So many firsts!

MICAH'S FIRST ASTRO'S GAME!

It's been longer than usual since our last post and that's because Micah's cough turned into a cold, complete with fever and everything, and then he graciously passed it along to me and Terry.





It was the first, of what I'm sure will be many times when Terry and I are both sick and have to manage to keep Micah happy. I think by the weekend, we'll all be 100% better.





It's funny how much you enjoy all of Micah's firsts. Of course, we didn't enjoy the first time he was sick. But, there was a moment, during the mayhem, where I kind of sat back and mentally crossed another first off of the list.





It's like I've got an imaginary lists of all of the many, many things that Micah will experience. From the first time he put his feet on the grass to the first time he'll go swimming, to his first girlfriend, and his first wife (kidding!).





Terry and I have become so protective of our little families firsts. As you all know, Terry and I are pretty introverted and private. We've always enjoyed just being together more than anything else. Lock us up in an empty room and a week later we'll come out giggling. Now, our little clique has expanded and we're just as excited about our alone time with Micah.





We aren't above the cliches- we sit and watch him play and laugh. We say a million times a day, "Isn't he cute?" and we imagine what he'll be like when he's 5, 10, or 50.





I'm so careful during the days I spend at home alone with Micah, that we don't do one thing that could qualify as a 'first'. Terry should get to be a part of as many of those as he can. And so far, he has. We're lucky that Terry gets one day a week to be home alone with Micah. It's a luxury many dads of this generation, and hardly no dads of the past generation, got to take part in.





We'd never expected what a fiercely private thing becoming a family would be. There's this extreme passion that comes with having your own child and it makes you so closely evaluate your life. If ever you had a bad habit, having a child will be the push you need to quit. Having a tiny, innocent, baby in your care makes you set your standards higher and stop being lazy. In a way, it makes you a better person by causing you to decide where you stand on issues and then stand by those convictions. It makes you stronger. It's the most important thing you'll ever do and when you realize that, you step up in every way possible.





And you get rewarded dearly for all the effort. Micah is an extremely happy baby, and each smile is so special. His little shriek that follows his heartiest laugh is like a little bit of heaven. And the attitude that we're beginning to see come out makes us laugh, even when it can be a scary sign of days to come! :)





Having a baby is hard work. It's demanding and tiring, and doesn't always leave you with quality time to spend as a couple, but every time Terry and I get to experience a first, it's somehow nourishing to our relationship. I love Terry more every time I see him and Micah chatting and laughing at nothing in particular. There's magic in those moments, and I can't wait to cross more of those firsts off the list.