Fatherhood

I pulled out the bed from the fold-out couch tonight ... for watching the election results. I managed this while Jen was in getting his bath. I got sheets out, put a blanket on and laid out pillows for our general comfort. I even arranged the snacks and juice (drinks for the non-toddlers in the group). Surprise ... Then, we got playing as Mama went to get a clean diaper for him ... All was well ... until ... He wanted off the bed, sliding forward and looking at me for assistance ... nothing unusual, so far. I moved down next to him, getting ready to help him to the floor. Then, I could only watch as he jumped up and sprinted to the other end of the bed where he buried himself in my pillow ... laughing all the way. ... Let the games begin!

Mama and I were trying to get ready for the day. Having a little boy in the mix certainly makes this a longer, more interesting process than it ever was when we were single (and I use to wonder what took Jen so long to get ready ... six hours today). I had him, playing on the bed, as we approached his nap time. He was diving on pillows, trying to give me a heart-attack as he tried repeatedly to topple off the bed. Eventually, he dropped over my legs and I bounced him for a bit (not too long ... need to work on those abs). I grabbed him and flipped him to the other side of the bed and began to pat him on the back. Within seconds he was asleep ... two hour nap! Then, the day began ...

This morning was incredible ... starting the day, with my wife and seventeen month old son in bed with me. Patrick was rolling (more like sitting up and falling) from one pillow to the next. At times, he grabbed my hand and get me to tickle him ... often until he was turning red from laughter. At other times, he wanted bounced; face down on a pillow as I pushed on his back, over and over. The really cool part was when he was grabbing at my back ... almost like getting a massage. Then, he took it a step further and took his Mama's hand and placed it on my back. Having him scratching one part of my back while Jen massaged other parts was really cool ... Such a simple start to the day was glorious ... one that I hope gets repeated to some degree as the years go on.