It's a pretty rare occasion that I can be at a loss for words. If you don't believe me, just ask me....haha. I'll admit though, as I hit the keys here, I'm indeed a little at a loss. How does one possibly convey such a life-changing event?

Nonetheless... I've always found it fascinating the relationship I've had and continue to have with my listening audience over the years. It's kind of like one big family, even though that family is 1.5 million strong. Readers of the blog see that a little bit of everything is discussed when I write my stories. Some folks like the Rockstar/Celebrity-related stuff, others my life experiences from back in the day, etc. No matter the subject matter, my musings always in some way celebrate this party we call life. Or in this case, celebrating new life, its purest and most innocent form.

 
As many of you might know, my wife Debbie was due to give birth to our son on March 3rd. Little did we know, he had other plans. 
After a routine ultrasound on Thursday, January 26th, it was discovered that the baby had some fluid build up in his chest cavity. Though not life-threatening at that moment, it could pose serious problems as time marched on towards his expected due date. Although our "home" hospital in Norwalk is excellent, we were discharged that day directly to Yale-New Haven Perinatology - specialists who can handle such difficulties and are considered some of the best on the planet.
 
The fluid, which was being problematic in lung development, and could eventually be an issue with his heart, had to be taken out. This involved taking an amnio needle and sticking it through my wife's abdomen and directly into our boys chest cavity to drain it. My wife has always been my rock, but I can't begin to tell you how helpless one feels when watching this procedure being done. Anything causing pain or discomfort to the two most important beings in your life is indescribably awful. But it had to be done, and to no ones surprise, Deb was a champ.
 
Come February 2nd, after 2 drainings and our third trip to YNHH, the doctors had to make a decision. And they decided it was best if our little rockstar crashed the party a month early.
Personally, I've always dreaded hospitals. Regardless of the amazing minds and care contained within, happy stories, beginnings, and endings are not the norm... Unless it's child birth, which any parent reading this will agree is the most amazing, beautiful mind bender of all time.
 

 The doctor that was in charge of Deb's care, and delivering the baby, was one Christian Pettker, MD. Hollywood Casting could not have picked a better doctor for us (or anyone for that matter) and I was immediately put at ease. I've always appreciated, and have been in awe of, folks in the medical/saving lives profession, but like anyone I can be wary of who's in charge and caring for something that is literally my world. When it came to Doc Pettker, picture a tall, good looking gent, with glasses, longish hair, a bowtie, and these crazy- ass socks on.  All I could remember thinking was... "Perfect. This is definitely our guy".
 

 And so it was at 4:02pm on Thursday, February 2nd, one Beckett Michael Edward O'Malley was born. Mama is doing great, and Beck, while in neonatal ICU, has been improving steadily. Words here couldn't possibly express Deb and my (not to mention Beckett's) gratitude and thanks towards the entire amazing staff at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Their reputation as one of the best staffs in the entire country is obvious, and now we know firsthand it's there for a reason. And Dr.  Pettker, with my wife being a USC Trojan alumna, you're still "the goods" in our books even though you're a UCLA fan. Hey, nobody's perfect...
 
 
God willing our boy will be coming home soon, and then the most rewarding and sleep-deprived lifetime job begins. I always considered myself the luckiest guy on earth for having my dream gig at the biggest rock radio station on the planet. I realize now, that I only have the greatest hobby on earth, and actually get paid for it.
My real life job, and joy that it brings, now starts. It's one I plan to excel at.....
Thanks and love to all for the kind words and well wishes.
Always,
Ian
 
Video#1: On day 2, I popped in a little portable speaker to play Beckett his first music. I figured a lullaby from my favorite band while he napped would be just the ticket. Can you name the band and song?
 
Video #2: This one is very cool, and was recorded by my wife while I was home to walk the dogs. It's the first time he fully opened his eyes after 2 days of waiting. She was lucky enough to have her iPhone video camera at the ready. Here he is moments after first seeing the world and staring at his Mama smiling down at him...