Today marks one year since we found out that we would be having a child. And what a year it has been!

We didn’t know if we’d be having a boy or a girl. We didn’t know everything that we would need to take care of this baby. We didn’t know where to register. We didn’t know who to tell or when to tell them or what we would name a baby (well, sorta). We didn’t know…ANYTHING other than we were happy and blessed.

All we knew was that we had about 7 positive pregnancy tests and some Famous Dave’s BBQ and Gigi’s Cupcakes to eat. As we sat down to eat that night, we had no idea what the future would hold. I’m not sure how we sat still and ate our food or watched TV with this world-changing, Earth-shattering news.

Whatever we imagined, Emerson is better than all of it times 1000. She is the perfect baby for us. Her smile. her attitude, her general existence is a joy to behold. How she has opened our world up to so many people. How she has been loved and accepted and brought people together.

Dad-brain
I’m sure we have all heard of pregnancy brain. But I think there may be something like Dad brain too. Here are a list of things I have done since being a Dad. It truly is like nothing else I have ever experienced. I know it’s supposed to be life-changing but it has changed the way I think about EVERY decision I make.

1. Put a coffee cup upside down under the Keurig making coffee go EVERYWHERE
2. Put my keys in the freezer one morning
3. Forgot to close the lid on my coffee mug after putting it in my backpack and spilled coffee all over everything when I bent down to kiss my wife and daughter goodbye
4. I haven’t made it to work on time in well over 3 months – something comes up in the morning…or there is traffic…or I just want a few extra minutes with  my little girl
5. I can NEVER find my gosh darn wallet!!!!!
6. My multitasking ability is down to an all-time low

And others-

I’d trade a night with E over a night out grabbing a drink (although every now and again , it’s a MUST to get out!

Movies…eh, still love ’em but they have taken their rightful place as entertainment and not something I feel I HAVE to do.

As part of my Father’s Day present(s), I got a new digital camera to replace my shoddy one. While we still haven’t quite figured out all the fancy features on it, we love trying it out. Some of my other presents were some matching daddy and daughter t-shirts and the promise of a future picture day!

A few weekends ago, we made this happen and here are the results. E is super…and adorable…and any number of other adjectives