The Intermission, Part 3 - Who Knew the Baby Would Be the Easy One?

I feel like I'm starting to get really good at counting. That'll happen when a person decides to go and have two kids rather than just one. Now, instead of simply having to look after one kid, we have to keep tabs on two. While that seems rather obvious, one never really knows how things will change until the time comes.

I feel that this is a good opportunity for me to brag on Ethan for being the easiest baby ever. Despite our little ER adventure, he's basically been a dream. In fact, the only time he ever cries or shows any kind of distress is during diaper changes. I guess there's also occasional cries when he's ready to be fed but that's really pretty common. It's a long ways from the days of keeping earplugs readily available in every room of our house for Ellie.

Good baby. Nice baby.

Speaking of Ellie, she has actually been the biggest cause of stress in our lives since Ethan was born. I don't say that to be mean but that doesn't make it any less true. I've long written of Ellie's unyielding love for her mother or if I haven't, I always meant to. Basically what it all boils down to is that if Bethany is home, Ellie wants her nonstop attention.

It really doesn't matter what Bethany is doing. Just know that Ellie has to be right alongside her. This includes times such as feeding Ethan or taking a bathroom break. Believe it or not, Ellie has even morphed into Bethany's own personal alarm clock as she wakes up each day to the sight of two blue eyes staring her in the face.

The real difficulty with Ellie though has been in managing the tantrums that have become commonplace over the last couple of weeks. I'm not sure if it's due to her sleep quality being diminished due to Ethan's presence or something else but tantrums from Ellie have now become a daily part of our life. 

It's weird because there is no rhyme or reason to what's going to set her off. For example, one of Ellie's tantrums from today was a direct result of me telling her to stop licking a blanket. Yes, I had to tell my two-year-old that it is not socially acceptable behavior to lick a blanket. Never mind the fact that it was my blanket and I really didn't want unnecessary amounts of Ellie's slobber all over it. Those simple words led to my sweet girl throwing herself down on the floor and kicking and screaming until she finally wore herself out.

The biggest fight we've had lately revolves around Ellie's naps. For whatever reason, if Bethany is in the house, Ellie refuses to go down for a nap like she will when it's just me. Under normal circumstances, I help Ellie change into her pajamas and she hops straight into bed after giving me a hug, kiss, fist bump, high five, and "E.T." With Bethany around, things are much, much different though.

The initial call for a nap is met by the frantic screams of our daughter insisting we set a timer. I'm not sure where that originated from but she basically wants the timer to tell her when it is time to nap, not us. Once the timer goes off, we head upstairs where Ellie will begin to ask us for a bath and will eventually become angry at our refusal to bathe her at 12:00 in the afternoon. Once that argument ends and she is dressed, we'll head to her bedroom.

As soon as we arrive in her room, Ellie will begin requesting that we rock her. While we have no qualms with doing so at bedtime, that has never been the case at nap time and Ellie knows it. For the record, even if she is rocked, more fights ensue whether it be over the volume of her music or how she wants us to turn her nightlight on and off several times. 

The nightlight in question.

Finally, the time will come to leave the room with her tucked in bed and all bedtime protocol having been followed. Before we even make it down the hall, Ellie is out of bed and screaming like a banshee for Bethany to watch her sleep. At this point, no amount of talking can calm her. Generally, what ends up happening is I have to go in and lay down on top of Ellie (not too hard) while she is kicking and screaming on the floor until she gives up and agrees to go back to bed.

Honestly, we're just really hoping that Ellie gets back in some kind of routine soon. Otherwise it's going to be a long 10 weeks until Bethany goes back to work. Ugh, it's painful just thinking about it! #DaddyWrite

I'm not sure what Ellie's doing to her brother.

The Intermission, Part 2 - Ethan and the ER

There are certain topics that when posted are pretty much guaranteed to generate some hits. This is probably one of them. I should add the disclaimer here that per the wise counsel of my wife, I will be slightly vague. Never fear though as all of the high points will undoubtedly be revealed.

How my vagueness makes readers feel...

Today marked a big day for Ethan as it was time for his very first doctor's visit. With Ellie, this ended up being less a joy and more a frustration due to the fact that she spent most of the first year of her life at the bottom of the growth charts. Therefore there was always much concern from her doctor. I will say that some of it was probably warranted but most of it was probably an overreaction. That's ok though.

Back to Ethan. Amazingly enough, everything seemed great at first glance. For starters, he's actually almost back to his birth weight and only needs two more ounces to do so. Amazing for a child who hasn't even spent a full week out of the womb. He's also grown an inch longer to boot! 

While most things seemed pretty solid, it so happens that our doctor did find one cause for concern. Unfortunately for us (and Ethan), this was not something he could solve in the office. With that, Bethany sent me a text saying to get Ellie ready because we would be heading to Children's Mercy. Confusion pretty much reigned supreme at that moment until she called me with some additional details. As soon as Bethany arrived home, we quickly loaded up Ellie and headed south towards downtown. 

Upon arriving at Children's Mercy, imagine my surprise to have to go through a double check-in process. Not only did we have to do a formal registration with the front desk, but we also had to do a check-in with perhaps the least engaging security guard of all time. After a few minutes, we finally made it to the jungle-themed waiting room where I entertained Ellie with every toy in the place while Bethany waited with Ethan. Finally, the time had arrived for us to be called back.

Pictures weren't allowed inside the emergency room (obviously) so please enjoy this picture of my ID tag.

As soon as we reached our room, the first thing I was instructed to do was remove Ethan's diaper for a nurse to examine everything. Unfortunately for me, I was suddenly overcome by an extremely warm feeling while doing so. You see, Ethan had chosen that exact moment to empty his bladder all over the diaper, his clothes, my hand, and subsequently, the floor. Luckily for us, I had packed a change of clothes for just such an occasion.

With that, the nurse left the room, promising to be back shortly with the doctor. Now, I don't know if you have ever tried to keep a toddler occupied in a hospital emergency room but it's not an easy process. That's especially true when the only toys in said room are attached to the wall and kind of broken. Therefore, Ellie made her own entertainment by continually hopping on and off the bed and relentlessly wheeling a stool across the room. Mercifully, the ER doctor soon arrived.

After checking Ethan thoroughly, the ER doctor decided he needed to seek an outside opinion. With that, he snapped a photo of the issue and forwarded it to another department. He then left the room, essentially sentencing us to another round of bed jumps and stool pushing. Finally the specialist arrived to check out the issue. 

For the record, specialist might be a bit nice as this resident was somewhat unprepared for what he was getting into. Again, poor Ethan's diaper was removed so everything could be surveyed. About this time, poor Bethany was forced into starting her own "medical" career as she was asked to help hold Ethan down for his examination. Next thing we knew, a cart full of medical tools were being wheeled in and Bethany was not only having to hold down our son, but was also having to unwrap tools for the resident. About this time, Ellie became overwhelmed by everything going on and we stepped out just as a pair of ER doctors headed into our room to relieve Bethany of the duties she neither wanted or asked for. 

A visual representation of Bethany's medical career.

After spending a few minutes roaming the halls, Ellie and I wandered back into the exam room to find that everything was just fine. Well, almost everything. You see, there had been some casualties in the battle. In his frustration/anger/discomfort (whatever you want to call it), Ethan had made his displeasure known by urinating all over not one, not two, but all three doctors. Bonus points for the fact that he sprayed one doctor in the face so much that he had to step back to dry off his glasses before continuing.

With that, it was time for us to head home and bring a close to our morning of adventures. We were certainly grateful that nothing terrible was wrong with our son and it was an easy fix. We were also reminded that visiting the ER is never a fun filled time by the visage of an Amish father carrying a child underneath a pile of blankets while a concerned looking mother and grandmother trailed along behind. 

On a positive note, at least Ethan is now forever in the Children's Mercy database. I can say that with certainty since the lady checking us in actually found my results from my liver biopsy circa 2000 when listing me as Ethan's father. You're welcome for two generations of business, Children's Mercy! #DaddyWrite

The bookkeepers at Children's Mercy upon hearing that news.

The Intermission, Part 1 - New Beginnings

Hey, in case you're wondering, the final count for #DaddyWrite, pre-Ethan, ended up being 591 days. Hopefully you didn't really think that I would be done chronicling the lives of Ellie and now Ethan after only a couple of years. There's plenty more of potential opportunities to embarrass my children by chronicling their existence.

Obviously there are quite a few ways in which this post differs from the ones that have preceded it. For one, there's two kids now instead of just one. For another, Bethany's actually home with me which brings us to the title. It just didn't feel right to have a day counter running during Bethany's maternity leave. It also didn't feel right to just not write altogether for 12 weeks. Therefore, we have The Intermission.

As I write this, I'm actually the only member of my household that is still awake. Both kids are asleep so Bethany took the opportunity to get some much deserved rest of her own. Personally, I can't think of many better ways to end our first weekend as a family of four than by having Ethan snoozing in a bouncy seat just a couple of feet away. 

As Bethany so eloquently reminded me today, "someone" needed to write down some of the stories from our first four days at home with Ethan. Also, for the record, "someone" was code for me. For the record, these stories may or may not be in order as the last four days have kind of run together in my head.

From the time she returned to our house late Thursday afternoon, Ellie has been pretty much obsessed with her younger brother. It really doesn't matter what he's doing or where he is; she wants to be a part of it. If Bethany is feeding him, Ellie has her face right there watching every drink he takes. if it's time for a diaper change, there's Ellie precariously perching herself on top of the diaper pail in an attempt to see everything there is to see (Poor Ethan, he can't even hide his shame).  Of course, there are plenty of hugs and kisses for Ethan as well.

I have two stories from the first four days that are definitely ones to remember. The first revolves around what is currently Ellie's favorite library book, "One Special Day". It's a cute little story that ends with a little boy named Spencer meeting his new baby brother. As we had been reading this book for a couple of weeks before Ethan's arrival, Ellie had plenty of time to memorize all of the pictures in the book. Memorizing the pictures wasn't the only thing she wanted to do though. She also wanted to reenact them.

To be more specific, there was one particular photo she wanted to act out with Ethan. The final page of the book shows Spencer and his new baby brother laying side-by-side on a picnic blanket outdoors. Although it was way too cold for Ethan to be outside, that didn't stop Ellie from living her dream. First, she carefully spread out a quilt on the living room floor. Then, she laid down on the quilt by herself. Finally, she had us lay Ethan down next to her and directed us to take a picture of the moment. When you compare it to the picture in the book, it's actually a pretty good reenactment.

Believe it or not, Ellie actually took the photograph on the left.

I realize I've already droned on for over 500 words so I'll make this next story quick. Ellie and I headed to church this morning if for no other reason than to give Bethany and Ethan a break from big sister's constant vigilance. It wasn't a bad morning if I do say so myself. Once we arrived home though, Ellie's feelings for her brother became crystal clear. Rather than sitting down and taking her boots off like she normally would, Ellie instead made a beeline up the stairs to the living room where Ethan and Bethany were. She then ran straight to Ethan's bouncy seat, wrapped her arms around his little body, and loudly proclaimed, "I missed you, Ethan!".

I'd say that story right there sums up Ellie's love for her baby brother more than just about anything else could. Here's hoping that love continues to grow for days, weeks, months, and years to come. #DaddyWrite

Don't worry. There's still plenty of time for tomfoolery in House Holt.

Day 590 - In Conclusion...

In conclusion...

Those simple words portray a sense of finality to anything that both precedes and follows them. Odds are that anyone who has ever written a report has used those words on at least one occasion to signal the ending of said report. Of course, "In conclusion" isn't just used in reports. I, for one, liked to use it to wrap up any kind of oral report I was ever asked to give. 

Yes, it's cliché.

Yes, everyone uses it.

Yes, there's probably better ways to put a bow on things.

Do I care? No, I do not.

With that, let's hop to the conclusion.

Day 590. 

That number seems absolutely massive and overpowering as I look at it. If one was to add it all together, it'd make less than two years. However, when one takes the counting style (questionable though it may be) of #DaddyWrite into account, it comes out to somewhere around two and a half years. 

Isn't that insane to think about? It's been two years since I took a chance and decided to exit the work force in order to stay at home with Ellie full time. At the time, I was worried that I'd be making a huge mistake that I would come to regret. Today, that couldn't be further from the truth. 

It's been one of my favorite times of my life watching my daughter grow into the wonderful little girl she has become. While it's true that she can be a handful and that she absolutely drives me nuts at times, I wouldn't change anything that has happened. 

I realize this post makes it sound like I'm going back to work or something but that's not accurate. Instead, I feel it's important to document just how I'm feeling on what could be the final day of it being just Ellie and I. Yes, there's no Chewy yet but with his due date being Sunday, there is a strong possibility that today was the grand finale for our little Dynamic Duo, leaving us with nothing to show for it other than a mundane trip to Target.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not upset for Chewy's upcoming birth. Instead, I'm just waxing poetic about what has been and what is to come. Like many other people, I really don't enjoy big changes. The unknown of what lies ahead is always frightening. Also, knowing that the special relationship I've built with my daughter will definitely change moving forward is both a sobering and exciting proposition.

I should probably explain myself. It's sobering because it's been just the two of us for so long and that will no longer be the case. The days of us easily being able to take off on an adventure whenever we want is probably over. There will definitely be more planning to all that we do. 

For Ellie, the presence of little Chewy will mean that my attention will be divided from this time forward. I'm sorry to have to write these words but I've definitely taken the time I have with Ellie for granted. It's like I just woke up today to discover she's only five months away from turning three years old. It's absolutely nuts. What's next? Preschool. Kindergarten. Elementary school. Middle school. High school. Then she's out the door and off to college.

There is an excitement factor to all of this though. You see, as my daughter grows and develops, our relationship deepens and gets more and more fun. It's already gone from one where I essentially talk to myself all day long to one where she and I converse back and forth. We can actually discuss her likes and dislike which is really cool. Also, rather than me planning everything we do, Ellie has the ability to voice her own thoughts and desires.

As she continues to grow, change, and develop, I actually look forward to some of the changes in our relationship. I see the deep relationships that some of the spiritual mentors in my life have with their daughters and I cannot wait to share those experiences with Ellie.

I know having a son is going to be really fun. However, I don't want to lose sight of just how special Ellie is, has been, and will continue to be to me. The great thing is that if she ever doubts that to be the case, there's 270-something blog posts to this point showing how much I care for and adore her. #DaddyWrite