Baby 101: Things I've learned over the past 2 months.

Well, it's that time again. The weekend. And so...our journey begins.

This blog is going to be a little different. It will contain several things I have learned during my short time as a father. I am sure that there will be plenty more to come, but these are a few I have found to be very important. Here we go. You can take notes if you like.

First things first. The burp rag. Never. Ever. Leave the burp rag. Kelly always told me (and still tells me) do not go anywhere without the burp rag. Do I listen? Sometimes, but not all the time. As a matter of fact I usually forget it. But hey, how long does it take to wash a tiny baby outfit? One thing I have noticed is that whenever you really need the burp rag, it is nowhere to be found. We probably own at least 8 burp rags, but when Addy spits up, drools heavily, or decides to officially welcome someone into the family (as in the previous weekend's events), it is like the burp rags have sprouted legs and run away. Sounds crazy, but just you wait. One day you will see. So, the lesson to be learned is Never Leave the Burp Rag. If you have to fold it up and put it into your pocket, keep it on you, or be prepared to improvise.

Secondly, plan ahead. Plan way ahead. And by this I mean having the essentials near you. Especially if you are putting baby to sleep, because after that hard work, moving too much or unnecessarily could rouse the baby, leaving not only the baby, but you in tears as well. By near you, I mean very near. As most dads would say, you learn to adapt when that sleeping baby is in your arms. Especially if you have no one to hand her off to. We learn to use our feet, one hand, and sometimes when absolutely necessary, our mouths. I have mastered the art of rolling my phone on to the top of my foot, or the TV remote, and then kicking it up in the air and catching it with one hand. Lets just put it this way, if it were an Olympic sport, I'd be golden baby. So below is a picture of what I like to call "Being Prepared". Check it out.

This is Me fully prepared. (Phone took the picture, so it's not there, but ALWAYS should be)

Another thing is sort of a mantra that I have come up with. It goes a little something like this.

"When in doubt, stroll about."

Yes. That is right. As I have talked about in previous blogs, any sort of movement in the stroller helps to get Addy to sleep. Therefore, I find myself sleeping good at night, and a little sore in the morning. Nonetheless, I have a sleeping baby. Score. I have found that this mantra only pertains to the streets of my subdivision. It does not seem to work other places such as H-E-B grocery store whenever we are there for our "big shopping trip" to get food for the next 14 days. All I can say is thank God for the moby wrap. Not on me of course. I don't think I am one for the wrap or the "daddy-pack". I will suffer the pain from my baby's huge head. Not dissing anyone, it's just not for me. 

One last thing to leave you with. I've pondered on this one for a while. I do not know if it is common in babies, or perhaps Addy is like the baby on the movie "The Incredibles" with super-human powers, but it amazes me every time I see it. Here it is. Addy can scream at the top of her lungs all while maintaining a fluid sucking motion on her pacifier, keeping enough suction on the binky to keep it in her mouth. No matter how tired I may be, or how fussy she is, it causes me to stop, take a step back, and marvel at this incredible feat.

So, although 2 months may seem like a short time, these are a few key things that I have added to my arsenal for taking on Addy. Addy is growing fast, her head faster than most, and I know that one day I will look back on these days and remember my fierce weekend battles with "The Beast". So I will cherish them. Until tomorrow, stick to your guns, and always be prepared.

Blessings,
-SH