Everett is a strapping young lad. His turn ons include feedings, the binkie (but only in moderation), a swing (for limited periods of time), being held close, and pot lights in the ceiling, which he finds fascinating. His musical tastes include Mumford and Sons, Seawolves, and Radiohead, though he's shown an interest in Yo Yo Ma recently as well. He has an unfortunate tendency of trying to fly; like when I'm holding him, he'll try to take a dive out of my arms. I'm hoping he'll wise up soon.
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I tried to see if Kaiser would birth him at their Santa Clarita Medical offices so that Everett would have some solid SCV cred like our friend I Heart, but alas, he was born in the SCV's nemesis, the SFV, at the Panorma City Medical Center. Weighing in at 8 lbs 14 oz, Everett took his time coming out until he was finally liberated under a skilled surgeon's scalpel His mom is doing well and resting with him now.
Having a baby was probably the most emotional and intensive process I've ever been through, and I wasn't the one who was pregnant. I remember the first time I saw him vividly: my pulse quickened, my breath was caught short, and tears exploded from my wide eyes. I gripped my wife's hand hard, and a joyous giggle escaped my mouth as he took his first breath and let loose with a long cry.
What a rush! Who knew so much emotion could be packed so densely into such a singular, fleeting moment. In an instant, I was a real dad!
And so, for the last three weeks, through recovery and discharge to the first car ride home to learning how to attach the car seat to the stroller to not getting any sleep, I now know what all my friends and family who are parents were talking about. I'd do anything for this kid; he's my flesh and blood, and what's more, he shares my birthday.
As it relates to the SCV, I'm now an authentic and righteous SCV resident because I have a child. No more strange looks from neighbors and colleagues; I'm a bona-fide dad with a kid in a place designed for rearing young 'uns, as Buck McKeon would say. I can finally experience fully the SCV since our DINK status is over.
Usually people move to the SCV because of their children, and then leave once they are empty-nesters. Just look at Tim Myers, who plans to move to a fairer climate next year after his youngest heads off to college. I would seem to be starting off this process with an advantage in that I already live in the SCV and I have a kid, but we'll see how it shakes out in the years ahead. Maybe we'll stay and raise him here, maybe we won't.
As for the blog: Everett takes all my free time now. Between feedings, diaper changes, giving his mom a break, and walking him around in endless circles to get him to calm down, I barely have a free hand to move a mouse around, let alone type out a daily brief or other posts.
So for now, Notes from Newhall is officially suspended. I hope you understand. Maybe in a few months when he has a more regular schedule I'll be able to write again. Maybe I'll fit a post in now and then, but I don't anticipate regular postings for awhile.
Until then, wish me luck, and thank you for reading all these years! Explaining my absence