For many, recovery is founded by the ability for things to be returned to ‘normal’ (whatever the heck normal means). But, there is a stark contrast to be juxtaposed when it comes to recovery for toddlers. There is, beyond most comprehension, the realization that needs to settle in on this process in regards to milestones and the ever-changing and developing child. It is difficult, at best, to try to gauge what the true level of recovery is, when you have this being that is developing, changing and growing through it all. If it were an adult, then sure, the return to the way that thing were before said event would be enough… that is clearly not the case for children, let alone cranio kids.

The breadth and understanding of all that my daughter is going through still baffles me. But my growing optimism in regards to her progress is founded by many events that happen during the day. Yesterday, like the other 25 before it proved to be following this trend. Being a veteran is a status that I hold dear and hope to pass on to my children as they grow. My willingness and preparation to make the ultimate sacrifice was a decision that I did not, and still do not, take lightly. The sense of pride and honor that surrounds my service is shared by many, and the understanding of the importance of this service is equally as important. But, why do I tell all of you this?

I am not shy about the fact that we are deep into the thralls of preparation for the birth of my soon to be son. This event will only further strengthen our family’s foundation. Yesterday, veteran’s day, I was taken to lunch by some dear friends and co-workers. This is something that we rarely are given the ability to do. Leaving work, my keys still in my Jeep, my laptop packed and next to my desk all in the event that I get “The Call” letting me know it is go time made me a little apprehensive. As we neared out destination my phone rang… and my heart stopped. What follows is the transcript of the conversation that my wife and I had, it is important to note that she never calls during the work hours unless it is important:

Me: Hello?

Beloved: Hey honey, how are things going?

Me: Okay. What’s up?

Beloved: Well, things were going well. I was able to get Zoey down for a nap, and I was relaxing in bed. I could hear her playing with one of her toys. But that stopped after a while. Then something happened.

Me: Continue.

Beloved: Well, I was just lying there, relaxing and I hear this pitter patter, I said to myself ‘I did not know Salem [our brilliant border collie] was inside. I looked at the door and it popped open and there was Zoey!

Now, please understand where my heart and mind were going when I picked up the phone. There I was, not in my Jeep, stuck in lunch traffic at least 15 minutes from the office, which is at least 45 minutes from home. Once the wave of calm passed over me that my beloved was not calling to let me know that she was in labor, a fresh wave of panic set in because my darling daughter is ABLE TO CLIMB OUT OF THE CRIB!

So, as you can guess, the recovery is going very well. Thankfully, though my darling daughter has total lack of fear and a great sense of adventure… she is not merely flopping out of the crib. She is, in fact, throwing one leg over the rail, hooking in with that foot, bringing the other over and sliding down the rails to the floor!

Once I arrived home, I lowered the crib to the last, lowest level in preparation to transition to a toddler bed, I have gained 3 inches of time, which as I always say, is relative.

I AM A CRANIO DAD, I am scared out of my mind, and my child… the acrobat.