Being a Computer Squid Father

Here is a task I think I was meant to take on.

I used to be a computer nerd ... pretty much in every way you can imagine one defined in the late 70s and early 80s. Then, one day, my sister walked in and saw me managing three machines: one online, one being cleaned up, and one rendering a 3d modeled video I was creating. Realize that this was sometime around 1986 when personal computers were really just coming into existence with some regularity.

She made a comment that stuck with me ... "you're not a computer nerd, you're a computer squid."

Computer Squid ... it stuck. Over the years, I've joked about that comment with a brother's fondness ...

Now, I'm a father ... and being a computer squid has taken on a whole new meaning. Working on projects that I used to just warn Jen about is now a thing of the past. Projects are now assembling toys that take not just a Masters in Engineering, but a fluency in any one of a half dozen languages beyond English. I also find myself having to fix things like the crib when the side rail is stuck. I work on computer projects with one ear our for his cry. Because Patrick has a fondness for refrigerator magnets, I have to be distinctly aware of where he is and what he is doing when he is in the room and I am on the computer.

I purchased some heavy duty gaming equipment (mouse and keyboard) under the assumption that any child of mine will enjoy working (playing) on the computer. I was right, but significantly earlier than I expected. Patrick enjoys little more than sitting on my lap and slamming the keyboard and playing with the mouse. He lights up as he watches the mouse move and various menus open and close. I've learned to hold him and keep on finger on the escape key.

I never imagined a re-conceptualization of what being a computer squid would entail, but I am getting a real-life lesson in how I can apply the multi-tasking skills that I have developed using computers over the years.

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Getting Involved

This is the second night in a row that we were able to spend time and Grandma and Papap's ... Patrick enjoys it so much! We even had a rousing rendition of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" with all five of us involved ... yes, Patrick is pitching in now. He runs from person to person, giving a bit to each one of us ... there is never a dull moment. Tonight, he repeated a new activity from last night. Last night, it was getting everyone involved in chasing him around the house ... tonight, we had this activity, but what we saw was that he wanted to play different games and wanted certain people involved. This is when he went to each person that needed to be involved and grabbed a finger, pulling them along. He even checked every now and then to make sure they were still following. Such an amazing child ... knows how to ensure that we sleep well.

Outside Play

Patrick loves to be outside. When he arrived home yesterday, I was just getting finished with some weeding ... he and Jen immediately jumped in to help. We dragged branches to the pile in the back yard. Then, I found Jen and Patrick getting ready for a bike ride. Wanting to spend time with my wife and son, I opted into the ride. We didn't go far, my back and legs were a bit sore at that point ... but we did get out together as a family. The bike seat we have is not the kind I remember as I grew up. Patrick's is pretty close to my seat, in fact my heels hit the lower part of his seat if I am not paying attention. Despite this, we have a lot of fun. He loves to look around and notices things ... at one point, Jen wandered off and he started calling to her until she headed back to what he considered a safe distance. He is also a boy and likes to play. He "high-fived" my back and spent a few minutes pulling my shirt out. I hope I never forget the head-butt...

Terror or Anger

Jennifer and I woke about twenty minutes ago to Patrick crying ... nothing unusual. I asked her to get him since I have to start getting ready for work in about three hours (yes, I have to work on a Saturday). Where things became unusual was the loud, sustained crash, and Patrick's cries rising to a hefty scream. Being the concerned parent that I am ... with visions of his changing table collapsed on top of him, I rushed to their aid. "What was that?" I cried. Jennifer, weakly replied, "I fell down the stairs." With Patrick screaming at the top of his lungs, I think I actually asked her to repeat what she said. I found my wife sitting, with her legs out and my son in her arms, at the bottom of the stairs. Asking if she and Patrick were OK was mixed into confused questioning about what happened. Somehow, her feet went out from under her (we suspect a couple of the leaves that Patrick likes to play with were on the steps). While my real concern was i...

Fatherhood

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