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 had a visit to one of the local malls recently ... they have a very nice play area for the children with a padded floor and a "space" theme, shuttle and all. There are things to climb on and through ... and, as far as Patrick is concerned, the coolest part is that the shuttle has pilot and co-pilot seats with steering wheels. He immediately headed for the "cockpit" and waited patiently as child after child (many of them significantly larger than him) jumped into the seat. I stepped over after a few minutes in the hopes that some child would give him a chance at the pilot's seat. No luck ... they certainly didn't care and their parents were doing nothing , as well. Patrick, getting bored noticed that he could crawl through the body of the shuttle ... all cool until he got boxed in by several children (again, not small) heading toward him from both sides. This is the point where I stepped in ... especially since I could see that the pilot seat was a...

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 ...