Fatherhood

Patrick's routine generally has him napping at just before noon each day. He gets some food in him and crashes. We decided to take advantage of that today. We got up and got ready for the day ... Jen took him for a walk around ten in the morning; anticipating him getting hungry around eleven. We were right ... The entire family piled into the car around noon ... a bit later than we expected, but still able to enjoy the day. Then, we drove ... twenty minutes later he was out. Jen and I explored our town ... for almost two hours we drove until he woke up. We found a store that Jen wanted to check out ... children's clothing. That's OK on a family day! Patrick enjoyed checking out all the clothing and got a chance to stretch his legs. For some reason, he liked the knit hat with three eyes ... although, we couldn't get him to wear it until I pulled it down so it covered his eyes; not too practical for winter. Then, it was time for food ... chicken, ketchup, an...

Last night, Jen was in a class and I got Patrick for a few hours ... Papa time. We took some time and visited his grandparents; two of Patrick's cousins were also there, so it became a cool visit. Of course, we had to get in some Tractor time ... can't forget that. Then, we headed out ... Jen still had about thirty minutes left, so I decided to just drive around the area. I was comfortable in the car ... Patrick, different situation. As he started crying ... I tried singing (this has worked before) and to my amazement, it only took two rounds of "Row, Row, Row your boat" for him to quiet down. About a dozen rounds later, I stopped as my throat started getting strained. Then, the crying kicked in again. After about three of these sets and about twenty minutes later, I glanced over my shoulder to find him fast asleep. I kept singing ... slowly dropping the volume. Just as I stopped singing, Jen called to say she was on her way home. I turned the car arou...

I love to watch the way my son's mind works. I had removed him from the cart (yes, the one with the plastic car on the front ... I've said before that he loves to drive) ... and had him following me. I figured that we could check the meat prices while Jen got the lunch meat. About fifty feet away, he realized where he was and turned, with a yell, toward his Mama. He started running her way ... arms back, like a jet fighter. Then, Jen dropped to one knee and put out her arms toward him ... at which point, he turned ninety degrees to the right ... We both laughed watching him as a made a complete circuit around to sneak up on his mother from behind ... with a massive smile on his face. As I said ... I love to watch the way my son's mind works.

The tractor ... we can always climb on, but not when it is turned on ... that would be scary. The car ... steering and moving all the buttons and levers ... nothing scary here. The big-wheel ... only the original; the new ones are cool, but only the original is the best. Swedish-Fish ... how many can we shove in at one time ... The broom ... so we can sweep up the mess we just made. The computer ... how many times has he turned this one off while I was working on something?

Patrick's passion for car's continues. He has always loved driving ... or standing on our lap, turning the steering wheel, changing the radio and AC, turning on the turn signals, and cleaning the wind-shield over and over. And never forget honking the horn. He also has a passion for Match-box cars ... all kinds; driving them, rolling them, crashing them ... and now and then, eating them (or making a good attempt at it). I found two of the larger metal cars that I got years ago as a curiosity (did I say previously that we are still unpacking) ... the doors and hood opens; one even has a trunk that opens and steering wheel that turns the wheels. These were a hit ... particularly the Shelby (yes, we like Mustangs in this family) ... and I can see more fun to come ...

We bought a new car this weekend ... Patrick loved it. He got to play everywhere. We were outside, checking out the vehicles they had in stock. He got to sit in the back, up front, and event in the driver's seat. Nothing like having your son dragging on the steering wheel and setting the A/C to make a car more inviting. Then, we were inside the dealership. Patrick was playing and eyeing the balloons ... silver and black. One of the salesmen brought a basket of legos from the kids area (yes, an area just for smaller kids). Patrick loved pushing the basket around the dealership ... it kept him amused for about thirty minutes. At one point, Jen had to head home to get some paperwork ... Patrick finally let go of the silver balloon long enough for me to take him back to the kids area. I loved the small hand-prints all over the balloon. In the kids area, we got to play with a racetrack ... nothing like cars to keep a small boy amused for five minutes. Eventually, Patrick tra...

Patrick at the Wheel Patrick loves to be in the driver's seat ... any car. It started when I was driving and Jen was in the back seat. When we stopped, he reached forward, as if he wanted me to pick him up. Jen passed him to me over the center console and he immediately grabbed onto the steering wheel. He yanked left and right, putting his whole body into it as he stood on my lap. Jen and I laughed ... deep and hearty at his obvious excitement. He reached over the wheel and turned on the left and right turn signals, followed by the high beams on and off. Next, he learned how to turn the lights on and off, and eventually he made his way to the right side of the wheel and found the radio and air conditioning controls. Jen eventually made her way out of the car and stepped in front of the car so he could see her ... with him waving to his mother in childish glee, so proud of his accomplishments. Since then, we've gotten to "drive" the car on the driveway ......

The day we were let out of the hospital, following Patrick's birth, was one of the most exciting in my life ... and most terrifying. We were taking our son home for the first time ... and, I was responsible for the lives of the two most important people in my life.  I quickly adjusted the rear view mirror so that I could see Jen ... Patrick was facing the rear at that point.  Also, as I drove, I was aware of EVERY movement that the cars around me made ... very few things in my life have affected me as strongly as that drive. We quickly got used to taking him around with us and eventually, he grew out of the infant seat and into a toddler seat where he could face forward.  Again, the mirror got adjusted so I could glance at him as I drove.  I certainly got better at using the side mirrors to monitor traffic. As children go, Patrick is an easy-going child (I know ... at this point). He does, occasionally, get tired of sitting in the car ... at this point...

... in the Car When I was little (much closer to Patrick's age and size ... and yes, I realize that was quite  a while ago) my parent would to put me in the car and drive around to get me to sleep.  It was apparently effective enough for them to mention it to us when we brought Patrick home. This trick works ... Patrick falls into such a deep peaceful sleep, I really hate to turn the engine off some days. ... in the House There are times when I wonder if the car wouldn't be a better option.  We get him to sleep on our shoulder ... then make any attempt to place him in the crib and he is instantly awake.  We get him to sleep between us ... and again, any attempt to lift him to carry him to the crib and he's awake. This is not "sleepy eyes, smiling at me" awake ... this is I'm irritated and I need as many people to know as I can manage.  For an amazingly pleasant child, he can crank out the decibels when he wants to. We've tried letting him...