The most amazing thing imaginable...

[Taco John]

...my son.

Words are so shallow and coarse to describe the wellspring of emotion that I'm feeling tonight. The past 48 hours have been an emotional roller-coaster that went through some incredible twists, turns, and loop-the-loops, with the climax scaling heights I never imagined my emotions could go when I watched the hands of several doctors reaching into my wife's abdomen and pulling out the second most beautiful thing I've ever witnessed in my entire life... the first being my brave wife as she struggled to push out a 10 pound, three ounce bundle of joy out a birth canal that was maybe made for 8. I'm so entirely humbled by her poise as she labored in "hard" labor for three hours before the epidural was available to her.

It wasn't supposed to be like that, but we've found that "best laid plans" are nothing short of mere hopes when it comes to giving birth. Our plan was to endure the contractions until they started to "really" hurt, so that she wasn't bed ridden the entire time. But just as that started to happen, and we put in our call for relief, we found the medicine man was being called from one emergency to the next, leaving poor Erin to labor in quiet, moaning dignity. We discovered a reservoir in her that we both secretly knew was there, but didn't acknowledge until we saw it in action. I am so grateful that I have her.

Grace finally came in the form of a six-inch needle and magical clear liquid in a drip bag. Watching my wife's mood elevate from a woman being tested to the ends of her pain tolerance, to her chipper, chatty self was relief that I can't describe. While my role of stroking her head and talking her through the pain was appreciated, it still feels like a helpless role.

Once the epidural kicked in, contraction peaks that would have brought my wife to agony and tears turned into minor pressure distractions to be chatted through. We both got an opportunity for a brief nap, and took it. Waking two hours later, at 4pm, I received the news that my wife had almost fully dilated and the baby was at the -1 station (meaning that he was a little over an inch in). At 5pm, we started pushing. After an hour of pushing, the doctor came in to check on our progress. We we're disappointed to learn that our work had been for naught. He remained stuck in that station, and the doctor said she feared that we could be stuck in labor for hours at the cost of a lot of trauma to both of them. Her recommendation was cesarean birth.

The blur that time became after the second we agreed that we felt it would be best to cut my wife open and deliver the baby through her abdomen can hardly be described adequately. The room kicked into life as support people poured in to address our needs, present us forms, and prepare us for this major, though routine surgery. I was quickly dressed down in Tyvek scrubs and put on a hair net and we were whisked helplessly down the hall to the operating room at 6:00pm. Before entering the OR, they handed me a face mask, and asked me to wait in a small waiting room. Floods of emotions hit me as I thought of my poor, helpless wife, strapped to the table, quivering uncontrollably from her body's reactions to the intense strain being thrust on her body. I turned to prayer and meditation and found my own well of strength replenishing. A knowing washed over me that assured me that everything was going to be alright, and that I needed to simply just experience it fearless and alert.

When they called me into the room, I felt resolve that this would all be happily over with soon. Little did I know just how right I was, and just how soon "soon" was. I was called into the operating room at 6:25pm, and seated by the head of my wife, behind a blue curtain. The feelings of helplessness started to wash over me once again, as I stared into the doe eyes of my frightened wife and muttered hollow words of reassurance. It then dawned on me that I could stand and see over the blue curtain, and as I rose the feeling of helplessness dissipated, and the hollow words turned into the right words at the right time as I narrated reassuringly for my wife.

At 6:37pm of September 2nd, 2006, uncontrollable tears of joy swept over me as my son, Zachary James Lopez was pulled from his mother's cozy womb, and into the harsh light of the operating room. Piercing my soul as though it was the only sound in the room, his heart melting cry sent my spirit soaring to heights that fundamentally changed me forever. I am now "Daddy." The implications still stagger me, but I know that I have this in me. I was born for this.

Momma was sewn up and is doing fine. Her temperature spiked to 103, but once the trauma passed, she started to cool back down. Zachary was overheated too, and was born with a temperature of 99.5. Because they found meconium stool in the womb, they were concerned with infection for both mother and baby. As a precaution, they've taken his blood samples, and will run a culture, but because his temperature has dropped to normal levels, they feel that there's little to worry about. Likewise for the fact that momma's temperature is falling to normal levels, though slower than his did. At 3am, she was still running 99.5, though she's had no nausea and is in good spirits.

Now I'm left with a conundrum as I write this detailed recount as I re-live the experience through my thoughts and these collected words: do I stay awake at my wife's bedside as she sleeps with our pride and joy on her chest, and prolong the best day of my life? Or do I get the much needed rest that I deserve, racing to a new day to spend with my son and my precious wife?

God bless you all with experiences that test your soul, and provide such satisfying rewards.

Tomorrow comes in two hours. I can't wait!


/ps. Thank God for wireless access at hospitals... :)

[Odysseus]

God bless you on your new journey. Everything is changed from this point forward. Slow down and enjoy this moment in time. I am happy for your new found success as children often prove to be. Family becomes a new word for your again and again as the days roll by.

May you find peace on your journey.

[Ray Finkle]

Congrats again TJ.....my wife's contractions just started to become more frequent, so if I am gone for a couple days, you all know why:D

[ZachKC]

Good to hear everything went well! Great post...congrats.

Also good to hear my posts have made a lasting impression. :D

Prepare him, because he will be growing up into a world where he thinks his name is being called just about everytime says the word "exactley" in public.

[elsid13]

Congrads TJ and to your wife

[gunns]

What a wonderful narrative! Thank you TJ! I have thought about you ever since 5 am yesterday. I had feeling about the meconioum which often happens when a baby goes overdue. I am so happy for you and your wife that things are going well and that you both have had the chance to experience the most amazing thing a human can. And it only gets better.....till they're 13.. :~ohyah!:

Get some rest TJ. You are going to need it and you will enjoy everything so much more if you get some rest, if you can. God Bless you and your family!

10 lbs Yikes! Offensive tackle? Defensive tackle?

[Arkansas Bronco]

Congratz TJ get ready for the fun because it seems like everyday you notice growth or something they learn to do. :thumbs:

[gunns]

Congrats again TJ.....my wife's contractions just started to become more frequent, so if I am gone for a couple days, you all know why:D

Will be sending prayers and thoughts your way Ray. Let us know.

[Spider]

Congrats TJ ......you will get alot of headaches from dealing with Kids , times you wonder why you are even sober , but in the long run it is all worth it and you would do it all over again ;D

[AlienBronco]

Congratulations !!! TJ and a speedy recovery for your wife

[Northman]

Congrats on the kid TJ, :)

[gunns]

The person who invented the epidural should be put in for sainthood. I had two naturally and the difference is night and day as far as enjoying the whole experience.

[Ray Finkle]

Will be sending prayers and thoughts your way Ray. Let us know.

Thanks, sorry to semi-hijack your thread TJ...

[Dagmar]

Congrats Taco!!!!!

[(Jae)]

Congrats TJ..........congratulations to you and your wife.
And to further prove the point to me, if I was born female, I would die a virgin.

[watermock]

Congratulations to you both. Your boy was just too comfy in the Sonora and it was the right choice to do a C-section. Mini-Taco was in danger. (altho he is more like a Supersized mini-taco)

[B-Love]

TJ, the epidural is definitely a godsend but I still can't believe your wife slept 2 hours that late in the process. Wow, she must be a calm person.

My Son was born exactly 1 week before "The Day the Orange Died".

When they were first starting my wife's epidural, my wife was making fun of me for holding her hand while watching the 1996 Bills Jaguars Wild Card game, in her room. Once the drug kicked in, she was just chillin and watching the game with me.

Anyway, congrats and may there be more in your future, including at least one beautiful little girl.

[Saddletramp]

congradulations TJ.

May your new life be filled with more joy than you can imagine. I copied your original post and posted it on another board. Hope you dont mind. God Bless you and yours TJ.

[Momof2littlebroncos]

i love your description of the birth process that you and your wife went through...it is hard to describe the joy that children will bring you until you experience it yourself....god bless you, your wife, and your new little one....you are all in my prayers as i know how it is to recover from a csection!

[ksBRONCOfan]

Great job putting that into words. Ten pounds three ounces is a lot of baby! My daughter is six weeks old today and still not that big.

How long was he?

[bro1ncos]

Congrats TJ.

It only gets to be more fun now.

[Archie]

great news... I'm sitting here with my 8 week old daughter sitting on my lap as a type and she says, well if she could, congrats too and welcome Zach.

[-Slap-]

Congrats all around.

Enjoy raising a Virgo. We're impossibly anal retentive by nature.......:)

[ludo21]

congrats tj, good news that all went well.

i learned from emt class that i never wanna deliver a baby Ha! ew!

[PatsWin2002]

Congratulations to you and your wife, TJ. So glad to hear everyone is healthy. I knew you'd be speechless (just like I was!).

Now you get to move on to the "help from everyone" phase where people help you with meals, laundry, dishes, whatever. Grandparents are good for that sort of thing (mostly grandmothers....grandfathers usually just sit there and look incredibly proud. Ha!)

So, figure out how that baby seat attaches to the car and get that kid on tour in a few days and show the world what you made. Your world has officially been turned on its ear...so you might as well enjoy it. :)

[Orange_Beard]

Congrads. Where's my cigar?

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Congrats to you and the family TJ. The scenario you describe is exactly what we went through twice. It is amazing and even more amazing to see them grow up. Have a great time with them.

[Sassy]

http://d21c.com/AnnesPlace/Baby/Baby3b.gif

CONGRATS to all of you!
(and a beautiful narrative TJ...be sure and keep that for Zach's baby book!)

[bronco610]

Congrats T J wish you and your wife well.

[BigPlayShay]

Congrats to you and your family!

[Moon§hiner]

Congrats TJ...Attending the birth of my daughter will always be the most special day of my life....the fun has just begun!

[Mr Chatterboodamn]

Taco that's incredibly awesome

[SoCalBronco]

Congrats Boss.

You sound like a very proud papa.

Excellent news. :)

[Crushaholic]

Congrats, TJ. Your son will have his future birthdays coincide with the start of football season. That's ALWAYS a good thing...

[Kid A]

Congrats! Glad to here everyone is doing well and that you are enjoying this incredible experience.

[Pezman]

Congrats on bringing your new son into the world! Hugs to your wifey on a successful delivery!

[SDChiefsfan]

Congrats, Sir Isaac. Welcome to parenthood. :thumbsup:

[Popps]

Congrats, Taco. 10 lbs! Good lord, your wife is a trooper. Sounds like you guys had a hell of a go at it. It makes me realize how lucky we were in that regard. But, the end result is the same... your better half just had to work harder to get there!

Like I said before, there's really no way words can do it justice. You just have to go through it, and then spend the rest of your days telling people how amazing it was, whether they want to hear it or not. :)

Plus, it just gets better, dude. Wait until he smiles at you for the first time.

Glad everyone is healthy and happy. You'll be a great dad. Look forward to seeing the pics, and look forwarding to swapping kid stories.

Congrats!

[Popps]

Now the question is... what's the over-under for the kid having better football takes than his dad. I'm putting it at 3 years.

!Booya! !Booya! !Booya!

[Kaylore]

:)

[Hogan11]

Congrats Taco....all the best on the new arrival.

[minibronco]

Zachary, welcome to our world! God bless your family!

[heydensmom]

Congrats TJ!! The most important time of your life has begun!

[55CrushEm]

Congratulations, TJ !!!! :thumbsup:

[REB]

Wow TJ that's awesome! I didn't know you had such a way with words. The wife just read that with me and had a tear come to her eye. I don't mind admitting I was getting a little choked up myself. Mrs. Reb had alot of complicatios with our boy and the feeling of helplessness really rang true. I'm extremely happy for you and ENJOY man!. It's often said but very, very true...They grow up so quick and then your like when did that happen. Mines 19 now and I can't figure it out. So again Enjoy and love every minute of it. :thumbsup:

[Blueflame]

Such good news that he's here and everyone's doing well, TJ. Yeah, it's an absolutely indescribable feeling holding your child for the first time...

Congratulations to you and the Senorita... give that tiny one hugs from all of us here on the Mane... and we look forward to seeing some pics when you get time. :D

[Natedogg]

you'll make a fantastic dad, tj.

[MrPeepers]

Congrats. Enjoy the Ride.

[Dr. Broncenstein]

Congrats Taco and family!

[ClevelandBronco]

Welcome to the fraternity.

God bless you, your wife and, most of all, little Zachary James (ZJ?)

[MissJen]

Congrats TJ! ;D

[SoDak Bronco]

Congrads Pops.. I'm glad women get pregnant, because they're a lot tougher than guys. Wish you and yours all the best!!

[Mtbrncofn]

Oh good Lord, 10 lbs?!! That's incredible. Congrats on your beautiful new baby boy! Hope everything is going well with mommy and son. Also, your wife is a warrior! God bless you all and enjoy that time. You'll hear it a thousand times over, but here it is: 'Enjoy it, because they grow up so fast'.

It's true too.

[listopencil]

Congrats! I'm looking forward to the pics.

[wabbit]

Blessings, buddy...hope all is well.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Congrats TJ ......you will get alot of headaches from dealing with Kids , times you wonder why you are even sober , but in the long run it is all worth it and you would do it all over again ;D

Ha! I loved this. I spend my time most nights just with my child till he goes to bed then hit the bottle. I just see it as it kind of wears you out and need a bit to unwind. (and as for you would do it all over again, my next one is due next month)

[Arkansas Bronco]

Oh yea Like the middle name James my son has the same middle name.

[NYBronc]

Congratulations TJ! All the best to you and your family!

[Broncoman13]

Awesome narrative TJ, it brought a tear of happiness just thinking back to some of the same trials. I'll never forget the birth of my first. Like I've said a million times, love at first sight never seemed more real. I knew in an instant that my daughter would forever have me wrapped around her finger. I'm so happy for you all. The growing pains are all worth it. I'd never change a thing about my family... we are rich with love! God Bless! Congratulations! And, Get some pictures up as soon as you can.

Love the name too btw.

[Vega$Bronco]

Wow, what a beautiful, touching recollection of your baby's birth. That warmed my heart and brought a wondrous tear of joy to my eye. Congratulations to you and your wife. What a blessing a child is, savor all of these precious times. And take lots of pictures, the one regret I have in life is that I didn't take enough pictures. I know you'll be wonderful parents. My prayers and heartfelt wishes are with you and yours.

[freak6]

Cool daddio!!!

Mine screamed once they cleared him out on Jan 26th 1998, I said "it's ok Nicholas, Daddy's here", he immediately stopped crying, opened his eyes, and turned his head right at me. That was the coolest thing ever. Even though he couldn't see, it was love at first sight. I forgot we won SB 32 for like 5 hours, even though I watched non stop highlights during the first half of labor. lmao, kids truly rule.

Congrats TJ!!!!!

[Dedhed]

Congratulations TJ.

[Odysseus]

One day Taco is going to be working on the site and this man child is going to coming walking up to him and he's going to go "Whoa. Dude! You are grown. Borrow the car keys? When did you learn how to drive?" It's going to seem that fast. The years are going to be like time travelling and the phrase "Seems like just yesterday"...don't use that phrase. Trust me on this one.

Focus on the now. It's really all that you have. Each day will be a combination of pain, suffering, joy, something else, and you'll never make sense of it until laterer. The stories will always grow bigger. You won't have enough pictures. Your memory will remind you of the little things for a thousand years. It's one of the coolest days you will ever have.

I called the Broncos and they have a regimen they wanted to send you regarding your little offensive lineman.

[milehimike]

T.J. Your role was vital and and not at all helpless. Your stroking of her head & talking to her. Was as important as any doctor in that room. I know because when my daughter was born in denver in 85. WE or should I say she didn't have the luxury of an epidural, and believe me when I say, "you were & are all they will ever need"! GOOD GOING DADDY!!!!!!! I know you enjoyed it all. Much love to all & welcome ZACH. FYI as a proud father myself, my son 10#7oz, daughter 7#10oz GOTTA LUV IT DUDE.

[Orange_Beard]

When are we going to see some pictures?

[DomCasual]

Great job, TJ and Mrs. TJ! I'm glad everything went relatively smoothly, all things considered.

[BMF Bronco]

[QUOTE=Taco John;1254542]...my son.

QUOTE]

Congrats Brother, prepare for a whole new life!

[sutoazul]

congrats TJ. I'm really glad your son is out and doing good. I hope your wife is doing fine and enjoy your son. I can only imagine having a kid!!

[orange 4 life]

...my son.


my prayers are with you my friend. congrats on the new addition to your family.
i remember you and i having discussions about the HOPE of our wives getting pregnant, and though we're still trying, im SO happy for the two of you.

as a man trying for the last DECADE to have a baby AND already being a parent (thank God we at least have one) of a 15 year old, my best and only advice is to follow your heart, and enjoy EVERY SINGLE MOMENT.
they come and go SO fast, and you want to soak it all up.
all the best my friend.
thanks for making my day with the news,

jake

[jonny1]

Congratulations, TJ and family.

Enjoy!!!

[crazyhorse]

...my son.

Words are so shallow and coarse to describe the wellspring of emotion that I'm feeling tonight. The past 48 hours have been an emotional roller-coaster that went through some incredible twists, turns, and loop-the-loops, with the climax scaling heights I never imagined my emotions could go when I watched the hands of several doctors reaching into my wife's abdomen and pulling out the second most beautiful thing I've ever witnessed in my entire life... the first being my brave wife as she struggled to push out a 10 pound, three ounce bundle of joy out a birth canal that was maybe made for 8. I'm so entirely humbled by her poise as she labored in "hard" labor for three hours before the epidural was available to her.

It wasn't supposed to be like that, but we've found that "best laid plans" are nothing short of mere hopes when it comes to giving birth. Our plan was to endure the contractions until they started to "really" hurt, so that she wasn't bed ridden the entire time. But just as that started to happen, and we put in our call for relief, we found the medicine man was being called from one emergency to the next, leaving poor Erin to labor in quiet, moaning dignity. We discovered a reservoir in her that we both secretly knew was there, but didn't acknowledge until we saw it in action. I am so grateful that I have her.

Grace finally came in the form of a six-inch needle and magical clear liquid in a drip bag. Watching my wife's mood elevate from a woman being tested to the ends of her pain tolerance, to her chipper, chatty self was relief that I can't describe. While my role of stroking her head and talking her through the pain was appreciated, it still feels like a helpless role.

Once the epidural kicked in, contraction peaks that would have brought my wife to agony and tears turned into minor pressure distractions to be chatted through. We both got an opportunity for a brief nap, and took it. Waking two hours later, at 4pm, I received the news that my wife had almost fully dilated and the baby was at the -1 station (meaning that he was a little over an inch in). At 5pm, we started pushing. After an hour of pushing, the doctor came in to check on our progress. We we're disappointed to learn that our work had been for naught. He remained stuck in that station, and the doctor said she feared that we could be stuck in labor for hours at the cost of a lot of trauma to both of them. Her recommendation was cesarean birth.

The blur that time became after the second we agreed that we felt it would be best to cut my wife open and deliver the baby through her abdomen can hardly be described adequately. The room kicked into life as support people poured in to address our needs, present us forms, and prepare us for this major, though routine surgery. I was quickly dressed down in Tyvek scrubs and put on a hair net and we were whisked helplessly down the hall to the operating room at 6:00pm. Before entering the OR, they handed me a face mask, and asked me to wait in a small waiting room. Floods of emotions hit me as I thought of my poor, helpless wife, strapped to the table, quivering uncontrollably from her body's reactions to the intense strain being thrust on her body. I turned to prayer and meditation and found my own well of strength replenishing. A knowing washed over me that assured me that everything was going to be alright, and that I needed to simply just experience it fearless and alert.

When they called me into the room, I felt resolve that this would all be happily over with soon. Little did I know just how right I was, and just how soon "soon" was. I was called into the operating room at 6:25pm, and seated by the head of my wife, behind a blue curtain. The feelings of helplessness started to wash over me once again, as I stared into the doe eyes of my frightened wife and muttered hollow words of reassurance. It then dawned on me that I could stand and see over the blue curtain, and as I rose the feeling of helplessness dissipated, and the hollow words turned into the right words at the right time as I narrated reassuringly for my wife.

At 6:37pm of September 2nd, 2006, uncontrollable tears of joy swept over me as my son, Zachary James Lopez was pulled from his mother's cozy womb, and into the harsh light of the operating room. Piercing my soul as though it was the only sound in the room, his heart melting cry sent my spirit soaring to heights that fundamentally changed me forever. I am now "Daddy." The implications still stagger me, but I know that I have this in me. I was born for this.

Momma was sewn up and is doing fine. Her temperature spiked to 103, but once the trauma passed, she started to cool back down. Zachary was overheated too, and was born with a temperature of 99.5. Because they found meconium stool in the womb, they were concerned with infection for both mother and baby. As a precaution, they've taken his blood samples, and will run a culture, but because his temperature has dropped to normal levels, they feel that there's little to worry about. Likewise for the fact that momma's temperature is falling to normal levels, though slower than his did. At 3am, she was still running 99.5, though she's had no nausea and is in good spirits.

Now I'm left with a conundrum as I write this detailed recount as I re-live the experience through my thoughts and these collected words: do I stay awake at my wife's bedside as she sleeps with our pride and joy on her chest, and prolong the best day of my life? Or do I get the much needed rest that I deserve, racing to a new day to spend with my son and my precious wife?

God bless you all with experiences that test your soul, and provide such satisfying rewards.

Tomorrow comes in two hours. I can't wait!


/ps. Thank God for wireless access at hospitals... :)

It get's better.

Congratulations brother!

[smalltowngrll]

Congrats TJ and wife on the new addition to your family!! Children are truly an amazing miracle!!

[broncosteven]

Glad to hear all are well. Congrats on your 1st born!

[Rohirrim]

Wow, TJ, that story almost brought tears to my eyes remembering the birth of my first son. We used to just put him on the bed between us and lie there watching him for hours - even if he was just sleeping - and grinning like goons at each other. These moments can't be replicated and they go by so fast. Slow down the motor, if you can, and just absorb every second. It's truly beautiful. Good fortune to you and yours. And welcome, Zach.

[lookin' glass]

Congrats TJ. One day you'll lean over to pick him up, you'll look into his eyes and at that moment the two of you will recognize each other. That will bring you even greater joy. It does indeed get better.

[broncocalijohn]

congrats from one who has 2 little boys under 4. GET THE SLEEP YOU NEED! When she sleeps, you will be up with Zachary. Many a nights I was up until 11 30 then I had to get to work to finish there. It gets better in a few months so hang in there. Being a father is a great feeling and much pressure to make sure you bring him up as perfect as possible (which will never happen). Good luck!

[NYBroncoManiac]

As a father myself, I can remember the emotions you describe as I watched both my botys being born...

Congratulations, Taco... this is only the beginning.

[Mile High Shack]

congrats TJ

I know how you feel and trust me, it only gets better

[Hotrod]

Awesome news congrats TJ :believeit

[Sassy]

congrats from one who has 2 little boys under 4. GET THE SLEEP YOU NEED! When she sleeps, you will be up with Zachary. Many a nights I was up until 11 30 then I had to get to work to finish there. It gets better in a few months so hang in there. Being a father is a great feeling and much pressure to make sure you bring him up as perfect as possible (which will never happen). Good luck!

Only 11:30 you're wife could only wish...

My sister and brother in law would each take turns...so the other one could get a full night's sleep...both had to work the next day...but it was better than being tired all the time.

[Alkazar]

Congrats TJ! Glad to hear about the new addition to your family tree, may he be fruitful in all his endeavors.

[Popps]

Only 11:30 you're wife could only wish...

My sister and brother in law would each take turns...so the other one could get a full night's sleep...both had to work the next day...but it was better than being tired all the time.

Excellent advice. Taking shifts is a great plan for people on the same schedule. My work is more flexible, so I try to take the baby late nights, so my better half can rest. We both usually get in the 5-6 hour range, sometimes better. But, it's straight-through sleep... and that's better than a lot of people do.

Basically, you really have to look out for your partner in that regard. Personally, I do better on little sleep than most, so I'm happier seeing my wife wake well-rested than myself. Plus, she's caring for the baby more throughout the day, as I'm working.. so she needs rest.


Taco, you going to post any pics, or are we going to have to imagine what the kid looks like?

[Old Dude]

Congrats, TJ!

[Circle Orange]

Heh,

Run around, flap your arms and HOWWWLLL!!!:thumbs: ;D

[Taco John]

Picture a baby Paul Rodriguez... :)


heh... Just kidding. We'll post pictures soon. I just stopped home to pick up the dog, get him to smell the baby stuff, and then head back to the hosipital to pick up my wife and son. I'll try to post pictures this evening.

[Tom G]

Wow.

Congatulations to you and especially to your bride.

Impressive and moving write up.

This is what makes the world go round.

Well done, both of you.

[Crushaholic]

Picture a baby Paul Rodriguez... :)

You're just begging for a Photoshop there, boss...:P

[Broncoman13]

Excellent advice. Taking shifts is a great plan for people on the same schedule. My work is more flexible, so I try to take the baby late nights, so my better half can rest. We both usually get in the 5-6 hour range, sometimes better. But, it's straight-through sleep... and that's better than a lot of people do.

Basically, you really have to look out for your partner in that regard. Personally, I do better on little sleep than most, so I'm happier seeing my wife wake well-rested than myself. Plus, she's caring for the baby more throughout the day, as I'm working.. so she needs rest.


Taco, you going to post any pics, or are we going to have to imagine what the kid looks like?



That and invest in Milicon drops (sp?), Infant Tylenol, and baby anbesol. When those teeth come you will swear your child has been possessed! The milicon is great for gas which will make a baby more cranky than ever!

[PatsWin2002]

Picture a baby Paul Rodriguez... :)


heh... Just kidding. We'll post pictures soon. I just stopped home to pick up the dog, get him to smell the baby stuff, and then head back to the hosipital to pick up my wife and son. I'll try to post pictures this evening.


Good. I don't want you to think you're some big celebrity that has to keep his child away from the papparazi. ;)

[rbackfactory80]

Congrats Taco, maybe this weekend the two of you will catch the first Broncos game together.

[Taco John]

Here's me an my son after a long night...

[Taco John]

Zachary getting ready for his first ride in the car...

[BMF Bronco]

Here's me an my son after a long night...

Well you definitely couldn't deny him now could you bro! Congrats again, great looking little guy!

[Sassy]

Zachary getting ready for his first ride in the car...

What a set of cheeks on that cutie! :thumbsup:

[Vega$Bronco]

Awwwwwwwwwwww... how sweet! Proud papa and his precious son.

[g00fyfoot]

Good lookin' kid, TJ. Congrats!

[bronco militia]

awesome!!!!

congrats!


a fine choice of names, if I do say myself.

my oldest is a Zachary and the youngest has James as his middle name.

[gunns]

Here's me an my son after a long night...

What a cutie! Those cheeks! That kid is obviously a mini TJ.

Now the real fun begins.

[Blueflame]

Looks like he already has Daddy wrapped around his little finger... :thumbsup:

[Meck77]

Welcome to the world Zach! Congrats Taco!

[Popps]

Very cute, man!

You're in for a world of rewarding changes. The early stages are a lot of work, but you've never known joy like you'll know soon.

Keep the pics coming.

[Dagmar]

Congrats Taco.

[AFCTopDog]

Glad everything came out alright, GOD bless.

[Taco John]

boy, hes been a handful lately...

I've always been a person who gets little sleep. But it wasn't until having a baby that I felt like a person who gets little sleep!

It's all good though. I love every challenging minute of it knowing that there are people out there who don't get the priviledge of sitting up late nights with a crying baby, who wish they could. Every breath he takes makes my heart leap for joy. :)

[Requiem]

He's lookin' good TJ -- did you introduce him to Broncos TV games yet? :D

[Sassy]

Where's his Bronco Gear??? ;D

[DomCasual]

boy, hes been a handful lately...

I've always been a person who gets little sleep. But it wasn't until having a baby that I felt like a person who gets little sleep!

It's all good though. I love every challenging minute of it knowing that there are people out there who don't get the priviledge of sitting up late nights with a crying baby, who wish they could. Every breath he takes makes my heart leap for joy. :)

I'll never forget an incident with my son. My wife and I would take turns changing his diaper at night. I have always been abnormally grumpy and irrational when I am woken up abruptly, and the occasion that comes to mind was no exception. So I pull off his dirty diaper, lift up his butt by lifting his feet (if you've changed diapers, you know the lift I am talking about), and clean him up. I get the new diaper under him, and he proceeds to squirt a new round of poop into it. So I start over, and he does it again, just when I get the new diaper under him. He does this FIVE TIMES - each time with impeccable timing. On the sixth try, he jumps the gun a little and sprays his poop right when I have his butt angled at me, and I end up with yellow baby poop all over me.

I honestly almost smacked him. I was (and am) horrified when I thought about it the next morning. We've never spanked him (he's 8 now), and it isn't like he had any idea what he was doing when he was less than a month old. But man, when it's 3:30 AM and you know you have to get up in a couple hours, nothing is logical.

The thing that really struck me is how teenage moms must feel. At least I was in my late 20s, and my wife was taking every other pooping episode. What must someone think when they're all alone, probably a little resentful, and not quite mature enough to be an adult?

[Blueflame]

Where's his Bronco Gear??? ;D

Heh... looks to me like he's fresh out of the bathtub in TJ's avy pic, Sass...

[Blueflame]

I'll never forget an incident with my son. My wife and I would take turns changing his diaper at night. I have always been abnormally grumpy and irrational when I am woken up abruptly, and the occasion that comes to mind was no exception. So I pull off his dirty diaper, lift up his butt by lifting his feet (if you've changed diapers, you know the lift I am talking about), and clean him up. I get the new diaper under him, and he proceeds to squirt a new round of poop into it. So I start over, and he does it again, just when I get the new diaper under him. He does this FIVE TIMES - each time with impeccable timing. On the sixth try, he jumps the gun a little and sprays his poop right when I have his butt angled at me, and I end up with yellow baby poop all over me.

I honestly almost smacked him. I was (and am) horrified when I thought about it the next morning. We've never spanked him (he's 8 now), and it isn't like he had any idea what he was doing when he was less than a month old. But man, when it's 3:30 AM and you know you have to get up in a couple hours, nothing is logical.

The thing that really struck me is how teenage moms must feel. At least I was in my late 20s, and my wife was taking every other pooping episode. What must someone think when they're all alone, probably a little resentful, and not quite mature enough to be an adult?


When my oldest son was born, the nurses plopped him up on my tummy and the little scamp pooped on me three times before he'd ever even had his first diaper put on his little butt. :P He was also very good at turning on... or off... the waterworks and would try to hose down the person who was changing him, succeeding fairly often, I might add.

[Meck77]

boy, hes been a handful lately...

I've always been a person who gets little sleep. But it wasn't until having a baby that I felt like a person who gets little sleep!

It's all good though. I love every challenging minute of it knowing that there are people out there who don't get the priviledge of sitting up late nights with a crying baby, who wish they could. Every breath he takes makes my heart leap for joy. :)

How's his arm and 40 time?

[Taco John]

Where's his Bronco Gear??? ;D


Unfotunately, it's all too big for him at the moment... I thought he might be able to get into a couple of the Broncos onesies that I bought for him, but they're still a little too big. But he's doing his best to fix that, let me tell you! He's already pushing his newborn diapers to the next size. He's not quite there yet, but he's getting close!

[Taco John]

How's his arm and 40 time?



Well, right now he's testing my arm and 40 time! I hear him screaming on the monitor, I come running! And the heavier he gets, the more workout my arm is getting... He's up to about 12 pounds right now, which doesn't actually sound like a lot, until you've taken him to the grocery story and he starts crying and I need to swing him in his little traveller!

I'm hoping to pick up a game with Jarrius Jackson and BVP in the park sometime! :rofl:

[freak6]

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bzGgvI1z2EI"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bzGgvI1z2EI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

Awww Yeah!!!!

Peep out Nick breaking this kids down to the ground.

ALL DAY BABY!!!!

[AFCTopDog]

10 frickin lbs!!! that girl deserves a medal.....

[Taco John]

Happy Birthday Zachary. I love you son.

[Blueflame]

Happy Birthday to Baby Z... it doesn't seem possible that it's been a year already. :)

[SoCalBronco]

Happy Birthday Baby Z! :)

http://www.audiolunchbox.com/images/albums/114k/114985-100.jpg

http://www.gifts.ie/images/400-114_150.jpg

[REB]

Happy B-day Baby Z!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/REB65/birth061.gif

[Sassy]

Happy Birthday, Baby Z!

[gunns]

Happy Birthday Z! If we can't have the avatars to keep us updated on him at least post some pics TJ.

[Orange_Beard]

Man that year flew by. Congrads TJ and Happy Birthday Z

[OrangeShadow]

its been a year already? happy birthday z.