What a Wonderful World

Day 5:

You are an impressive little man, Conor. 5 days from the womb and almost 8 weeks early and already so many of the challenges we knew you'd face you've knocked down with ease and ahead of schedule. Already you've managed your once low blood-sugars, been taken off UV's and beaten back the dreaded bilirubin that causes jaundice, and we've seen your once minuscule appetite increase literally 10 fold! You went from only a couple ML's of Mother's Milk two short days ago, to 25 ML's today! No small feat for such a small guy! But we all know, you won't be that small for long...

You've impressed the nurses, the nurse practitioners, your friends, your Grandparents, your Mom and me... but most importantly, you've impressed your Doctors! So much so they've written the order to remove your IV fluids DAYS ahead of schedule! You get your IV out tonight, Conor!! Conor the Lion-Heart... We'll have you home soon, Son...

Your Mom was discharged from the Hospital today and so we went home for a bit to gather ourselves, devise a plan, and have dinner with your Grandma M.E. and Grandpa K9... Still, we wanted to be back for your night feedings - one at 9:30pm and one at 12:45am. On the way back to the hospital I was searching for Christmas music to enjoy- Maybe some of the classics, or better yet, some jazz... And why wouldn't I? You are far and away the greatest Christmas gift I've ever received and well, I just felt like celebrating! Anyway, I found Frank Sinatra radio; a special Christmas edition, and turned it on. Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World", had just begun. You know, Conor, I've heard this song maybe 100 times in my 38 years, but I never 'listened' to it. Suddenly Louis' lyrics were echoing in my head...
"I hear babies cry, I watch them grow. They'll learn much more than I'll ever know. And I think to myself, What a Wonderful World."

Indeed it is, Conor. It truly is a Wonderful World. I've always done okay making my way through this life though I always felt I lacked a specific direction. In fact, I've loved compasses for that very reason. Direction. Though since you've been in my world it's become an infinitely more wonderful place, and I feel a sense of focus I've never known. You give me that, Conor. You are my compass. Now and always.

I love you.
-Dad