Inspiration

There are many definitions for this word on the internet, but the one I liked best is:

"arousing to a particular emotion or action"

Today I had to say a sad goodbye to my mom, Milan's Grandma. She was here for 2 weeks following his birth. I still remember calling her at 8am on Sunday August 17th to let her know I was having contractions. I didn't expect her to walk through the door of my hospital room less than 2 hours after our son was born, but she did.

I know there are a lot of different situations for new moms in the world. Some women have a baby and are sent home only to have their husbands or partners have to return to work the very next day. Some women don't even have husbands or partners, let alone a support system. Talk about nerve racking! I don't think I could've done it alone. My situation is a fortunate one. I have an amazing support system - one that every new mom would envy. I have a loving husband, a very close relationship with loving in-laws and I was blessed with an incredible mother.

She stayed with us for 2 weeks and helped build my confidence as a new mother. She was there when I was crying from fatigue, frustration, snarking through raging post-partum hormones, burping the baby when no one else could get a burp out of him, and changing diapers as though they were as fun as going on an afternoon shopping spree.

I realized today that she has provided me with a very clear picture of the mom I can aspire to be. The way she is with her little grandson is the most endearing image ever to be seen. Whispering sweet nothings in his ear, dropping soft kisses all over his angelic face, and such confidence and ease that only experience can bring. I could have very well been watching her hold me as an infant 28 years ago. How lucky I was to be held and loved and to call her by the name Mom. I was so fortunate and didn't even know it then. It took me a long time into adulthood to fully understand what a blessing she was and still is - and here I got to witness it, with the exception of it being my child, her grandson instead of me all those years ago. The special magic touch of a mother is still within her.

I told her today that I love her. And that I didn't know who or where I would be without her. It's all I could say to thank her for years of selflessness and a mothering that compares to none.

Thank you Mom, for inspiring me to be great at something that really counts - being a Mom.

A few photos of our little Prince... enjoy!

One Week Later...

Blogged by: New Papa (aka Sash)

Wow, what a week! Is it possible that Milan is one week old already? While he's trying to adjust to the outside world, Danielle and I have been adjusting to parenthood. The sleep deprivation has kicked into high gear, but I'm happy how things have progressed up to this point. Milan has been keeping us busy, but like to think we're holding our own even if we are rookie parents. Danielle is an amazing Mom and my Mom-in-law has been a God send; she has made the adjustment so much smoother for us. Thanks Mom!

Milan is sleeping quite a lot during the day, but likes to wake up regularly throughout the night so he can have his favourite food :)

We're heading up to give him a bath. This will be my first kick at the can so stay tuned.

Blogged by: New Mommy (aka Danielle)
So this is it. Motherhood. I can't believe it's here- after 10 long months. Did you know that saying pregnancy is only 9 months is kind of a lie? It's true. No one gives birth on the 1st day of the 9th month. Pregnancy lasts until the end of the 9th month and sometimes if you are overdue, into the 10th month!

It's hard to swallow that one only has 9-10 months to physically, emotionally and mentally prepare for the responsibilities of being a parent. I doubt there is much preparation for the journey of parenthood, which inevitably will test your every strength beginning from the very first moment, lasting the rest of your life. You can't just "log hours" into a training regime for something like this.

I would like to say that from Milan's conception right through to his birth, the experience was absolute perfection. My stay at the hospital was complimented by the most caring, knowledgeable professionals who made a difference in bringing our son into the world. I don't know how many nurses receive post-birthing thank you notes, but I have already filled out 3 cards for a few special individuals in the Maternity Ward.

I also feel compelled to note that Sasha has been my statue throughout this beautiful journey. It was incredible to see him coach me through the birth, so strong, loving and seemingly unfazed by the frenzy of delivering a child. It was even more incredible to watch him hold his son, his son, for the first time with awe and admiration. As I sit here tonight reflecting on my life at this moment, I feel even more strongly then ever that I was privileged enough to meet my soul mate, marry him and to father his perfect little child. I wish this upon every soul on the earth.

Above, Sash mentioned our sincere thanks to everyone who has expressed enthusiasm towards our momentous arrival, but I would like to emphasis our sincere thanks to everyone as well. It can be overwhelming to realize the extent that people really do care.

So, to you, I thank you. You've made such a wonderful difference. Stay tuned!

Prince Milan has Arrived!

Blogged by: New Papa (aka Sash)

So the highly anticipated day finally arrived. Milan Luka Herakovic joined our family on August 17th, 2008 at 6:41pm weighing 8 lbs 5 oz and 21 inches in length.

Danielle is doing extremely well adjusting to motherhood and Daddy...well, I couldn't be more proud. We're 3 days into being parents and dealing with the sleepless nights relatively well up till now. I'm sure the next blog post will be unreadable as the fatigue kicks into high gear ;-)

Once we figure out our new routine we'll be shooting photos frequently and updating this blog with Milan's latest achievement. I'm such a proud father and look forward to giving Danielle and Milan everything I possibly can.

Thank you to everyone for their well wishes and support throughout Danielle's pregnancy and after his birth.

Milan's Due date has arrived... He has not.

Well today is Milan's due date. Actually it has been something of a moving target between today, August 9, 2008 and August 11, 2008. Who's to know? The midwife has flip flopped between these two dates a few times. We've just been going with the 9th. It is 10:16pm and it seems that August 9th 2008 is going to pass us quietly, uneventfully.

Last night Sasha's parents came over for supper and we watched the Olympic Opening Ceremonies. I was feeling so uncomfortable that I was certain Milan would come last night. Little Milan seemed very happy to kick me senseless for hours! After 4 potty breaks throughout the night to relieve an uncomfortable bladder, I accepted that I would wake up pregnant again this morning.

Waking up this morning, still larger than life, I thought to myself, "What's a girl to do on her due date?". I felt SO normal. SO regular. SO far away from being in labour and giving birth! (I still do as I sit here and type this...) Shouldn't I be feeling something impending creeping up on me? Should I be feeling funny? Having a weird twitch? C'mon!!! Give me something--Anything for gosh sakes that is a sign!

So I did what any normal and rational pregnant woman does on her due date, while clearly not in labour. I went out for lunch with the girls and then to see the new Batman movie for the second time. lol.

Looking back, there were 3 eventful things that happened to me today. The first was at the restaurant, the manager asked me how much longer I have to go and when I replied I was due today, his eyes almost bugged out. The next was at the movie theater, when using the automated movie-ticket dispensing machine, I accidentally bought a senior citizen ticket and got away with it. And finally, during the movie I removed the only pair of stretched out shoes that still fit me. At the end of the movie, I couldn't put the right shoe on. Yes, that's how gloriously swollen my feet were.

I'd say I've had a very complete day- almost. One tiny little detail still missing. Oh Milan, my little dictator... when will you decided the time is right? I guess only you know.