First Father's Day

Luckily for Dad, Mom popped the little one out in time to celebrate Father's Day. Henry (with a little help from Mom, I suspect) picked out the cutest card. Less than 10 days old, and he already knows exactly how to tug at Dad's heartstrings. I mean it when I say that I'm keeping this card forever. Inside, it reads, "I'd follow you anywhere!"


Mom and I are trying to get in the swing of things early on, taking the little one out with us to do the things we would normally do. Today we went to the Arts Festival. Along for the ride, Henry's grandparents - my Mom, Lorrie, and my Stepfather, Alvin (the "Chinese Pierce Brosnan"). We found some cute things, but with the arrival of Henry, the price point at which we are willing to pull the trigger has receded. Greg Stones was there, who painted the two "Zombie Romance" watercolors for our anniversary a few years ago; We've now had two people suggest that we consider asking him to explore the idea of a zombie family.




While today's activities were fun, my overall mood is bittersweet; I'll be returning to work tomorrow. A week ago, time was at a standstill, and it felt like the days lasted forever. With the clock running out, I'm already sad for the time that I won't be able to spend with Henry. I've never noticed it before, but damn it, the days are just too short.

Henry, you've changed so much in just the few days you've been here. I can see the changes in you, especially in how you react to me and your Mom. You know our sound and our feel (Can you smell us, I wonder? You like it so warm in the house, is your little baby nose able to distinguish Mom's sweat from mine?). Dad's touch on your head and cheek is often enough to calm you down at night. The other day, you were inconsolable in your uncle's arms, but quieted almost immediately once I held you.

Son, I'm working to provide a life for you and your mother. It's a necessary evil, trading hours of time that I could be spending with you for the means to support our family. I hope that, as you grow older, you understand the reason I can't be with you all the time.