I know, its been a while

What can I say, baby’s take a lot of time.  But I wanted to share this.

http://www.penny-arcade.com/patv/pa-the-series/128/

Two guys talking about raising kids with some EXCELLENT things to say.

Ahead of the Game.

Our boy is ahead of the game on everything.  Lifting his head, rolling, finding his feet, focusing on people that are talking, you name it, if its a marker, hes about a month ahead on it.  My mother has taken this to mean hes the smartest boy ever (true) and will be the next Doogie Howser (we’ll see).  She’s become WAY too excited, getting him some educational toys, and basically planning out his academic career.  Me, I toss it off as mom being mom.  Lynn is… not so happy about it.   Basically, she’s worried about mom pushing the kid, and expecting too much, and being disappointed when he doesn’t manage to walk on water, or cure cancer.

Anyone else have issue with your parents expecting WAY too much from your kid?

PS, my own plans for the boy are rather modest.  I just expect him to take over the world, and rule with a benevolent, but iron, fist.

Final update on the Kawaii Baby Diapers

So, the Kawaii baby diapers, now that little man is 12 pounds, fit like a glove.  No leaks whatsoever, and even when he’s soaked, the inside of the diaper is bone dry. This is actually a slight problem in its own right, he doesn’t realize with these that he’s wet and cry for a change.  Heh. They’ve gone through 4-5 washes each so far, no wear at all.  I highly recommend them for babys that don’t have stick legs like my son, and older (2-3 month) babies.

More on the death of helicopter parenting.

All great rebellions are born of private acts of civil disobedience that inspire rebel bands to plot together. And so there is now a new revolution under way, one aimed at rolling back the almost comical overprotectiveness and overinvestment of moms and dads. The insurgency goes by many names — slow parenting, simplicity parenting, free-range parenting — but the message is the same: Less is more; hovering is dangerous; failure is fruitful. You really want your children to succeed? Learn when to leave them alone. When you lighten up, they’ll fly higher. We’re often the ones who hold them down.

Sleeeeeeep.

So, apparently, I’ve gotten so back on my sleep that I have slept through not just the baby crying, but my wife trying to wake me up.  (This of course, because I TOLD her too, that I would take over all night so SHE could get some sleep.  She’s even more sleep deprived than I. )

And I used to be such a light sleeper too.  Le Sigh.  Still, weekend.  YAY NAPS!

Bad Thoughts.

Based on a conversation with coworkers (and a post on the dreaded Bump), I thought it important to talk about thoughts.  Thinking about shaking the baby, thinking about covering the little guys mouth so he’ll JUST SHUT UP, thinking about different ways to get your kid to relax and stop crying.

IT DOES NOT MAKE YOU A BAD PERSON.  All three of my coworkers involved in the conversation admitted to such evil thoughts, and felt bad about having them.  They were all shocked to learn that we all had the same thoughts now and then. So, again, I thought it important to share. YOU ARE HUMAN!  You will occasionally think bad thoughts about your baby, sorry to say.  Baby’s can be infuriating creatures, and, as I’ve heard one lady state before, the sound of your child crying is like daggers in your ears!  As long as you don’t ACT on your thoughts, you’re fine. Yes really.

You’re not fat, You’re pregnant!

Repeat those words pardner!  Lynn has been spending probably half her energy on not waddling while she walks, and the other half trying not to complain too much.  As much as I tell her, she still complains about being fat.  You’re not fat, you’re pregnant.  Guys, when you get to that last month, just keep repeating how beautiful she is.  She won’t believe you, but keep saying it anyways. And don’t say, wow , that dress makes you look so pregnant.  Just, trust me on that.

Emotional aspects of becoming a daddy.

The closer we get to holding him in our arms, the more real this gets for me. I’m good on the mechanics of raising a baby. I did a good portion of caring for my sister when she was born, I helped out roommates with their baby a few years ago. I’m good on feeding, changing, bathing, dressing, making sure the kid doesn’t kill himself.
But, this time around, if he ends up screwed up, its my fault. The first few years, no sweat, but, eventually, making sure he’s brought up right, has the skills he needs, ect. Its a lot.

Anyone else out there have those worries, and what did you do about it?

In position

So, the boy is in proper position. Just a matter of waiting now. Of course, Lynn just wants to be able to hold the baby in her arms, and not be pregnant anymore.

So, lots of walking, back rubs, and foot massages. Everything is pretty much in place for the baby.

THe BIIIIIIG U/S

So, Lynn is going in shortly to see if our boy is still breach. If he is, we are looking at a few things, most of which mean he will be born in the next day or two, a month early. Excited? Yes. Hopeful? Yes. Ready? I think so. Terrified? Out of my god damned mind. Its like opening night of a broadway play, places everyone, remember your lines, don’t mess up, THIS IS THE REAL DEAL!

I just hope he doesn’t look to much like me.