300....

As many of you know, I am sort of "into" numbers. Well I came up with a one that has a little significance today! The number "300". No, it doesn't have to do with Leonidas or about how many MLB pitchers have over 300 victories (23 if you're wondering). It has to do with a girl that was born 300 days ago. I've got to tell you that this beautiful little girl has really opened my eyes and helped me understand realize what is important in life.

As many of you know, I am probably one of the biggest sport fans that you will come across. Once the college football season rolled around, I didn't have that same "fire" that I had the past few years. I honestly hated leaving Madelyn and Bethany at home while I was out for a "few" hours at a football game. I also noticed that I didn't get as upset over a loss (yes, I know there were many). Being able to see my little girl roll over, crawl, or eat rice cereal for the first time was such an awesome experience (and meant much more than a win or loss)

Over the past 300 days, Bethany and I have really become a "team". I cannot thank her enough for all that she has done and what she has taught me. I've got to say that making me change those first diapers wasn't fun, but I realized that it would allow her a few minutes to unwind.

A few unforgettable experiences over the past 300 days....

-1st bottle...A few weeks after Madelyn was worn, I was able to bottle feed her. There were only two things that she was focused on at that time, the bottle and me. The "connection" was something I will remember forever.

-Bath time...Giving Madelyn a bath each night can get interesting. It's absolutely amazing how quickly she moved from a sponge...to a "tub" by the sink...to hanging out in a regular bathtub. Who thought bath time wouldn't be fun?

-Coming home...I love watching Madelyn's face light up when I open the back door and see her. She is so anxious to get out of the car seat and hold on to me for a few minutes. Or nowadays when I come home on Bethany's day off and Madelyn will crawl quickly to meet me. I honestly can't describe how great it feels to see my baby girl crawl as fast as she can with her eyes glowing and a big grin.

-Clothing...I really enjoy buying clothes for Madelyn (maybe a little too much). I still remember a couple months ago when Bethany just shook her head when I came home with a few outfits for Madelyn.



Some things I've "learned" over the past 300 days...

-If the Madelyn is sleeping, don't mess with her! That means don't open the door to watch her sleep or make any noise in the area. I've learned this the hard way......too many times. What can I say? I love taking a quick peak at my little girl before I go to sleep.
-Cook, clean, do the laundry, grocery shop......I know those aren't "fun" things to do, but they removed a lot of stress from my loving wife.
-If you are going to eat out with the baby, eat out early! I used to laugh about eating out early, but Madelyn's attitude was great (and it was funny seeing 8 other couples with babies doing the same thing).
-Go to sleep early. I used to stay up until midnight playing video games or watching tv. I quickly learned I wasn't as productive the next day if I was staying up doing "nothing".
-DVR. Catching up on tv shows is a lot easier when Madelyn is sleeping.


.....well 300 days have already passed and I look forward to many more days with my little girl. It feels like yesterday we were bringing Madelyn home from the hospital and freaking out about how on earth we were going to raise a baby! I've got to say that time flies by........and I thank the Lord for every minute!