Tomorrow it will be 2 weeks since the birth of our little girl, and still she’s not home. She’s in the NICU at Central DuPage Hospital. When Anna was born she had what the doctors think was some kind of infection that may have caused pulmonary hypertension. Well, after a full week of antibiotics and breathing using a respirator, we finally got to hold our baby last weekend for the first time. That was huge!

She hasn’t even met her brother yet because he is too young to go into the NICU. Now, Anna has been without tubes for 3 days, and we’re just waiting for her to clear her last hurdle – eating so that she can come home. I can’t wait.

Anna Lucy Rzepkowski, born August 29th 10:25 AM, 6lbs. 14 oz.

Tricia and I spent Saturday morning in the hospital. She’s having pre-term labor with Baby Zip II. We know the drill though, since Mason was 4 weeks early and went through 3 weeks of pre-term labor. I’m thinking that we’re going to have a baby soon.

Although it is much better said by Mason:

Check it out

It always amazes me when you have kids, you stop calling your own mother Mom and start calling her Grandma. Happy Birthday!

Friday we made it through 5 years of marriage. Amazing how time flies when you’re having fun (and having kids). We spent a very nice evening at La Sorella di Francesca without Mason. It wasn’t our traditional trip someplace somewhere without any planning that typically makes our anniversary an adventure. But having a kid coming up so soon is bound to change a plan or two. We spent the rest of the weekend doing our normal house stuff, visiting with friends, and playing with the boy. Somehow it just seemed a little bit more enjoyable knowing that we’ve done this for so long, and there are so many more nice weekends to come. Happy Anniversary Tricia.

What a way to shake off a bad week. We had a great time travelling to Western New York for the 4th of July holiday. My wife purchased a welcomed addition to our travelling entourage. With 6 hours of Noggin to keep Junior busy, we had a quick trip. I got to watch a couple movies while driving. No, it wasn’t dangerous, you just put in movies you’ve seen before and listen to 90%, watch 10%.

We went to my sister’s wedding shower at my parents place on Conesus Lake. We actually made bridal gowns out of toilet paper. Afterwards was the beautiful ring of fire – everyone puts up flares on their shoreline so it looks like…you guessed it, a ring of fire. Mason got his first taste of lake water, and I’m still convinced that I must have a home on a lake as my permanent residence. My parents and family spoiled Mason silly which was very cool.

Onward to Tricia’s parents, where we had outstanding food. Roast pork, deepfried turkey, pulled pork. Come to think of it we had a total pig out fest. Much beer was drank. Much Q*bert was played. Yes, Adam has a ROM of Q*bert on his PC. And Matt and I played it for hours, discovering the joys that 80’s gamers must have had. I never played it that much. Nana and Poppy spoiled the Mason, so he is just brimming with memories.

After an excruciating 13 hour trip home, we’re all tired, and afraid of the work that awaits us.

So we went to the White Sox game yesterday for Father’s Day. It was a 1-0 loss to the Padres, but who cares about the Sox anyways.

There was a petting zoo outside. So Mason got to pet his first goat.

And what baseball game doesn’t have pony rides outside too? So Mason got to ride his first pony.

Oh yeah, and we watched a little baseball.

Yes, Mommy was there too. Thanks guys it was fun. Being a Dad is pretty cool!

Yesterday I turned 28 years old. I’m not yet ready to reveal what I want to have accomplished by the time I’m 30. I’m still working on that.

Mason learned how to get his booty off the ground for the first time and walk across the room. Now he practices walking every chance he gets. Let the chase begin!

Happy St. Paddy’s Day. Love, Mason.