hospital... (March 4)


Chillin' In My Bassinet (March 6)


Daddy Is JEALOUS Of My Hair! (March 6)


Me, Me, Me... (March 6)


Mommy's Little Doll (March 6)


Until later,
Dave T.

March 6

Photos coming today. Most likely in the late afternoon to evening -- it depends on if I get out to Target while Jennie rests, etc. I am trying to get my car in the shop today as well. Having one car functional is tough.

Yesterday we had two separate doctor appointments plus I went to the pharmacy and grocery store twice. We were "away from home" more than we were home, it seemed. Jennie's edema is pouring from a several inch incision in her belly. Her stomach was stapled, but a three inch portion of the sixteen inch slice is leaking fluid. I am having to scrub up, create a sterile environment, and cautiously pack her full of wicked cotton twice per day. I feel like Doctor Davey! No fainting allowed.

Jennie and I are absolutely exhausted! Breastfeeding our little pumpkin every 2 1/2 to 3 hours requires creativity (especially when you have to sneak a boob to baby during a chore).

Today *should* be our first day of rest at home since we arrived back from the hospital. We are getting about three to four hours of sleep per night at the moment. Yay.

I would not trade parenthood for anything in the world, but I want Jennie's C-section wounds to heal up timely and properly. And, Daphne has been terrific as well.

Today, I will take more photos and sort through the ones I have taken over the past few days as well.

Oh well, time to wake up Daphne for some more boob juice!

More later,
Dave T. (AKA, the most sleepy Dad I know)

March 4

Jennie, Daphne, and I were discharged from the hospital today around 1pm. I nervously drove home in the slow lane and kept my speed about 10 MPH under the speed limit on the interstate. Now that I am a Daddy, I must keep her safe!

Knowing that we had very limited groceries in our house, Jennie requested we stop by the Arby's drive thru for some nutritious food.

Tonight will be the first night Daphne sleeps at home. I know we will be constantly watching her to make sure she is doing fine.

I will post more photos soon!

Until tomorrow,
Dave T.

March 3

We are being discharged from the hospital on Tuesday, March 4 in the early afternoon. The doctor wanted Jennie to have an extra day of healing.

All is well. Enjoy the photos below of Daphne (3 days old):

Breastfeeding takes all my energy! hehehe


Big yawn...


I love playing with Daddy!


Happy little daffodil


Until later,
Dave T.

March 2 ... Part Deux

Jennie and I are enjoying the surprises of parenthood with each passing day. I know the crying at 3am, the endless surge of dirty diapers, and sleepless nights of exhaustion are only just beginning. I probably cannot even fathom how tired I will be over the next few months, but I would not trade it for anything in the world!

Yesterday morning, I silently cried (tears of joy) for half an hour on my rock hard hospital room couch while thinking about my little daffodil's future. We have been truly blessed to be given the opportunity to raise her. She will always be my little angel who cannot do any wrong.

I am so proud of my little girl...


Jennie is starting to recover nicely


Daphne is sleeping a lot right now


Until tomorrow,
Dave T.

March 2

Some new photos of Daphne...







Tentatively, we are scheduled for discharge Monday afternoon. We are anxious to get Daphne home. Jennie and I are exhausted -- off to bed now...

Until later,
Dave T.

March 1

Here are some photos of our sleeping beauty....





Until later,
Dave T.