Cha Cha Cha Changes

Well Elliot is now 4 months old and growing like a weed. Jill and I look back at photos of when he was first born and wonder how he was ever so little. Along with growing in size Elliot has been learning how to do new things. He is definitely learning how to "communicate" with his grunts and mews. Just today I noticed he learned how to make motorboat noises. He also is learning how to use his hands and grab things. It's fun to see this development.
Along with these developments we have had to learn to adapt to his growth. Early on Elliot only seemed to eat, cry and sleep. When we went in for Elliot's two month check up Jill asked if this was due to a milk allergy and the doctor confirmed that could be the issue. Since then Jill has had to give up dairy and Elliot's demeanor changed immediately. I applaud Jill for making the sacrifice on Elliot's behalf.
Another thing we have noticed is how different Elliot is from Simon. This is partially due to Elliot being 4 weeks early but it's also because he's his own person. Jill told me Simon LOVED his swing but Elliot would rather be in the car seat or on his play mat. We also discovered Elliot likes to be upright so we are looking to get an excersaucer so he can stand up and play. One similarity we would rather not have had is they do not like being backward facing in the car. Elliot can be rocked to sleep in his car seat in the house but as soon as we start driving in the car he will cry until the stops again. Unfortunately this is one puzzle we have not been able to solve and has changed how we run errands.
Overall looking back at the changes in Elliot over the past four months have been positive. He is a healthy, active 4 month old that has the most contagious full face smile. He is very interested in what his brother is doing and I can see that he'll be trying to keep up with him sooner than we'll be ready for. I am so grateful for the joy this little man has brought into our life and look forward to watching him continue to grow up over the years and am prepared to adapt to help him grow up to be the best person he can be.

History Lesson/Making It Work

            I thought before I continued on in my new adventures I should explain the title of my blog. The reason I didn't call myself a first time father is because I have been blessed to have Simon in my life. He is Jill's first son from her previous marriage and I am lucky he is in my life. Having him a part of our family has helped me prepare for the toddler years and learn more about Jill's parenting style before I committed to this relationship. Needless to say after meeting Simon and getting to know him I was impressed with how well Jill raised him. I have heard many compliments given to Jill about how well behaved Simon is and what a wonderful person he is. I have to echo these people's praises as I am able to see what a great little man Simon is and how he is developing and I am grateful Jill trusts me enough to join her in molding Simon to be a productive & positive member of our society.
          Another reason Simon is developing positively is due to his father, David. I have been in other relationships where the ex is either non-existent or bitter. I am so grateful that David is committed to being in his son's life no matter what and being able to accept me and my family into his to help accomplish this goal. I remember the first time we spent time together for more than a few minutes when we dropped Simon off or picked him up. It was 4th of July, 2009. I have to admit I was a little skeptical because of my previous experiences but seeing how he related with Simon, Jill & my parents I was elated we actually had a good thing going. I have heard it said "it takes a village to raise a child" and I am living proof of that adage. Having David in our lives has really helped to make Simon who he is.
        Having David be a part of Simon's life has also been a positive effect on Elliot's life. He has been understanding when Elliot was born and we wanted to have Simon around to bond with him but he and his extended family have given Elliot gifts. I also know that as Elliot is older and wants to go with Simon to David's that he will be willing to watch him too. I really feel that the more people we have in our lives that love our children and have a positive effect on them is better for the development of our boys and all of our lives.
      I am so glad that when Jill became a part of my life she brought Simon with her. He has not only helped me learn how to be a father but how to be a better person. I know I have to be a good husband and father because my family has already told me that if anything happened to cause Jill and I to split they would take her and Simon (and now Elliot) over me. However I know that will never happen because my love for all of them is so strong and continues to grow every day. Thanks again Simon for letting me learn with you.

Starting A Blog & Releasing My Thoughts

So it has been 10 weeks since my first son, Elliot, was born and of course I have had a range of emotions and posting them on Twitter and Facebook has only left me wanting to expand and the next logical step was setting up a blog. Now here we are. I also thought by posting my experiences other people could learn from my experiences or at least be entertained by them. I should start this process out by beginning in December 2009. The first Friday of the month I found out I had been laid off from my job as a Production Accountant for a direct advertising business. Of course this left me shaken as this was the first time my employment had not been ended by my decision. While I was coming to terms with this life change my then fiance, Jill, gave me an early Christmas gift. It was a pregnancy test with a positive reading. I was very excited about becoming a father for the first time but my recent lay off also had me concerned. However I have always come from the school of thought that everything happens for a reason and everything will work out in the end. Since that time Jill and I were married and Simon, her now 4 year old son, Jill and I "officially" became a family, Elliot entered the world (on my birthday!), we have moved into my parent's basement since I am still unemployed and Jill has returned to work. Like I said a roller coaster of emotions. I am so grateful I have this time to spend with Elliot as I continue to look for new work. Not a lot of men are able to watch their children develop in the early stages of life. I am one of the lucky ones. Just seeing personality begin melts my heart. I know I could go on for a long time but for now I will wrap it up and save some of this for future blogs. In conclusion I just want to say how I am enjoying my life experience and appreciate all of those in my life who have helped me become the person I am today. I especially want to thank my wonderful wife, Jill, who really understands me and loves me for who I am and I want her to know I feel the same way. Until next time I want to pass on advice I learned from Afrika Bambaataa many years ago, "peace, unity, love and having fun".