Hank Azaria Says Hal Is Hitting Major Milestones
 J. Graylock/JPI |
Before welcoming his first child Hal, Hank Azaria never knew of the March of Dimes organization. However, when baby boy was born considerably early, the actor and his girlfriend Katie Wright learned firsthand the trials and tribulations that accompany the life of a premature baby. “We were unaware of it until it happened to us,” he tells Celebrity Baby Blog at the March of Dimes 4th Annual Celebration of Babies luncheon.
“Once we went through what you go through with a premature child even with the best care, the idea that there’s an organization that helps people and children in that situation is fantastic.”
Fortunately, after starting his life in an incubator, 5-month-old Hal is flourishing as he continues to meet his milestones, beginning with his trip home from the hospital, an event Hank refers to as a “big day” in baby boy’s life. “Him being able to take a bottle is a huge milestone,” Hank notes. “He was born before he had a suck-swallow reflex — that was a big day.”
Noting that the addition of his son has “made me a lot more tired [and] a lot less selfish,” Hank still finds the responsibility incredibly rewarding, a sentiment that has only grown with Hal’s latest accomplishment. “We are at the phase where he is just starting to smile,” he says.
“The little looking into your eyes and smiling — I was told that was going to be a good moment and it was.”
Life as a first-time father has opened up new doors for Hank, who has since begun work on a documentary surrounding fatherhood. “I ask for a lot of advice from different fathers — all kinds of dads,” he shares. “Mostly just any tips they can give.” And while the footage is for the film, Hank has managed to pick up quite a few pointers along the way! “I have learned a lot and it has been very helpful,” he says of his interviews.
– Anya with reporting by Tiffany Matloob
