Fatherhood

I have watched Patrick grow ... in so many ways. He is a loving child who makes friends wherever he goes. Only recently has he shown any inclination to be shy. He is curious ... even more so when he knows he has seen his mother or father do something (cooking on the stove, working with knives, ...). He loves to help ... wiping down a table or sweeping the floor (it's actually not much help, but we all love it). And, best of all (I think), he always makes us laugh ... at him and at ourselves (and our expectations). Children: Make Friends Fast ... no worries about rejection or relationships. Do Not Hold Grudges ... don't stay mad or gossip; when it's over, it is over. Are Eternally Curious ... constantly trying new things and asking questions. Are Confident ... strong self-esteem; willing to do more. Play ... for the sake of playing. Nothing more. Show Their Feelings ... the good, the bad, and the ugly. Like Getting Dirty Are Uninhibited ... in every sense of th...

Patrick was upset when his mother went outside without him (cooking on the grill).  I set Patrick down on his feet the floor in the sun-room.  He was grasping my fingers as he normally did.  I pulled by fingers free and lightly supported his elbows.  He started walking forward ... out of my hands and simply kept on going.  Baby steps (those words will never mean the same thing to me again), but walking. I quickly got ahead of him and got Jen's to come back to the door and she got to see about half of the first walk ... to her, at the door waiting for him!  Fifteen feet on the first walk ... awesome! He walked from the swing to his Mama ... diving into her arms after about ten feet! Inside a few minutes later, he crossed the living room lengthwise for about 30 feet of walking ... up onto the rug in the middle of the room. AND, later he walked about eight feet toward his Papap, falling for the first time in any of his efforts. I think at some...