a Top 10

by Matt MooneyFebruary 16, 2010

Anders will be three weeks tomorrow.  His arrival ushered in all kinds of lessons and reminders…big, flashing, neon signs pointing out things unnoticed or heretofore forgotten.  I’m sure one day, we’ll have something of worth to type that doesn’t center on our children- but for now, in the haze of all that accompanies adding a person to your world- the focus is squarely on the ones that cry.

The newborn phase is such a funny beast.  What is about babies that the minute you do not have one- no matter how many you have spawned thus far- you instantly forget how much they require and how in the world to take care of them?  They have a way of not repeating the previous performance & leave you looking foolish when you thought by now you would be a pro.  Accompanying this dumbing effect, they also tend to crash the card house of emotions that we work so hard to build and even harder convincing ourselves it is sturdy- and, no, I am not just talking about the women.  I cried at an Olympic Visa commercial this week.  Why?  Well, because my son is here and I think he’s amazing and somehow he manages to make everything else a little more amazing too.

Upon this background, here’s a top 10 for Anders.  The things he has brought, taught & reminded us already:

1.)  Whoa!  He’s not like Hazel.

She came into the world with shrieking lungs that turned heads outside the room.  His was more like an obligatory- I think I am supposed to cry now.

2.)   Eve, you blew it.

Fast, chaotic, and painful entrance.

3.)  Against all odds, I did not pass out.

4.)  We can do it.

There’s only recently been a realization that we can actually do this.  And by “this”, we mean figure out living with them both.  Sure, people do this type of thing all the time, but Ginny is quick on the reminder trigger, that this fact alone has no bearing on whether or not WE can.

5.)  The love of the Father.

In the midst of grasping the bewildering love that we already have for this one, it is always an incredible thought that the Father loves him more than we ever could, and even harder to believe that He loves us more than this as well.

6.)  Maybe Hazel had colic.

7.)  We need others.

A lesson we did not need to re-learn, but nonetheless had the forced opportunity to sit through due to the reality of 109 days of strict bedrest, was the fact that we are surrounded by some incredible folks- so many people that helped out in so many ways.  Ginny held him up to everyone that came to visit at the hospital, telling them each thanks & that they played a part in his being here….it is true.  thanks friends.

…..well, in true newborn fashion, I didn’t finish the list.  Sleepy.

4,508 Comments

  1. Chris Milbrandt on February 16, 2010 at 10:55 pm

    still along for the ride…or journey..with you guys. I so enjoy living this thru your eyes. Our eyes will be opened soon enough to all you are going thru. I’m torn with how i feel about that. But this is our first subsequent. And i’m grateful for all the emotions it brings…for without that life, i wouldn’t feel any of this. and as you know, we wouldn’t trade any of it. Mom of 3 out. 🙂



  2. Elissa on February 17, 2010 at 3:40 am

    When I first read the we need others I thought you meant other children already… I was thinking well that is amazing.

    Loving reading about your lives.



  3. Joy on February 17, 2010 at 2:35 pm

    I love that you teared up at an Olympic Visa commercial. I teared up just reading that you teared up 🙂 Glad to know it’s not just me. Love you guys…looking forward to holding that little guy again.



  4. Rachel Sweatman on February 17, 2010 at 6:24 pm

    My husband and I have always found it interesting how much harder 2 kids are than 1. You would think it would just be twice as hard, but somehow, it seems so much more difficult than that. Each child has their own personality and you feel that you have to constantly relearn everything. You and Ginny absolutely can handle both Hazel and Anders. It is really hard for the 1st year, but as you already know, it is also so very worth it. Congratulations!!!



Anders will be three weeks tomorrow.  His arrival ushered in all kinds of lessons and reminders…big, flashing, neon signs pointing out things unnoticed or heretofore forgotten.  I’m sure one day, we’ll have something of worth to type that doesn’t center on our children- but for now, in the haze of all that accompanies adding a person to your world- the focus is squarely on the ones that cry.

The newborn phase is such a funny beast.  What is about babies that the minute you do not have one- no matter how many you have spawned thus far- you instantly forget how much they require and how in the world to take care of them?  They have a way of not repeating the previous performance & leave you looking foolish when you thought by now you would be a pro.  Accompanying this dumbing effect, they also tend to crash the card house of emotions that we work so hard to build and even harder convincing ourselves it is sturdy- and, no, I am not just talking about the women.  I cried at an Olympic Visa commercial this week.  Why?  Well, because my son is here and I think he’s amazing and somehow he manages to make everything else a little more amazing too.

Upon this background, here’s a top 10 for Anders.  The things he has brought, taught & reminded us already:

1.)  Whoa!  He’s not like Hazel.

She came into the world with shrieking lungs that turned heads outside the room.  His was more like an obligatory- I think I am supposed to cry now.

2.)   Eve, you blew it.

Fast, chaotic, and painful entrance.

3.)  Against all odds, I did not pass out.

4.)  We can do it.

There’s only recently been a realization that we can actually do this.  And by “this”, we mean figure out living with them both.  Sure, people do this type of thing all the time, but Ginny is quick on the reminder trigger, that this fact alone has no bearing on whether or not WE can.

5.)  The love of the Father.

In the midst of grasping the bewildering love that we already have for this one, it is always an incredible thought that the Father loves him more than we ever could, and even harder to believe that He loves us more than this as well.

6.)  Maybe Hazel had colic.

7.)  We need others.

A lesson we did not need to re-learn, but nonetheless had the forced opportunity to sit through due to the reality of 109 days of strict bedrest, was the fact that we are surrounded by some incredible folks- so many people that helped out in so many ways.  Ginny held him up to everyone that came to visit at the hospital, telling them each thanks & that they played a part in his being here….it is true.  thanks friends.

…..well, in true newborn fashion, I didn’t finish the list.  Sleepy.

4,508 Comments

  1. Chris Milbrandt on February 16, 2010 at 10:55 pm

    still along for the ride…or journey..with you guys. I so enjoy living this thru your eyes. Our eyes will be opened soon enough to all you are going thru. I’m torn with how i feel about that. But this is our first subsequent. And i’m grateful for all the emotions it brings…for without that life, i wouldn’t feel any of this. and as you know, we wouldn’t trade any of it. Mom of 3 out. 🙂



  2. Elissa on February 17, 2010 at 3:40 am

    When I first read the we need others I thought you meant other children already… I was thinking well that is amazing.

    Loving reading about your lives.



  3. Joy on February 17, 2010 at 2:35 pm

    I love that you teared up at an Olympic Visa commercial. I teared up just reading that you teared up 🙂 Glad to know it’s not just me. Love you guys…looking forward to holding that little guy again.



  4. Rachel Sweatman on February 17, 2010 at 6:24 pm

    My husband and I have always found it interesting how much harder 2 kids are than 1. You would think it would just be twice as hard, but somehow, it seems so much more difficult than that. Each child has their own personality and you feel that you have to constantly relearn everything. You and Ginny absolutely can handle both Hazel and Anders. It is really hard for the 1st year, but as you already know, it is also so very worth it. Congratulations!!!