Fatherhood

What a cool day ... we did nothing exciting, but had some fun. We all needed haircuts, but the place we chose did not do the coloring that Jen was looking for. Patrick and I got our hair done ... he sat in the booster seat with no issue (OK, a little concerned over the hair dryer, but he did cry as we left, so not too concerned). We then went someplace else to get Jen's hair done ... since we were looking at two hours, I opted to do the shopping with Patrick. He was awesome in the store ... talking with other kids as they went by and holding the new Swifer I was getting Jen (all kinds of excitement this weekend ... she did ask for a new one) ... really, he would not let go. Then, we headed back to the salon where we waited in the car ... Patrick got to drive! After a few people walking by commenting on the toddler steering the Jeep (yes, we were in Park the whole time) ... Patrick managed to get the window open and started having conversations with all the people goin...

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...

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 ......

I felt helpless and he was helpless ... what an amazing way to start a life. "I think what scared us the most was they hand you this helpless thing, wheel you down to the car, and wave goodbye as you drive off.  And, there is no owner's manual; nothing to help you with the next 18 years." (J. Higgins)  Wow ... there's more than a little truth there. The first few days in the hospital were pretty good.  There were plenty of people to help, both hospital staff and family stopping by ... they'd even take him (happily) if we needed rest. I did learn, while we were there, how protective I could be.  Patrick was circumcised.  And, almost an hour after they took him for the procedure we walked down to get him.  Big mistake.  Apparently, we should have waited ... the doctor had finished just before we arrived.  As the nurse applied an ointment, Patrick let out a wail unlike anything I've ever heard before or since.  Had the doctor been wi...