Dad 2022. 10 Days.

Today you are ten days old. To celebrate, I woke up at three in the morning and fed you a bottle of mom’s milk. You and I sat on the couch by the soft lamplight. After a while, Apricot came downstairs to join us. I had the TV on low. I watched you slowly drink and I was so glad that I could do this for you. Then when you were done I laid you in the baby lounger on the coffee table in front of me, and in no time you nodded off. This all means that mom is going to be able to sleep twice as long as she’s been able to sleep since the minute you were born.

It’s been a busy few days for you. Nana walks over from her hotel each morning and spends the day with us. Yesterday she took you outside, to the back patio, where she sat with you in her arms for hours. You got to listen to birds and the fountain and the distant sounds of a big world. Yesterday we also gave you a bath, but just with a sponge. Mom, Nana, Apricot, and I all crowded into the small bathroom and hovered over your tub to witness the event. Every first is only a first once.

Your grandfather, your Nonno, also came to see you this week for a spell. You are getting to know your people. Much of our family lives far, but they are traveling the distance to get a look at you. Love is on the move.

I feel a profound calm and my heart is full. Your mom and I have been waiting our whole lives for you, and here you are. Ten days old, all light and grace, a stunner.