And yesterday, thus no posting…I am still trying to figure out how to post while I am at work (and even if I can), so we’ll see. I left yesterday morning at 0545 and returned this morning just before 7. It was actually a lot easier to get back into the swing of things at the station, but it certainly helped that we had a call 20 minutes into the shift – nothing like jumping back in with both feet. It was something of a busy day yesterday: cleaning, maintenance, and training mixed in with a few calls. Ahna and I spoke on the phone a few times throughout the day and then she and Ezra stopped by after dinner last night. At times it is difficult to have a job that takes me away for 24 hours at a shot, but it’s nice that I have a job (that is close to where we live) where Ahna and Ezra can come and stop by when we have some down time.

I found myself getting lost in the work yesterday, even at times ‘forgetting’ that there was this child now at home. However, it was really joyous when I would speak with Ahna on the phone and hear Ezra in the background…and a little difficult knowing that I would not be able to see him as much as I would like. I finally went to bed around midnight with the anticipation of a possible full-night’s rest…only to find myself waking up every hour or two wondering why I wasn’t hearing little grunting noises. We didn’t get any calls during the night, but I didn’t sleep soundly either; however, I definitely had more room in my bed. 🙂

Ahna and Ezra had a pretty good day as well. They made it on their own just fine, although she tells me that she missed having me around (between you and me, I’m sure that there were moments that she was happy to have me gone). They went to lunch with Jay, Karen, and David and headed around town for a few errands (including stopping by the firehouse). Many folks called and checked in to see if she needed anything – which is extremely appreciated. It seems as though her night went similarly to mine (as far as the consistency of the sleep) but of course included being up to nurse Ezra. If they didn’t get enough practice yesterday, there is always tomorrow. 

If you all remember the first time that Ezra came by the firehouse (when we visited with Gil), Ezra brought along some good luck in the form of a fire (it’s good for firefighters). Yesterday he brought us good luck in the form of a magnificent double rainbow just in front of the station. Since he is two-for-two with station visits, he will be welcome whenever he wants to come. (ed. note: one of the pictures is pieced together – not well – from two photos)

Ezra wanted to tell you to have a Scooby-licious birthday celebration today! It was great to talk with you on the iChat and to open your gift together (even though we are a thousand miles apart). 

Kind of. Sort of. For now. The afternoon marked the last scheduled trip to Dr. Cassell’s office, which oddly enough was a little sad. We have had a great experience with Dr. Cassell and in some ways it is a little strange to think of not having to go there anymore. We have estimated the number of visits to the office during the last 14 months to be in the neighborhood of 25; so I suppose that we will have to fill those vacancies with something else on the calendar. The visit went well, and Ahna was cleared to return to “all normal activities with no restrictions.” Even though she has been doing a lot of things for the last couple of weeks, I think that the official word from the doctor is satisfying news. 

In the evening we headed out for Ezra’s second baseball game – only this time with a few less people around. Tanner’s team was playing at a park here in town and we went down to cheer him on. They have started coach-pitch (still not keeping score) and he hit the ball both times he was up to bat. Jay, Karen, and David (who was sporting a new Notre Dame jersey) joined the cheering section as well. Afterwards, we decided on a impromptu trip to the ice cream parlor located next door to Station 1. We all met there, enjoyed sitting outside and talking about the “old days” when Jay, Matt, Geoff, Jeff, Todd, Patrick, and I were assigned to that firehouse. It was good to remember those times and to share some of those with Tanner.

The day yesterday seemed to be one of those that disappears before your eyes. We think that Ezra is having a little growth spurt: or at least that is how we are deciphering the increased frequency in feedings. Therefore, most of the day seemed to be catching up on things between feedings. It was also my parent’s 35th wedding anniversary, so they headed up to Boulder to spend a nice night out with each other. Their absence from home resulted in an empty space (that isn’t our house) with a great view and a nice TV set….so we headed down there and hijacked the house for the evening. We brought some soup and ice cream, a movie (see below) and our walking shoes. It was very pleasant and a nice treat to be able to break away – even if mostly symbolically – for a little while from the norm.