You really have no idea, my little man

Harvey,

It's becoming a reality more and more every day. That being that you are now here; healthy and ready for another 9 innings (over and over again). It still takes me by surprise to know that I have a son, you. That I am now a dad, to you. That I am now responsible for another human being in the biggest way possible, you.

And we (me and you) couldn't do it without your mom.

You see, it will likely take you until at least my age (28), or my place in life, to remotely begin to grasp the deep-reaching impact of your mother - my beautiful bride, Sarah.

Dads are super-important, there is no question about that. I'm thankful to have an amazing one myself - your Grandpa Tom.

But without moms, your mom, there would be this level of emptiness that I couldn't put in to words. I don't want to, but I do want to convey just how important she is.

She brings this foundation, this God-given, natural ability to lay out the plan for your life, minute-by-minute. When I'm simply trying to take care of myself, she has taken care of herself, and you, in the same amount of time.

She thinks in a way that I don't, and she communicates that to you in way that I can't.

One of the most important lessons I will ever teach you is to love your mother, always. I can tell you that my life would be entirely different right now (probably not in a good way) if not for the unending care, love and concern of my mother - your Grandma Chloe Ann.

With all of that said, I want to share with you some images of absolute precious and priceless moments from your brand-new existence. Moments that you will not remember, but moments that are shaping you, because they are laying your foundation. A foundation (hopefully) started in love and respect. A beginning for a wonderful, and completely unique, life for you, Harvey Logan Clore.

The beginnings of your food; often prepared in the middle of the night. I think I spilled most of the formula in that blue container this morning when I was pouring it into your bottle at 5 am.

The night-time bottles your mom prepares ahead of time so we can make them as fast as possible when you start crying because you're hungry (generally every 3-4 hours).

Your boppy and one of your bibs. We put this across our lap, then lay you on top of it when it's time to eat. I can't tell you how many times your mom has used this for you, especially in the middle of the night when I don't even know.

This is your bed, for at least the first 7 weeks of your life. It's at the foot of our bed. Your mom knows we need to start having you sleep in your own bed, in your own room, soon - but I'm not so sure it's going to happen right away. I can't say I blame her.

This is the drying rack for your bottles. Your mom does a ridiculously amazing job of keeping up with all of this.

Your changing table, in your bedroom. Note your Cardinals and UK teddy bears.

Your closet, and one of your mom's favorite places in the house. She has this thing organized, and you one sharp-dressed man.

The rocking chair in your room, where we both have rocked you many times.

Your precious little bathtub. After nearly 7 weeks of life, it seems that you are slowly starting to enjoy bath time.

This is where mom does tummy-time with you, as she's working with you to help you build your little muscles.

Your bouncy seat (left) and car seat (right); between these two seats I believe you currently spend over half of your life.

It's tricky trying to figure out how to wrap up a message like this, but I thought I would do it with one of my favorite pictures of you. This is from a photo shoot that our friend Jessica did of you when you were 6 days old. You are laying in your Great-Grandpa Quentin's cardigan sweater, which I wore for our engagement photos (see below). I'd give anything for you to be able to meet your Grandpa Quentin, and I'd give anything for you to meet your Grandpa Harve.

My little man, you have a lot to be thankful for, and we have a lot to be thankful for in light of you. I couldn't imagine life without you, your funny facial expressions (which you get from your mom), your seemingly endless crying (it's ok, I'd do anything for you) and your precious little heart.

As I attempt to at least teach you about music, sports and how to not get your rear-end kicked in life, you and I will both continue to be kept on-track by my bride, your mother. She's the one that will continue to teach us about the things that really matter.

We are two lucky guys.

I love you, my little man.

Your dad