The Real Thing

We’re back in NYC after a great time with family in North Carolina.  As I noted last week, this was our final trip to NC prior to Baby Mans.  And I have to say, this whole baby thing is getting really real guys.  For real.

Let’s recap last week - Tracy was able to spend the entire week down south, which was especially fun because her Granny was visiting from St. Louis.  Naturally, the days featured plenty of quality time amongst the girls, often in the form of lunch at some of the favorite local spots.  It was so wonderful to have Granny in town - she’s such a caring, genuine person.  She’s excited beyond belief about being a great-grandmother again; but I think we are even more excited about explaining to our little one the heritage we are so thankful to call our own.

Tracy made a trip down I-40 on Thursday to spend the day visiting with friends in Durham.  Tracy is a machine when it comes to these one-day visits and this time was no different - I think early estimates show she saw approximately 700 friends and former co-workers during her 12 hours in the Triangle.  And loved every second of it.

I, unfortunately, was not able to hit up the Bull City this time through as my flight got into Gboro late Thursday night. I spent the weekend with both sides of the family, the greater Greensboro roads (pounded out 20 miles on a Saturday run), and Kenan Stadium (to watch the Heels D throttle Ga. Southern).

While in town, Tracy was feted at two baby showers, the first of which was held on Wednesday night by the “Bunco Babes” (and which featured the ornate cake featured below.)  The 2nd shower came on Saturday and was attended by a cross section of different Greensboro friends.

We were blown away (again!)  by the generosity and support of everyone who attended.  As I looked around at a living room full of presents on Saturday evening a few thoughts crossed by mind:

1. I am incredibly thankful for these wonderful gifts
2. Where the heck are we going to put all this stuff in our apartment?
3. What is a “receiving blanket”?
4. This is getting really real.

The last point, of course, is the overarching thought which is just now creeping into my consciousness.  We now have quite a bit of the gear (and will have more after a shopping spree at BabiesRUs this week).  And there’s no doubt that we have a rock-solid foundation of supporters in our family and friends (both here in NYC and in NC).

Now we just have to figure out how to provide complete care for a tiny human being who is utterly dependent on us for all manner of food, shelter and safety.  That’s all.

We’re done traveling for now until Baby Mans arrives.  Perhaps it’s a good time to pick up The Expectant Father or something and figure out how this is all going to work.  Because this baby thing is all of a sudden very real.