A Few of Dad's Reflections

So, Dad has been a bit remiss in posting. Here are a few of his observations of fatherhood thus far:

• A birth is a magical event; a C-section is quite a lot to take in for a father who’s squeamish about seeing it on the learning channel. The surgery is a lot more physical than I could have ever imagined. Knowing you are powerless to help is an uneasy feeling. For the record, these are last pictures of mom and dad before Ella's arrival. Mom seems to be in the better spirits.

• Babies change fast, seemingly every night. I wasn't buying it, but apparently babies eyes change color as they get older. I hate to admit that Ella's eyes have been changing ever-so-slightly. We'll see what the end product is, either way a variant of blue or beautiful brown like Mom, Ella will be perfect in our eyes. Lastly, baby clothes come and go...there is already a tote of clothes that are too small (insert sigh here). Though we do have a couple items that should last for a while.
  

• If two stubborn people have a daughter, chances are she is going to be a bit stubborn. Further if Mom is smart, and Dad was smart enough to marry Mom, that smart/stubborn baby will know exactly how to get attention on cue. Contrary to the week by week developmental book, Ella has again shown how advanced she is by crying just to be held, ceasing the noise the minute she is in Mom or Dad’s arms.
  
  
• If I ever want to see Ella smile, all I have to do is change her diaper…. Counterintuitive? Perhaps. Many may have wondered why dad “volunteers” to change Ella in the AM before leaving for work or noted that Mom waits for Dad to come home when there is a dirty diaper. The secret of it all is that for Ella, the diaper changing table (Mom’s nightstand, remember this is Manhattan) always coaxes a smile out of little Ella. Whether it’s the fact that she knows that dirty diaper is going to be changed, the cool air on her bare bottom, or maybe just the shadows of the corner; Ella is good for a grin every time. (Changing a diaper is also an interactive experience, see previous posts...)



• And now for a comment on breastmilk...it's sticky...and there is a lot in our freezer.



• A CD of soothing sounds such as rythmic ocean and gentle rain will put both dad and daugher to sleep for a very sound nap.