They are small, like tiny earthworms, with delicate doll-like finger and toe nails, and they are more than I expected.  For nine months we have waited, guessed, conferred, and dreamed of the day we would finally meet the new addition to our family, and now that time has arrived.  We welcomed our son, a sure-fire surprise, at 10:23 pm on 9-8-09, and my life finally feels worthwhile.  My wife was adamant about not wanting to know the sex of the baby, and according to our delivery floor staff, we definitely were in the minority, but when she gave the final push and the doctor exclaimed, “It’s a boy!” it truly was a great expectation realized.  I’m a dad.  And boys continue to rule in my family.

I am currently flooded with emails, text messages, phone calls, and Facebook notes congratulating Sandra and I.  Sandi is radiant, was before, somehow maintained her glamorous glow through the delivery, and is radiant and stunning now as a new, first -time mom.  I am way more exhausted than I thought I would be at this point. 

I have so many new emotions now that our baby boy, Grayson Knight, is here.  I think that there is no way Grayson will be allowed to jump off house roofs, jump his bike off home-made ramps, play football in the street, or go on over night sleep-overs.  Those are my initial and over-reactive daddy instincts.  And they are stupid.  This boy will be set free (with great oversight) to live his life and discover this world the same way I did.  And he is already showing signs that there is a little Lewis or Clark in him.  His eyes, wide and blue, have been surveying this birthing suite since he was cleaned off.  He looks at his mommy and his daddy with love and curiosity, which I am sure, is shared by all new parents and children, but is special and unique to him and us.  His tiny fingers, with proportionate strength, eagerly wrap around my index finger, telling me he accepts me.  It’s all as old as life, but so new and awesome. 

So what now?  I have a feeling that there will be a lot of mutual education in my future.  I won’t pretend to know any or all answers to the myriad circumstances Grayson will be presented with.  Sandi seems to be up to the task of motherhood, and then some.  I am just hoping to hold my own; and if the first couple diaper changes are any indication I think we’re off to a good start.

If people are interested I’ll keep writing.  I like telling our story, and I love reading about other people’s adventures.  So I encourage you to share with me, and others.  Right now I have to go, as mommy needs her rest.  My turn to watch the little guy.  We are so happy to finally have met him. 

(Author's note:  I won't be publicly posting any pics of our son for some time)