Boy, my life has changed

Boy, has my life changed. I say this, not surprisingly, but more of a reflection. I knew, Lord did I know, that our lives were about to be flipped upside down once Harrison arrived, the extinct of how much change was yet to be determined. 8 days in, 5 days of being home, has proved to be quite the adventure for the Tyler household.

Before we dive into my crazy thoughts: Here are who our boys are named after.

Jackson: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Jackson

Harrison: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Henry_Harrison.
The cool thing about Harrison is he was the 9th President. He was also the first President to die in office. And who took over???? That's right you history buffs. John Tyler!!! My great great (how ever many greats it is) Uncle. 

Wouldn't say he was a good President, in fact, most would say he was horrible. But none-the-less. Their campaign was Tippecanoe and Tyler Too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tippecanoe_and_Tyler_Too

 My vote for Middle name was John, which was Emily's Dad and Brother's. So, Harrison John Tyler...Cool I know. ha. But it was her choice, and Russell won out, which I like just as much.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tippecanoe_and_Tyler_Too)

Truman: (Cat): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_S._Truman

Sir Winston McGruen of Dogwood (Winston for short): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill

So there you go, enjoy those links.

            What promoted this whole “Boy has my life changed,” was from Friday night. We had 2 of our very dear friends over for dinner and a few drinks,  Andy & Brooke Saitz. We sat around, chatted, Andy and I had a few more drinks than the wife’s, watched 2 episodes of Duck Dynasty and by 10:00 we were all exhausted and ready for bed. Emily and I went to bed and I thought: Man, I had a great evening, got to spend time with great friends, have a few drinks. Then I laughed. 7 years, this would have been the worst evening ever, I don’t think Andy & Brooke would ever come back over. I look at the college girls that I coach and they tell me about their fun weekends, and I remember the days, but I don’t miss them any more. And to be honest, I am not sure what point me missing those days past, but next thing I know, I am 31, 2 boys, live in Suburbia and having an evening to 10:00 with friends wears me out!

            But, as always, I digress. Back to the boys.  Harrison is small. He was born 1lb and 1” smaller than Jackson on Monday. I feel like I will break his legs when I change his diaper. Total opposite of Chunky McGee, Of the Charts Jackson. Friday he went to the doctor and he has lost 13% of his body weight, he was down to 6 lbs. Not a 5-alarm fire, but something of minor concern. We had to bulk this kid up…fast. We spend the weekend feeding him every 2-3 hours, like it not. Lance Armstrong stopped by with a needle and said this will help, but we told him to go away. Go back 3 days later and he had put on 14 ounces! In the words of Cartman…”BEEFCAKE” So Harrison needed to bulk up, I am still fighting this stupid cough for a week, but we keep on keeping on.

           

Tonight was my first night alone with the boys. Emily went with her Mom to see Carrie Underwood, whom I have NO interest in listening to…staring at yes…but listening to…no. Overall, great night for me. Jackson went to bed, as always, without any fussing, I am waiting to feed Harrison and put him to bed, then have a drink, bowl of popcorn, veg out and off to bed. This whole 2 kids thing is easy. HA HA HA.

            So far, the hardest thing is just getting the whole family moving. Trying to get Harrison ready with Jackson running FULL speed everywhere has been the biggest challenge. For the most part, Harrison just sleeps. Jackson does love his little brother, although he just doesn’t know how to be gentle. He wants to hug him, but he will squeeze him like Tommy Boy. 8 days in, he has not really shown much sign of jealously. Jackson and I have gotten to spend a lot of time together though, which I cherish those times.

            Emily has been an angel, as normal. She has been getting up in the middle of the night with Harrison. Before all the angry Mom’s give me the rolled eyes, I offer. I offer every night and then again in the morning. Emily likes her time with Harrison and I like my time with my pillow, so it actually works out very well. Again, this whole 2 kids thing is easy.

            Just like Harrison, life will continue to change every day. Every day, every week will bring the Tyler a new challenge, and a new joy to celebrate. I look forward to the challenges and will relish in the joys that we have.