We arrived in New Jersey a few hours ago, just got back from dinner with Jen's family. Our bellies are full of lamb (not the "of God" kind), red cabbage, and other delicious Turkish foods. Tomorrow is the first day of Passover, there is a lot to do to prepare. Barbara, Jen's Mom, is cooking. Jen's dad, Larry, is putting away the non-Passover dishes. Lots of activity-- way more than Jen and I are used to on a day-to-day basis. That's okay, though. I know there is a kick-ass matzo ball soup at the end of it all.
Yesterday was the beginning of our 5-day road trip.
The first stop: downtown Manhattan to visit our friends Jim, Great, and their 2-month-old son Seamus.
After checking into our hotel, we walked 2 or 3 blocks over to Jim and Greta's apartment. We arrived at their door around 5:00 pm. Greta, looking great, answered the door and welcomed us in.
Jen and I dropped our coats and bags and made our way to the living room to see Jim and Seamus. The moment to meet the newest Blau had arrived!
Except we would have to wait a few moments longer. Seamus was fast asleep, tucked under a blanket on his Dad's chest. They looked so peaceful, just sitting there.
I have known Jim for a very long time now and always knew he would make a great father. He is a kind, gentle man with a lot of chest hair for a young primate to cling to. To see Jim sitting there, holding his baby, filled me with joy. Joy for him, Greta, and Seamus, and joy for Jen and I. Gods willing, we will have our own baby boy to rock to sleep soon.
It didn't take long for Seamus to wake up from his evening nap. Maybe it was the sound of new voices or something else, but soon after we sat down, Seamus stirred and woke up.
Right away, Jim and Greta let me hold him. I bounced him on my knee, made funny faces, and talked to him in the high-pitched voice I usually save for cats and the homeless. Seamus responded with a big, toothless grin (that may have had more to do with gas pains than being pleased at seeing my bearded mug) and lots of blinking of his big, blue eyes.
Jen took young Seamus next. If the cooing and smiling were any indication, he loved her. Jen was so good with him; she is going to be such a great mommy. Bea Arthur aside, I would not want anyone else to be the mother of my child.
Like all things, the baby holding fun was soon over. Seamus got hungry, fussy, and wanted to be fed. So did Jim, and despite his crying, and rooting, I refused to let him drink from my breast. Instead, we ordered some Thai food from this thing called "The Seamless Web". It is a service that allows one to order an entire meal, online, without having to interact with a single human being. I'm not counting the food delivery person, of course, as they are not human beings.
Dinner was delicious. Jen had an eggplant and basil dish, I had spicy squid. It was so spicy that my ears were sweating and my scalp was tingling. But I kept eating it. Must have been the endorphins released by the chili peppers.
Instead of running, I think I am going to take up eating spicy squid three times a week. I will sweat more, and at the same time, help rid the world of cephalopods. Have you ever read Peter Benchley's Beast? It's about a giant squid that eats people. I'm telling you, it's just a matter of time before the squids rise up and begin their assault on humanity. We must all do our part to prevent this disaster: Eat Spicy Squid.
Before, during, and after dinner, Jim and Greta graciously entertained our many, many questions about the birthing and experience and what it's like to have a tiny little person to take care of. Here is a small sample:
How often does a baby eat. Too often...far too often.
Will we become sleep deprived? [Hysterical laughter].
Is it really possible for a baby too poop so much that it flows up and out the back of a pair of diapers? Dear Lord, yes.
After dinner, Jim gave Seamus a bath in the sink. It was getting to be bedtime in the Blau household. When bath time was over, Jen and I gathered our things and headed back to the hotel.
During our 5-minute walk, we talked about how good it was to see Jim and Greta with Seamus, and how much they all love each other. Call me corny and sentimental if you want, but I was touched to see these two new parents with their baby.
Well, that's about it for Saturday.
Sunday's adventures will follow soon.
5 comments:
Life on the East Coast continues without us, I see. ;o) Jealous that you got to meet Seamus! I'm sure Seamus and Gaius will be tag-team rulers of everything west of Pittsburgh before we know it.
Happy Passover!
Thanks, Jules!
B
I meant EAST of Pittsburgh, of course. Conquering begins on the home turf.
Bradford,
You are corny and sentimental. (You said I could call you that if I wanted to.) You are correct, though: we do all love each other. Seamus did something really sweet this morning -- as soon as he woke up and focused his eyes on Greta, he smiled and gave a little shout of joy.
The first eight or nine weeks were really tough for us, but we've really enjoyed the past week -- partly because Greta's post-partum depression is gone, but also because Seamus has begun to react to us more. And also because you visited us! It was great to see you guys, and to introduce you to The Schmoo.
You are dead right about the squid. Did you see that article that I sent you, "Giant Squid Appearing Off The California Coast"? As an old salt who was quoted in the article said, they are "eight feet of fighting fury." He also said, "and their hearts be as black as Davy Jones' Locker, arrrr," but they edited that part out.
Please stop talking about my chest hair.
Fabulous Bea Arthur reference!
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