Happy Birthday, Diaper Dweller!

Captain’s Log.  Daddy Chronicles.  Diaper Date 1709.

The Diaper Dweller is finally one.  Scary thought.

So here is the funny thing.  Over a year ago, I offered to resign from my baseball coaching position because I was afraid of being on some dusty field and my son being born without me.  Mrs. Captain reminded me that it might be nice to have that coaching check since we have to pay to bring the child home.  Hmm.  Not a bad point.  So I spent a middle school season driving to away games, cell phone set on stun, ready to get the AT&T call to the hospital bullpen to play Johnny Bench and catch my son as he was born.

He had other plans.

As it turns out, the Diaper Dweller is a pretty courteous fellow.  The night after the last game of the season – he decided it was time.

And so it came to be that on May 18th, 2011, the Diaper Dweller was born – and our world completely changed…again.  He hung out in a delivery room for about an hour before we named him (hint: it was not Diaper Dweller) or had an official weight or height. This is in stark difference to The Eldest who was name within minutes of being born.  The other big difference?  The hospital referred to me as the “alleged father”.  That one still sticks in my craw.  It’s a good thing they called me that over the phone.

I am proud to say that I survived both deliveries and did not pass out either time.  The mistake I made the first time was leaving the room to call my family (they are 5 hours away).  When I returned, I thought I would be the second to hold the child.  When we got home and I saw the pictures there were about 40 other people who had held my daughter and had their picture taken with her (including a stranger, I think).  This time I stayed in the room.  Staked out my game and grabbed the boy as soon as Mrs. Captain would let me.  Even though he had no name, weight, or length.  He was simply “my son”.

Mrs. Captain was a superhero.  She delivered with no drugs and in what seemed like record time.  We didn’t leave for the hospital until she felt the contractions were close enough together.  The nurse joked that they had some people deliver in the doorway of the delivery room.  I was legitimately concerned.  But all went well.

It has been a crazy year, but a good one (the hardest part is described in this Life of Dad post).  The Eldest has relished the role of the big sister.  Mrs. Captain and I have adapted to life with two kids.

What’s the difference? Have you ever juggled?

They say the difference between one and two is greater than two and three.  I don’t know if it is true, but I think I understand it.

Previously…when the girl would nap, you could nap.

Now…when the boy naps, it is an opportunity to lavish attention on the Eldest.

Previously…when packing for trips, we had it down to a science.  One extra bag (or two).

Now…Diaper bag, kids (of the doll variety), stroller, snacks, etc.  It is twice the packing.

Previously…We had taken down some of the baby proofing.

Now…Not only do we have to baby proof when she is being “quiet”our stuff, but we have to guard The Eldest’s stuff as well.

Previously…Meals were relatively easy.  No more high chair.

Now…High chair, arguing over food before dessert, bibs, cutting small pieces of everything…again.

Previously… Noise wasn’t a huge issue.

Now…Walk in the house too loudly as the boy is going down for a nap and he might not.  Getting The Eldest to realize how loud she is when she is trying to be “quiet” is a task.  And sometimes funny.

Life has changed again, but in a fun way.  It is not always easy.  It requires all of us to make adjustments, but it is worth it.

I look forward to the mess the Diaper Dweller will make when it is cake time.  We will report back after the big party.  Until then…

Happy Birthday, Diaper Dweller!

Captain out.

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