Fatherhood

Patrick has always had a beautiful smile ... that widens dramatically when he laughs, which is quite often. Those that know him have all commented on his beautiful smile! Last night I noticed a jump in the amount of facial expressions he shows. He may have shown more expression earlier ... and, I just noticed it ... hmmm. We were sharing some Animal Crackers when I asked if he wanted more. He lifted his shoulders, giving me a big grin, and walked off. Later, sitting on a chair, I swear he gave me a flat smile ... almost like he didn't want to smile, but still felt a need to. Dancing with his mother, he gave a quirky smile as he rocked his head from side to side. These are just some of the expressions I have seen ... and recently realized I was seeing. So amazing to be a father!

Jen and Patrick found the top to a spray bottle last night; we had purchased it with some laundry supplies. This particular one had never been put into anything; so it made a great toy. At least, he thought so ... the tight grip on it as he tried to squeeze the trigger and bright grin were pretty good indicators. After watching him work the trigger for a few minutes, I grabbed a water bottle and put the stem into the water and gave it a few squeezes. Once I figured out I had to unlock it, we got some water spraying through the nozzle. After five attempts where he sprayed himself in the face ... to his obvious delight, I showed him how to turn it around. "Spray Mama," I said ... and off he went! Then, once Mama and the floor had been doused ... several trips back and forth, she told him to "get Papa," and it was my turn to get wet. All this was accompanied by beautiful childish laughter. He even understood the "No" when he tried to spray the o...