Molly’s birthday is drawing to a close. She’s in bed sound asleep, and Krista and I are winding down too. This past year has been the most intense time of my life. Having a child is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and nothing fully prepared me for it. Upon reflecting back on my first year as a father, I feel compelled to write a little for posterity.
I’ll never forget the first few hours of Molly’s life because of the extreme emotions I experienced. She was born 8 weeks early, skinny, and with underdeveloped lungs. Right after birth she was put into a turkey bag to keep her warm, and at first I thought she looked really silly (she looked like a turkey after all). I was on a new father high in blissful denial, and it took a little while before the magnitude of her condition finally sank in. The fact was the care provided by the doctors and nurses at the NICU at Alta Bates in Berkeley was the only thing keeping her from dieing. This dawned on me slowly over that afternoon, and by the evening my spirits were lower than ever before. Only the love and support of our family and friends pulled me through those five weeks visiting our daughter in the NICU. I thank God for the strength they gave us and hope that some day I can provide light during their dark times.
Life started out hard for my little girl. As my father says, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and she has thrived since coming home from the hospital. Her size is on par with (or larger than) a full term baby born at the same time. She crawls and stands on her own, and we expect her to take her first steps soon. Krista is mostly responsible for Molly’s wondrous progress. Her love, full time care, and nutritious milk have nurtured a scrawny little preemie into a healthy beautiful toddler. I’m so proud of my wife for being such a great mother. Krista is the love of my life, and Molly and I are very lucky to have her.
This past year has been the most difficult and wonderful year of my life. I can’t wait to see what happens this year!
Bill,
Molly and Krista are very lucky to have you! Thanks for posting the pictures so quick so that those of us who love and miss you guys can share in the festivities in a small way. Thanks too for bringing this ole gal to tears with your post. You’re a great husband, father, son, and son-in-law!
Bill,
I feel so blessed to have you, Krista and wonderful little Molly. You are a wonderful father and I hope to think that your Dad and I contributed to that. Molly is a gift to all of us but particularly you and Krista. I hope you continue to enjoy every little moment with her even the cranky or sick times because she is such a joy. Also, thanks for posting all the new pictures so fast. I don’t think I ever get tired of looking at them.
Can’t wait to see you and love you,
Mom