Big Day Out

Prior to April 10, Caleb had only been in the car several times for very short rides: the ride home on Saturday, the first visit to the pediatrician, and a quick run to Mom's doctor Wendesday afternoon. On Thursday, Caleb had his first extended car ride beginning with a follow up trip to see his pediatrician which was a very successful visit and brought great peace of mind to Mom and Dad. Caleb gained a half pound between Monday and Thursday bringing his weight up to 6 lbs 6 oz. He is already past his birth weight well in advance of the two week mark. Mom thinks we should call him gordo. His bilirubin level dropped nearly 25% from the Monday reading. The jaundice is officially no longer a concern!!! Receiving that information was the highlight of the visit.

The lowlight of the visit was drawing the blood to test for bilirubin. In order to draw the blood, Caleb's heel is pricked with a small needle, then a small vial is pressed up against his heel. The nurse has to squeeze his little heel to force the blood up into the vial. This is all done while a very distraught Dad holds Caleb close to his chest to keep him steady and try to calm his crying. It is very difficult to hold your son knowing that he is going to be hurt but that it is for his own good. In this short episode, I gain a better understanding of what it means to be a father; what it means to have the desire to protect your child, but also desiring his well being, even if that means allowing him to experience short term suffering.

The most lighthearted moment occurred when Dad was undressing Caleb so that he could be weighed. Of course, Caleb's diaper was dirty, so Dad turned to ask Mom for something to wipe him with when Dad heard the nurse say "Watch out Dad!" Dad turned back just in time to witness a golden arch over Caleb's head soaking Dad's jeans. Mom and Dad enjoyed a good laugh as we cleaned Caleb. This is just one of several instances in which Dad and Mom have experienced the unique challenge of caring for a newborn boy.

After the doctor visit, Caleb, Mom, Dad, Poppy & TuTu all headed down to Knaus Berry Farm for Caleb's first visit. Knaus is a Miami institution. We have been visiting ever since we moved to Miami. Knaus is located in southwest Miami-Dade County in the last area of the county that is still agricultural. They sell fresh fruits and vegetables (they are especially known for their strawberries), incredible baked goods and one of the best strawberry milkshakes you could ever have. Caleb's Granddaddy makes a pilgrimage down just about every visit and heads back to Tennessee with a flat of strawberries and an assortment of vegetables to share with the family back home.

Knaus is only open seasonally and closes the last Saturday in April. Caleb was barely born in time to make a trip before they close this season. We headed down for milkshakes, fresh vegetables and some sweet breads. Since we went down on a weekday morning, there was no there when we arrived, so we decided to take Caleb inside. Of course, Caleb did not get to enjoy the fruits of this journey, so Dad is eagerly anticipating the time when he can share a milkshake and cinnamon roll with Caleb.

All together, we were out for over two hours. Caleb made the trip like a champ sleeping most of the time. He didn't fuss or get fidgety at all. It was a good trip.