I have a hard time believing that Brendan is 4 years
old! It does not seem possible. It seems like just yesterday April and I were
sitting at the hospital waiting patiently for the arrival of our first
born. We did not tell anyone that April
was in labor in an effort to quietly welcome our son into the world (plus we
were afraid people would be waiting on pins and needles for what would likely
be a lengthy process…and it was). I had
everything mapped out in my head.
Brendan would be born…I was NOT going to watch the actual birth. We had the nursery ready and everything was
in its place, so we were as prepared as we could be and I thought I was
relatively calm and braced for what was to come.
Time went by slowly on that Saturday. The nurse that kept checking on April was
friendly…but the actual dilation process seemed to be taking an eternity. It was mid-evening when we FINALLY got those
lovely words that our baby was on the way.
April requested a mirror so she could watch and I positioned myself
right by her side, but strategically placed so I did not have to watch the
show. Listening was good enough for me. April pushed, and pushed AND pushed. I was pretty laid back as I tried to cheer my
wife on (probably too laid back). I kept
watching the doctor’s face waiting for a sign that he was almost here. When she mentioned she could see his head…I
felt a small jolt of excitement that” this was really happening”. This excitement quickly changed to panic when
I heard the heart monitor slowing down a bit and saw the look of concern shadow
over the doctor’s face. She said we
needed to get him out now so April was really going to need to get this done. The fear worked like jumper cables on my body
and I immediately popped out of my chair and found myself at the doctor’s side
watching intently and anxiously for Brendan to arrive. I could see the very top of his head. Instead of the horror and disgust I thought I
would experience viewing this spectacle, I quickly transformed into mega-coach
as I encouraged April to push with her might and get him out to safety.
With some immense effort on April’s part, I observed
the birth of our son. The doctor pulled Brendan
out and I laid my eyes on our new baby boy for the very first time. My boy has always made his presence known and this day was no different…Mr. Lee entered the world face up. I was “prepared” for this,
or so I thought. There was nothing in
the baby manuals that mentioned the intense rush of love that was going to wash
over you when you see your child for the first time. I have never felt anything like it in my
entire life. Time stood still as I just
breathed in the sight of the most exquisite present I have ever received. Four
years later…I can honestly say that I only love and adore him more.
Brendan Anthony Edward Lee was born on October 13th,
2007. And I was officially a Dad! The little man had a cone head, was chubby as
could be and was sporting the trademark Brendan scowl. He was perfect. And the composed new parent lost his
head. I was not ready for the way I was
going to feel and could not stop the tears from rolling down my cheeks. I don’t cry often so this was a very huge
moment for me. He was so beautiful and
this was REAL. I cut the umbilical cord
and shared the moment with April as she held her little boy for the very first
time.
The cone head was gone in no time and the family and
friends all came to visit and welcome our precious little gift. I have never been (at that time) more proud
of anything or anyone in my entire life.
If I could do it all again, I would just try to pay MORE attention to
the experience because time went by in a flash.
Outside of the incredible honor of having a healthy baby boy, my Grandma
came to the hospital to meet her great grandson. This meant so much to me because her health
was very fragile at the time and I was so grateful that she was there to share
this experience with us. It is a memory
that I will cherish forever.
The last four years has been a blur. In addition to beginning our new life as
parents, we were also challenged by an incredible amount of twists, turns and
tragedies. Amidst it all came the birth
of our second son, Owen, and his near death experience at the hands of a severe
brain bleed. I am so pleased to say that
Owen looked that challenge right in the eyes and beat the odds by thriving and
assuming the role of our living miracle and Brendan’s baby brother. It is my incredible, beautiful family that
has allowed me to keep charging ahead through some challenging times. No matter how rough the day gets or how much
trash gets flung in my face, relaxing on the couch with my wife and my two
fantastic little men makes it all worthwhile.
I always used to roll my eyes at the doting parents
when they paraded around their children and shared “dull” stories about their
day to day existence. Now I have become
that parent. I take great pleasure in
talking about all of the ingenious little sentiments that come out of my sons’
mouths. It is actually hard for me to
have a conversation without mentioning my kids because they are the focal point
of my existence.
It is difficult for me to really convey my thoughts
into words (which isn’t usually a problem for me) because thinking about my
children fills me with so much joy that it is hard to concentrate. My boys make me feel drunk with
happiness. If I could bottle it and sell
it, I would be a RICH man. In my world,
the definition of joy is April, Brendan and Owen. Who could ask for anything more?
HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY BRENDAN!
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