Reaction time.

We have now completed 2 round trips to Wilmington. They went off with no problem. Ella was in great hands with my mother one 2-3 occasions so we could go out to eat.

This writing will be about a different family, a family that I have come to know so well and that has come to know me just as well. A family that has been there for me since the death of my birth father in 1998. We hear and say on a regular basis that just because gives birth to you, does not make that person a parent. This is true with people that DID NOT have parents that loved them. You see, in my situation I had two fantastic and loving parents. My mother is still in this world and loves me to this day. She has become a smashing grand parent.

You see, around that time (1997-1998) I had cool Sunday School teachers at the time. They only taught Sunday School once every 4-6 weeks. But no one is my high school Sunday School class wanted to miss the Sundays when "they" taught.

The Carters were the awesome teachers that I speak of.

Around the time that my father died, I only had know the Carters for about 5-6 months. Once my father died we became closer. I began to watch their children for them once a month or so and became pretty close with their extended family. Till this day, Mary Beth asks me if I have met ****** or *****. She forgets that I met these people 10 years ago.

While I won't bore you with anymore mushy details, I will tell you that they are awesome til this day.

I have seen their children grow up, one graduate from High School, one turn from a cute little girl to a beautiful woman, and the youngest grow from 3 feet tall to 6feet 2 inches. (or something.) The Carters accepted my wife Tessa from day one and now accept my daughter. Mike and Mary Beth are very prominent and well know doctors in the Wilmington area, who do not apologize about treating the patient and not just the symptoms. They treat their patients as they would someone in their family and they treat me as part of their family.

I am allowed to show up as I please, eat what I want, and say what I please. I can have heated discussions with Mary Beth about Religion and Politics, then tell her I love her after them. (OK... AND HUG for all you SICKO'S)

So.... Why did I title this post "Reaction Time"??

The reason this came to heart is because when Mike saw my daughter for the first time and picked her up, his reply was " Come to Grandpa" (REACTION)Need I say more? I shouldn't... but I am.

As a gift to Tessa and I getting married, Mike and Mary-Beth wanted to throw us a Wedding Brunch. (REACTION) When Ella was born, Mary Beth being a pediatrician gave us 24 hr phone call privileges if we had questions or problems. (REACTION)

Now, you look back at the friends in your life and tell me how many would talk to hell and back for you. One, Two, or maybe three? I know one that would for my family.

We are talking about friends that have truly become family members. Friends that you would introduce as your family.

My dad use to tell me, " You will probably only have 1-5 BEST friends in your life". He was right. However, the Carters are my family. No friendship there... All love. Today, love is my reaction for them.

Until next time... Be real, pray, and bless someone. Life is sooo short. BTW- Ella is 9lbs. 04 oz.

WOW!!

Pack her up.

Hello Readers,

With a new baby sometimes it's not always easy to find the time to blog. However, I have a little time now. Last Thursday evening which was the 6th of Aug, Tessa and I began our planning process for the first road trip to Wilmington. We decided that we would write down a list of things that Ella needed for this trip. Tessa and I were really not concerned with ourselves as our packing needs really have not changed. Once we made the list, we began to pack Ella's things and lay them in the middle of the living room. This would make it easier for us to pack the car.

Friday morning we packed the car and headed to Ella's Doctors appointment. This was her 3 week checkup. She is completely healthy and now a whopping 8lbs.
Off we went to Wilmington. We figured Ella would sleep the majority of the way, which she did and we would make a stop half way.
We stopped in shitty Lauringburg to get gas and let Ella eat. I would like to know, why Tessa can not feed in the backseat while I drive. That seems to be a stupid law to me. Did you know that the FAA required that children under the age of 2 are NOT in a car seat during takeoff and landing. Studies have shown that the infant is more secure in the arms of a loving parent.
Anyhow, there goes that rule.
We arrived in Wilmington in just over 3 and half hours. My mom met us at the end of the driveway. She is crazy for this child.
This was the first time that we would be leaving Ella with anyone for a extended period of time. But we were more than happy to leave her with my mom. We knew should would be well taken care of. Tessa and I went out for my 10 year class reunion Friday and Saturday night.

The trip has gone very well... What is the purpose of this weeks blog?? Well, it just goes to show you that so much stuff goes into planning events and vacations with a child. I am assuming that some parents wing it, but that is just not our style. We have also decided to take Ella to California to see my Grandfather. That should be an interesting story.
We are still in Wilmington....... This is NOT the rest of this story either.....More to come.

It's all real

I am sitting here this morning listening to the song By Your Side. (10th Ave North) A fantastic christian inspired song that sorta makes me think of a lost child walking wondrously in the streets. You see, the thing that makes this situation real; is that I now take that girl that walks wondrously in that street on a cold raining day and I see my daughter.

Ella is now 15 days old. People will tell you that you would never know how much you love something until you have your own child. That is true. However, most won't tell you that as a father, your connection with that child comes a week or so later. I remember how confident I was going into that L&D room. I was nervous; mainly because I am a worrier by nature. Overall I felt pretty good. Most of you that know me, know that I have a macho look about me during most times, but inside I am a basket case waiting for my cup to flow over.

I did feel like I would get to emotional when Ella was born, however..... Something came over me when that little girl popped out. The tears started flowing. What a joyous occasions.

The Lord himself has this system in place. For conception to Birth........wow! Out pops this wonderful SINLESS child.

I have found myself on many occasions since then just to stare at here and cry too. Because my Friends.... Today... "It is oh so real". Ella born on 7-17-09 to the arms of her parents, the parents that she does not truly know as of yet. It will be my responsabilty as a father, to make sure that her view of her mother and myself, memics that of God our Father.

Watch your childs stomach move up and down, him/her look at you with those big eyes, and those legs and arms move. It's all so real........ But, this is not the rest of the story.