Nothing Better

Sometimes, coming up with topics to write about 3 times a week is tough to do. I try hard to keep a consistent rotation of work/tech related items on Mondays, home/personal on Wednesdays, and Fridays are community/opinion pieces. Looking at my idea list, I have plenty of opinions, but very few ideas for work/tech and personal, save reviews, which have their place every-so-often. But this week, I didn't want to do a review. I wanted to write about something else. So, I sat here listlessly trying to conjure up something interesting, witty, possibly profound or maybe just fun.

I should have focused about 4 feet to my left.

In a small jumper/bouncer, suspended from a doorframe is our nearly 5 month old child. We refer to this jumper/bouncer as the "jumpuh," and the actions that he performs in it as "jumpuh-ing." (This word is derived from the onomatopoeia and repetition of the first word) He is currently bouncing around, back and forth, sideways and slantways, making different volumes of ahh's, squeal's, and coo's. In addition to this, he is also hiccuping, which, I'm repeatedly told is extremely common for babies. In any case, the hiccups don't bother him in the least. He simply keeps jumping around, looking in all directions, trying to talk to different things including the back door, the TV (even though it's off), the coffee table, one of the cats, and myself. More than occasionally, he is jamming one or several fingers in his mouth.

I have to admit, I am enjoying fatherhood more than I ever expected to. True, there are a lot of sacrifices and it is definitely a lot of work, but at this point in my life, I don't see anything nearly as rewarding. I think this is further enhanced by the fact that I am a very "hands-on" dad: I quickly and easily clothe, change, and feed him. I am well capable of securing all car seats, highchairs, swings and other such devices. I have no concerns taking him out of the house on my own on a trip to pretty much anywhere...the park, the store, the car wash...it's all within our reach.

I can quickly see how this all affects him as well. He's very good at recognizing myself or his mother and will usually smile upon seeing us. When in the bouncer, he'll usually try to turn towards me and make noises to get my attention. Being a parent sometimes also gives you magical powers over your children. For example, a friend or grandparent is holding him, and he's fussing and about to start crying... well, you as a parent, sometimes possess the magic to quickly calm the child. I wish I could take credit for accomplishments like this, but many times, he just calms down simply because I picked him up.... I'll enjoy this now, because just like the 4 months previous, it will soon all be a memory as well.

This would traditionally be the part of the article where I say "yes, you too should do this," but to be honest, I know that parenting isn't for everyone. However, it's definitely for those who want a challenge unlike any other, and it's a great time to be a dad.