Day 239 - Baby's First Great American Eclipse

I think it's common knowledge that parents never cease to worry about their child. At least, I'm guessing that statement is fairly accurate since I've heard it from both types of parents. You know, the overwhelmingly overbearing type versus the laid-back, no worries types. As someone who falls more towards the no worries side of the fence, it's pretty rare that I find myself super worried about Ellie. I generally like to give her space to explore and discover her world around her while attempting not to hover. However, that being said, today marked one of those days when I was really worried about Ellie and it almost caused me to miss something really cool.

Anyone understand why I used this gif? Drop a comment if you do!

Just in case you've been living under some kind of rock for the last few months (or years), today marked the long-anticipated Great American Eclipse. If you want me to be really specific, it was a solar eclipse, not a lunar one. Needless to say, I've had my eclipse glasses in hand for at least a month awaiting this day. By the way, don't forget to take your used eclipse glasses to Chick-Fil-A on Barry Road Tuesday morning for a free Chicken Biscuit.

Taking the excitement for the day into account, you can imagine my disappointment when I wondered if I'd even get a chance to watch the eclipse.  The reasons were twofold. Number one, and most pressing, the weather report was not in our favor today. At least that's what my WeatherBug app told me this morning as I logged on to see 100% chances of rain from 11 am until 2 pm. Even if the weather cleared, I still didn't know if I'd get to watch the eclipse. Why? I was super worried I wouldn't be able to keep Ellie from staring up at the sky. 

As Kansas City residents know, problem one solved itself as the heavy cloud cover lifted, leaving only a hazy sky in its wake. Problem two was still an issue, at least in my mind. As 11:00 came and the sun began to disappear, I began receiving texts from Bethany about how awesome it was. Then, she finally asked if I was watching it too. Ashamed, I responded with a no. When asked why, I told her Ellie was awake and I didn't want her to unknowingly damage her eyes. Bethany, ever the voice of reason, then engaged me in a conversation on the subject matter.

"Do you ever just stare at the sun for no reason?"

"Well, no."

"Have you ever seen Ellie just stare at the sun for no reason?"

"No."

"Well, if she's never just stared up at the sun, why would she start now?"

It was then that I pretty much realized all of my fears were in vain. Bethany was right; there was no reason Ellie would decide to just stare unblinkingly into the sun. First of all, that would really hurt her eyes and she would likely blink when it began doing so. I mean no human being is just going to stare at the sun with zero protection for their eyes.

Ok, there is one human being that might...

With that, Ellie and I headed outside onto our back porch where I pulled up a couple of deck chairs for us to sit in. Ellie didn't stay put for long, instead preferring to crawl around the deck and explore while I intermittingly stared at the sun, through my eclipse glasses of course. As the sky began to darken and the air began to cool, I found myself totally in awe of God's majesty and power. I don't believe (or want to believe) something like that happens randomly.

There was one more highlight before the sky cleared though. Once our porch turned dark as night, Ellie crawled back over to me and tugged at my shorts until I lifted her up onto my lap. Then, she snuggled her head into my chest as we sat there in the darkness, cicadas chirping in the background. I'm not sure if she was spooked or what; I don't really care. It was just a nice experience to share with her even if she won't remember it.

And hey, if I want to make certain she does, then we'll just have to head to the Missouri boothill in 2024. Although, judging by this one, we should probably book lodging now. People be crazy when their sun disappears from the sky.  #DaddyWrite

My eyes look weird, but at least the baby's cute...