the things I've learned in a week...

Well here it is, exactly one week since our son Gavin was born. It's been a crazy week full of hugs, tears, prayers, laughs and memories I'll carry with me forever. My friend Jason sent me an email the day we went into the hopsital, just to give me some advice from his experience as a new dad. He told me that the first thing he did after his daughter was born was to journal about his thoughts and feelings to his daughter. He said he wanted his daughter to someday know a little about the person he was on her birthday. I thought that was a great idea, so I decided to journal all the things that I've learned throughout the first week of fatherhood. I hope someday Gavin will be able read this and know how much we love him. So here's what I've learned so far...

Family matters most, always.

Cherish your friends.

Doctors know what they are doing.

During labor I discovered a whole new level of nervousness and stress that I'd never experienced before, and never wish to again. (see previous lesson)

Life should be celebrated.

I've discovered a completely different side of myself, one that cares nothing about my own needs. Who knew!

No matter how many times I fail, I still try to assemble baby products without reading the instructions.

The human body is truly amazing.

I have an uncanny talent for making up rhyming baby nicknames.

Sleep isn't that important.

Love is bigger than I thought it was.

if I learned all that in one week I can't imagine what life as a father has in store for me.

Our cherished friends Carl and Cara were at the hospital to document everything and they arrived just in time to capture the family excitement outside our hospital room. All the while I was inside documenting Gavin's birth. I think he already qualifies as the world's most photographed baby. Here are just a few moments from the past week of our lives.
Thanks to Carl for capturing life in such a real way, you have to check out the slideshow at the end, it's amazing!





passing the time...




































the uber smart Doctor Katie!


Katie's Mom & Dad


Me and Pop


Nannie, Pops and Uncle Leb...


some quick portraits in our hospital room...






just a few of his biggest fans...


a few from his first day at home...














Carl caught the instant he did his first #2 at home, as you can tell by his face!


Gavin's lovely great grandmas...





just a few more from our first week at home...











twins?







Grab a kleenex and watch the slideshow!


By the way, I know you are all wondering who won the contest!
The lucky winner was Gene Harlin, one of our most awesome clients ever. We shot Gene and Katie's wedding last summer and have been fans of them ever since. So, it looks like they have some sweet photo schwag coming their way! Thanks to everyone for chiming in on the contest, I always knew you were out there!