My First Father's Day

364 days of Fatherhood before I truly had my first Father’s Day.  I think for most expectant dads it’s not really official until you can hold your child.  Months before Brody was born I had asked Doctor Thomas (Doctor T) if I could assist with the delivery.  Doctor T knew I was in paramedic school and said she had no problem with me assisting with the delivery.  Jackie was a little concerned with how serious I would be and told me if I made one joke while in the delivery room the deal is off.  The day finally came and I have to admit I was a little nervous about following through with my plan.  I kept on thinking what if I pass out or drop my baby!  Doctor T had definitely not forgotten and called me over to get my gown on and glove up.  When I was ready she called me over and showed me the top of Brody’s head.  He had hair and lots of it!  It was incredible.  Jackie was pushing and I was pulling when the doctor told me to.  Out came the head.  I was holding his head and the doctor suctioned the mouth and nose.  “Just one more push” she told Jackie as she showed me where to put my fingers in Brody’s armpits to pull.  Brody’s bubble butt got caught and with one coordinated push from Jackie and me pulling he was out!  My exact words were “This is awesome.”  Since that day have been some of the most incredible moments of my life.

After the delivery, the nurses took Brody from the delivery room for all his tests and routine check ups.  I got to go along and be by his side the entire time.  But it was a couple hours before I could hold him again. 

Two days later, Brody came home.  We brought Wrigley out to the car to introduce him to Brody.  He was so excited to have Jackie back.  But, he sure was interested in Brody.  He had to be in the same room with him.  This was the first time Brody was in his room.  We rocked him to sleep and just hung out for a little bit.  We spent so much time getting the room ready we had to spend a little time in there.

This is Jackie's favorite photo of the two of us.  Brody was only two weeks old at the time.  I would say life is just about perfect in this moment.

First trip to a professional photographer.  We had to get a 3 generation photo for Papa Clark.  Brody was a trooper and hardly cried.  Abba photography was so patient and let Brody take a naps between photo sessions.

"My Boys"  Yes, even Wrigley has a cubs Jersey.  The Cubs were playing the Cardinals on this day and we had to do 

our part to bring them some luck.

On Sept. 1st Brody had to get his first round of shots.  He was such a trooper during the appointment and only cried for a little bit.  When we got home he went straight to sleep and we thought "Wow, that was easy".  Around 2pm he woke up, I think the pain had finally set in.  And sometimes, babies just need their Mommy to make it all better.  Thank you to my wonderful wife for being such a great Mom.

Happy Halloween!  I had to work that night so Jackie brought Brody to the station in his costume and we went next door to Dee's to Trick or Treat.  Thank you to Krista and Brent for the costume.  Brody was so happy he could be just like his cool cousin Bray!

Oh the days when he just wanted to lay with you.  Now if you aren't doing something he finds entertaining.  He's on to the next cool thing he sees!

Christmas in Illinois.  First time in snow.  For this picture i think we were outside for two minutes and his little nose was already turning red.  Go Bears!!

A great Sunday afternoon watching the Bears play.

Swimming in February is awesome.  Sure is nice to be a Florida boy.  Wrigley was running around the pool for 5 minutes before he finally jumped in.  They play so well together.

I turned 30 this year.  I couldn't be happier with my life!

Thank you Jennydensonphotography for some great photos!!

Our first family vacation.  One week at a beach house in Fernandina Beach.  We were on a sunrise walk and Brody was still a little tired.  Definitely one of my favorite photos!

On the days we didn't go for a walk.  Brody and I went for a bike ride.  The new bike seats allow the child to ride in front of you and see the world.  Sure beats staring at my sweaty back.

And here is my little man looking so grown up already.  Brody, you make fatherhood a joy! 

 I love you