Friday started like any other day. A 5am wake up and coffee with the cold outside air and a quick read of the news. 19 hours later, my wife Laura and I welcomed our first child. She was born at 11:16pm on June 3rd, 2016. She weighed 8lbs 2oz and was 19.5” long. Sloan Ashbrook Loyal Treleven (SALT) is a healthy and happy baby. As expected she has absolutely stolen our hearts and played on our fears. In the few hours that we have been acquainted I have been confident that she is the best baby that ever was and also the worst. That she would grow up to be a genius and that she was defective and stuck in a loud crying mode. The range of emotions is incredible and all new to me. I will need much advice.
This Lord Byron Poem “She Walks in Beauty” seems appropriate:
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven trees,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
