First Things First

I remember finding out my wife was pregnant; it was uplifting and a bit terrifying at the same time. A few months later, hearing his heartbeat through the fetal monitor, I was amazed that it could move so fast. That was the point I think I truly realized where we were headed. I began to think about what our child's life was to be life ...

Throughout Patrick's life, there have been many firsts ... some would say they are all firsts, but these are the ones that locked in as a memory (for me).

I can still distinctly remember the first sounds Patrick made when he was being fed ... how can any of us that heard it ever forget that coo. Not long after that, we got to see his first smile for his grandmother.

Neither are we likely to ever forget the effort put in to getting him to crawl. I do believe he knew what we were doing and just waited for us to let our guard down. He did eventually get moving, in his own time ... and most likely won't be stopping any time soon.

Then, there is "Papa," "Mama", "Papap", and "Nana" ... or at least, that's what they sound like and they were definitely directed at the right people.

His first birthday was so much fun ... Patrick got his own cupcake to destroy/eat as he liked. I do believe I went a bit overboard on the decorations. But, then again can you go overboard for someones first birthday?

Recently, I got to watch Patrick figure out not just how to put his feet into my shoes, but he took a step; quite a feat (I know ... feet) for such a little man. The smile on his face was one of pure joy.

Holding him as he got his hair cut for the first time, he was the amazing child I would have expected. He was more nervous before the cut as he watched the various people an implements being used around him.

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"Hello?"

We walked into my parents house ... looking for Papap. "Hello," we called. "'Ello," Patrick mimicked. "Hello," we called again, laughing a bit. "'Ello," Patrick mimicked again, delighted that he could get us laughing that easily. Out in the back yard, he went for the shovel (small blue plastic one I got for him a while back). "Maybe he should go shovel in the sand-box," Papap said ... Off he went to the sand-box, lugging the shovel. Later I asked him if he wanted raisins. Shaking his head no, he headed for the fridge. "Eeze," he said ... Cheese, he intended. His comprehension and vocal capacity is growing by leaps and bounds!

Grandma, Papap, and a Cell Phone

His visit with Grandma and Papap was cool. We played with everyone ... kind of bouncing in between. We ate dinner. This went well until I gave him Grandma's old cell phone (deactivated, should only be able to dial 911 ... waiting for that one). Once he got the phone, there was no interest in food. You have to remember that he has always been fascinated with cell phones, but is usually monitored very closely and rarely gets to hold it for long ... and, he can tell the difference between the real one and the fake one ... this one was real! Eventually, we got the phone away from him and he did eat ... Later, after more playing, he turned to his Grandma and waved goodbye. He then proceeded to give out hugs and kisses. When asked, he indicated that he was ready to go home ... rapid head nod (Yes). He indicated the same when asked if he wanted to come back tomorrow. I guess he was ready to go ...

A Simple Evening

We had my parents over for dinner last night ... Patrick and Jen prepared dinner, even going as far as making brownies for desert! It was very cool watching Patrick cuddle with his Grandfather. It is always amazing to me how those two get along. It was also very cool watching Patrick and his Grandmother read a book together ... Before dinner, he got a chance to show off the cast-iron toy stove that Jen had played with as a child. This has become one of his favorite toys ... the parts certainly make a lot of noise when he tosses them across the room. At dinner, I sat next to Patrick, across from his grandparents ... their expressions as they watched him were sheer joy and a joy to watch, as well. At one point, I asked Patrick to show them the Moon and Stars in his room. He has a humidifier that lights up, projecting colored starts and a moon on the ceiling ... he loves them. He immediately headed for the stairs, and turned to his grandparents and signaled come on ... a q

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