Being Daddy
Mazie turns 4 today, 4 days that is. It’s been an incredible four days. I realize everyone all over the world goes through this process all the time. As a result, it should seem somewhat routine from a global perspective, but on an individual level everything seems profound and amazing and like you are the first person in the world to ever do any of this stuff.
Mazie overall is doing great. She needs to catch up on diapers. There are numbers she’s supposed to be hitting and she’s behind. How do you like that? Four days old and already behind quota. She sleeps really well, usually getting two 4 to 5 hour sessions in per day, along with some shorter naps. She’s a great sucker!
Some thoughts on my new title of “dad”:
- The first thing that comes to mind is that the parts that are easy are easier than I expected they would be, and the parts that are harder are way harder. I know that doesn’t make a lot of sense, but maybe if you’ve been there before you know what I mean. Like changing diapers, is trivial, but calming your kid at 3 a.m. is really hard.
- Those protective father instincts sure kick in. I’m always worrying about her and want to protect her at every turn. Imagine when she starts to walk! I’m going to need a sedative.
- I’ve never been one to be real comfortable with newborns. They seem so fragile. All that disappears in about 2 seconds with your own kid. There just isn’t much better than laying with her on your chest and patting her back.
- The most amazing thing in the world is being able to bring comfort to your baby. When she’s crying for whatever reason, and you pick her up and put her to your chest and she calms down and is happy, that’s amazing. Of course the reciprical is also true, when you cannot provide her that sense of calm, that is pretty much the most horrible thing in the world.
- How can a kid that does not have precise muscle control get her socks off so easily!?
Welcome to my blog. I'm doing some theme work so things are a little messy right now.
Give me a call when she develops an unholy fear of corn at bedtime when she is two. I just gained some expertise tonight.
Best to all of you. Nice work Tammy!
Ira
19 Jun 05 at 10:52 pm
Amy still likes to tell the story of how within a couple hours of coming home with Ella (our first), I was already upset that "someday she’s going to go to college and leave us…".
I already have a gift for you that will take care of the sock shenanigans you mentioned above
Can’t wait to see her!
Happy Father’s Day!
Rick Cochrane
20 Jun 05 at 8:41 am
I second all of your thoughts however I think we have come up with a solution to the 3 AM thing. Forget about sleep and being tired, we just don’t talk about it in our house. It takes a load off of a marriage when you don’t compare who was up more. When I think of how fast that goes by and how (sick as this sounds) I think I will miss it. The up for a few hours only lasts for a couple months. That couple months over the span of an 80 year life span is nothing. So, I love to walk and be up at 3. There will be time to sleep when I join AARP. Who knows maybe 6 kids isn’t to bad after all? And yes don’t laugh we have had that discussion…
So, what comes next you ask.
http://mehnert.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album04&id=Pictures61805_046
This is Aida VS. a bowl of pasta.
If you figure out the sock thing then work on the hat tossing as well….
Enjoy the time and the extra little chest naps!
Kevin Mehnert
20 Jun 05 at 8:48 am
Grandma Rose
21 Jun 05 at 9:08 am
1. Work on being the expert in diapers. I did a demo a couple weeks ago at a baby fair on diaper changing safely and effectively. Someone timed me for fun. I did a complete diaper off and on in 26 seconds without trying.
2. “You Lost that Loving Feeling” by the Righteous Brothers is the perfect song for Dad to sing to a crying baby. It is a baritone/bass song, perfect for Dad’s voice. You can’t help but to sway and bop to the music. Tom Cruise sang it badly in Top Gun already, so it’s a good song to sing badly.
3. Become Mr. Safety around the house. Lay on the floor with Mazie. What kind of trouble can she get into in a few months?
4. Wear the same cologne, use the same soap, or lotion for a while. The sense of smell is the first we develop as humans. Mazie will recognize you from smell quicker.
5. Being a Dad will have its ups, downs, and funny moments. Appreciate every moment equally.
Congratulations once again and Happy Fathering!
Captain Mongo
22 Jun 05 at 12:58 pm