Tanner turns ONE! (One day that is!)

After a lot of good sleep, I am now able to positively say Tanner is the cutest boy I have ever seen. No predudice of course! Thank God for an auntie like Jacqui. She stood watch while Grandpa John and Topher got some much needed sleep. Once again tonight, I'm able to stay at home with our dog Picchu and work on these web updates because Jacqui is keeping Kimberly company for the night at the hospital. She has earned my sincerest thanks. Her photo is on the left of the top row, celebrating the 24 hr mark, which was a record for Tanner at 12:44 today.

A little more on the story of Tanner. He was born by C-section, so his first picture from yesterday was in the operating room, which is why Kim is upside down. He is doing great today, but the doctor's have wanted to keep an eye on him, so you see the nursery in today's update. If he and Kimberly keep on schedule (and as my coworkers know, the entire Croddy clan is planning on keeping to our schedule!), we will be going home Thursday or Friday.

Tanner is the most amazing thing I ever saw. Thinking back on yesterday is still so emotional for me. I like to think I do a decent job of controlling things, but here's this little guy looking up at me, 10 minutes old in the nursery, and it hits me that he's ours, and its my turn to take care of him...forever! The waves of his lifetime yet to come crashed down on me right there. I got really close and looked in his eyes, and just enjoyed the rush of being his dad, half of his world, knowing Kimberly needs me to care for him in that first hour. She took him through the first nine months, gave so much of herself to bring him into the world, and then handed his care to me for the first time. I can't even get through this sentence with dry eyes, and I don't think I can ever remember yesterday without that moment,Tanner and dad, alone together, getting ready and dressed to go join mom and begin our new life as a family.

Auntie Jacqui, in her starring role at the one day old party. Her night duty has allowed me to set up the website.

Tanner may be wondering what all the fuss is, but with a loving mom like Kimberly, he'll soon be smiling!

Yes, dads have duties, too. In case you're wondering, diaper #2 was mine, and I'm getting experience fast.

More Hair than Dad, and in a beautiful swirl with a great natural part. This just isn't fair. He must take after Kimberly!

Mom even got into the nursery to give Tanner a little extra love and attention!

Jacqui is definitely on Tanner's list of approved holders. As you can see, he isn't even thinking of complaining.

When Tanner started crying, I gave him a hand to hold...

...and it worked like magic. He's out for the count. Of course, I didn't get my finger back for 30 minutes!

You only get the first day of your son's life once. I didn't want to miss any of it, so I paid CLOSE attention.

He's looking at Jacqui in this photo. His awareness is great. He has been alert for long stretches, and loves to stare at you with his big grey eyes.

Thank you to all the folks who have sent e-mails and congratulations! I haven't responded due to there being so many, but Kimberly and I really thank you and hope you like the pictures!

For those in the family who may want a desktop wallpaper, here is a larger 1024x768 for you!