Day 132 : Friends

Sadie -

Today I got to talking to my friend Teresa at work. She has a daughter who is 12 and who is having trouble with her friends. It seems her little girl is insistent on spending time with kids who are mean and get into trouble, and as much as Teresa tries to warn her daughter about these issues, the daughter doesn't want to listen.

This conversation made me think about a couple of things:

1) I remember how concerned I was as a teenager about having cool friends. I think all teenagers go through this. I know that when I was younger, I sometimes I made stupid decisions just because I wanted to impress the wrong people.

2) I, of course, flash-forwarded in my mind to you as a young adolescent, and tried to imagine how I would convince you to stop hanging out with the wrong crowd. In a perfect world you would either never make a bad decision (because you are perfect, right?); or you would listen to my advice and stop yourself from making bad decisions, as tempting as they might be.

But it is not a perfect world. (And as hard as it is for me to admit this right now, you probably aren't perfect either!)

I realize that sometimes you'll have to make bad decisions about who your friends are, and all I can do is try to guide you and hope that you learn from the bad decisions and start to make good ones.

Right now I am going to try not to think about all of these complex "grown-up" issues and go make you some bottles!

- Dad

Day 131 : Sing-Song

Sadie -

So this week I've started a new tradition: singing to you before I put you in your crib to go to sleep for the night.

The problem with this new situation is that I can't quite remember the words to some of the songs I try to sing you, so they end up like this:

"Hush Little Sadie, don't say a word.
Daddy is gonna buy you a mocking bird
And if that mocking bird don't sing
Daddy's gonna take it back to Wal-Mart
(Or probably have your Uncle Steve do it
because I hate confrontation...)"

OR...

"Hush Little Sadie, don't say a word
Daddy is never gonna buy you a mocking bird
Pets are overrated and pretty dumb
I'll buy you something else that doesn't shed and poop on the furniture..."

Maybe one day I'll learn the right words - or I might just start singing you Counting Crows songs as lullabies!


- Dad

Day 130 : Milestones

Sades –

You’ll often hear about baby developmental “milestones” – the acquisition of skills and concepts that help a baby turn into a toddler, who turns into a child, etc. But today brought relationship “milestones” between you and I.

First, you pulled what I call “puppy dog eyes” on me for the first time. I sat you down after playing with you for awhile, and as I turned to walk away, you made the most heart-breaking facial expression – pouty lip and all – to let me know you thought I should spend some more time with you. This didn’t involve crying or tantrum. It was just a very sad look that made me immediately pick you back up and smother you with kisses.

Secondly, you threw up in my face. Every dad has a story like this. It is a badge all father’s wear. I was playing with you after dinner, swinging you around, pushing you up into the air on my feet, when, suddenly with zero warning, you dropped a warm pile of goo from your mouth and down all over my shirt and part of my face. Your mom wasn’t paying attention when it happened, but she looked up when she noticed you and I weren’t making noise anymore. You seemed to feel much better. I was covered in goo.

- Dad

Day 129 : Hams

Sadie –

You are learning about your hands (or as I call them when we clean them in the bathtub: your “hams”) and your choices.

I was alternating between rice cereal and squash while feeding you today. You used to like rice cereal, but since you’ve started on real solids, you have learned there are much tastier treats in the universe than the bland white stuff I’ve been feeding you.

This morning whenever I’d slip you a spoon of squash, you’d open wide and enjoy. But if you realized I had given you rice instead of squash – your hands came into the picture to push my hand away.

I had mom take video of you doing this. It is exciting – not because you are refusing to eat cereal, but because it shows your hand-eye coordination is getting quite good and your mental connection between your mind and your hands (and the effect the combination of the two can have) is even better!

- Dad

Day 128 : Big News and Changes

Sadie -

Today we got some big news. Your mom has been offered a job with a great organization that helps people called the American Heart Association. Of course, the fact that she will soon be starting a job means that you will soon get the opportunity to spend your weekdays with new friends.

This is exciting in some ways. It means you'll most likely get to meet kids your own age and you can learn about new places and things. But it also makes your mom and I really sad. We'd love to stay home with you all the time. But as I wrote yesterday, as much as it is in my instinct to keep you away from everybody else, that is not reality - and it is not really healthy.

I am sure you will like this new situation on most days. You are normally so relaxed and easy-going, that I anticipate that the transition won't even be that hard on you. But if you notice your mom or me with wet faces over the next week, just ignore us.

On to lighter subjects...

To celebrate this new job, you, your mom, and I went out to dinner with our friends Michael and Maren. You are no stranger to Michael, but for some reason, you couldn't take your eyes off of him tonight. Even as I fed you, you kept your eyes in a dead-locked stare at Michael across the table. We joked that you like him because he has your haircut (you are both pretty bald...).

- Dad

Day 127 : Cleaning This Gun

Sadie -

I heard the end of another country song that made me think of you. It was about a dad threatening the boy his daughter is about to go out on a date with. I have a hard time imagining myself trusting anyone to take you anywhere without me - ever! Of course, I'll get past this. It would be very unhelathy for me to shelter you like that. But I am starting to realize why some parents are a little guilty of over-protection. I'll try not to be that way, but I don't know if I can make any garrauntees. You will never understand how precious you are to me. No one can jeopardize that and expect me not to take action!

I love you!

- Dad

Day 126 - Sweet Potato

Sadie -

You have been such a big eater recently, we made sure to discuss moving you to solid foods with the doctor yesterday. He said it would be fine for you to start trying new stuff, so last night mom went to the store and bought a collection of small jars, all full of different fruit and vegetable concoctions ground up for baby consumption.

This morning we started with sweet potatos. We were really excited to see your reaction. Mom pulled out the camera and we waited with intensity to see what you would do when the orange goo hit your pallette.

The result was... well, not that exciting. You are so laid-back that you didn't really react. You just kicked your feet to signal you wanted to eat more.

I love having such a go-with-the-flow daughter!

- Dad

Day 125 : Take a Shot

Sadie -

Today was your 4-month check-up, which meant, of course, - more shots!

You were out-of-sorts to begin with because you had just woken up and were hungry, plus you had a little bit of a fever due to your teething. The preliminaries of your visit were done quickly, but the nurse who was set to administer your shots got tied up with another patient before you, so you became more and more anxious as we waited for the inevitable. You were so worked up that I let you relax on my shoulder and even snooze a little. I have to say that I really enjoyed all of the snuggles you gave me while you rested!

Your mom asked me to stay with you and comfort you during the shots. She warned me that you would scream like I'd never heard before, and turn very red.

You did turn very red, but the screams weren't that bad. And after the shots were administered, I picked you up, and you quit crying almost immediately. Your mom says you made a liar our of her. I am just glad you find me so comforting.

- Dad

Day 124 : Grab N Go

Sadie -

Your mom and I have decided that you are likely to be one of those babies that doesn't do things gradually. Like your "cousin" Ivy - she never crawled much. One day she just started walking.

I say this, because this morning I put you in your chair for breakfast and you grabbed one of the long straps and stuck it in your mouth. It was like you had all this hand-eye coordination that you just hadn't been using!

Again, this is another example of you growing up a little too fast!

I don't know how much more I can handle!

- Dad

Day 123 : Your Dee Dee

Sadie -

You obviously love your grandma (or as your cousin Jasmine calls her, "Dee Dee"). I ran an errand tonight and came home to find you, diaper-clad and wrapped in a blanket, resting in Dee Dee's arms. You seemed so content!

I put you in the bath and you made sure to give Dee Dee a first-hand look at your newfound kicking skills.

You are surrounded by people that love you so much. I am glad you kind of seem to like us, too!

- Dad

Day 122 : Too Fast

Sadie -

I told your Grandma today that I now, for the first time, understand why parents say things like, "you are growing like a weed" or "you are supposed to still be in diapers."

I feel like you are growing up a little too fast. We found another tooth poking through your gums today and you have suddenly started talking and carrying on full gibberish conversations with me.

It has only been four months since you were born... Your mom and I reminisced about it tonight like you were going off to college, though!

I am just so thankful for every moment with you!

- Dad

Day 121 : Today and Tomorrow

Sadie -

You got up early with me this morning and I fed you rice pudding like we usually eat in the evening. As I was getting around for work, you laid on your blanket, content, and rotated your attention between me and various points throughout the room.

I turned the Today show on as I got around and they did a story on a victim of the shooting at an Illionois University last week. They talked to the parents of this girl and asked some really personal questions about how the family felt in the horrible aftermath of their 20-year-old daughter's death.

In the middle of this segment, I reached down to adjust the way you were laying, and you smiled big and cooed at me. Tears started to sting the back of my eyes instantly. I put my hand on you and prayed that nothing bad would ever happen to you - ever!

- Dad

Day 120 : Getting a Kick Out of It

Sadie -

Since you started taking baths, you've been hesitant to immerse the bottom part of your body in the water. I've marveled more than once at the muscular strength you must posess in order to be able to keep your legs up and out of the water for ten minutes at a time.

Tonight, you were even more tired than usual when it came time for the bath. I placed you into the water, and in your exhausted state, you must have forgotten the rule you made for yourself about keeping legs out of liquid. You started to kick hard in protest. Suddenly, your lower portion was floating like your upper portion. Upon feeling how nice it was when your entire body was immersed in water, you became almost completely relaxed.

You are so cute as you continue your quest to discover the world - one kick at a time!

- Dad

Day 119 : Bookworms

Sadie -

Some of my favorite memories from growing up involve taking trips to the library with my dad. I have always said that I would carry on this tradition with my kids, so while your mom went to the store this afternoon, you and I went to a world of books. I put you in your stroller without the car seat and you sat up like a big girl. Everyone at the library thought you were pretty cute!

The thought of all of that reading must have worn you out. You fell asleep on the drive home.

- Dad

Day 118 : Acronymn

Sadie -

At four months of age, here are a few things the letters in your name could stand for:

S - smiles, slobber, snuggles

A - adorable, active, awesome

D - Daddy's(!), dollface, deliberate

I - interesting, interested, irreplacable

E - entertaining, engineering, elegant

- Dad

Day 117 : Cupid

Sadie -

Happy Valentine's Day! This is a day we take to tell everybody how much we love them! I am pretty sure you know how much I love you, but just to double-check, I gave you a present after you woke up this morning. You got two cool bath puppets to make getting clean even more fun! You were really fascinated by the silver, shiny box they were wrapped in.

We made mom pancakes before I left for work so she would know how much we love her!

This morning, mom made a cupid costume out of construction paper for you, dressed you in it, and took pictures. I am sorry to say that almost everyone we know has now seen you as cupid. Your grandpa even posted the picture on the door of his office at work!

We have so much fun with you and love you more than you can even imagine!

- Dad

Day 116 - Cuddles

Sadie -

Mom thinks you aren't feeling good today. Why? Because you are doing a lot of snuggling!

It is usually hard to get you to calm down much in your waking hours so we can just hold and hug on you. But today, you've not minded the attention. It's been good for everybody!

You can always depend on me for a bear hug!

- Dad

Day 115 : Snow and Elmo

Sades -

There was a big snow last night so I went into work a little late today. Your mom was sleeping this morning and you and I were having breakfast. I think you are too young to watch TV, but I felt like having a little fun with you. I put on Sesame Street and turned the sound down so you could watch all the colors. You seemed to like Elmo! (But who doesn't like Elmo??)

Sesame Street will only become more fun as you get older!

- Dad

Day 114 : Uncle Kent

Sadie -

I talked to your "Uncle" Kent (whom you have yet to meet) today. He asked about you and when I told him you were already rolling over and getting teeth, he had this to say:

"I have got to get up to see her and hold her - before she is too big for me to hold!"

It may seem weird, but it makes me sad to think of you being too big to hold. I realize you have to grow up. I want you to grow up. But I love having you as my LITTLE girl a whole lot!

- Dad

Day 113 : Sharp

Sadie -

After you finish a bottle, I often check to see if you are still hungry by sticking my finger in your mouth. This used to be okay; you just gummed my finger. But suddenly - YOU HAVE TEETH!

Two little sharp white blades are showing themselves in your front bottom gum.
I call them "sharp" because I first discovered them while testing you to see if you were still hungry. I know first hand that they can hurt.

You are growing up too fast!!

- Dad

Day 112 : Roll-y, Poll-y

Sadie -

Your mom told me that you rolled over on your own earlier this week, but seeing is believing...

This morning we were hanging out in the living room and I put you on your tummy on your special pillow. Before I knew it, you were pushing yourself to one side and suddenly you were on your back.

I whooped and hollered like I was watching a basketball game!

It is so fun watching you grow up!

- Dad

Day 111 : What I Like About You

Sadie -

Just a few of the many things I enjoy about you:

1. Your smile
2. The way you start smacking your lips when I put a bib on you
3. The way you snuggle against my shoulder when you get tired
4. How relaxed you get despite yourself when you are in the bathtub
5. How much you enjoy being on the changing table
6. How when you haven't seen me in awhile, you can't take your eyes off of me when I walk in the room
7. How reassured you seem when I am holding you

- Dad

Day 110 : Everybody Wants (2C) U

Sadie -

You are one popular girl. Last night and this morning your grandma called my phone. She kept acting like she had important questions to ask about other things, but both conversations ended up being about you and when she'd next be able to see you!

So tonight, she and your grandpa stopped by for a few minutes just to see you!

Is it odd to you that you had no choice in this matter of who would initially love you? You'll have choices your whole life - what you'll like, who you'll spend your time with, what career you'll pursue. But you never got to choose your parents or grandparents. I hope you don't want a refund... We sure don't!! We all love you so much!

- Dad

Day 108 : As the Crows Fly...

Sadie -

It is not uncommon for fathers to try to force their interests on their children. You hear often of dads who are overbearing sports coaches or who pressure their children to take an interest in the family business. Hopefully you won't face this situation with me - except for one area: The Counting Crows.

I am a huge fan of the band and no one else I know cares about them at all. So guess what! You are going to be a big fan, too (at least for now)!

You hung out with me while I did the dishes tonight and we listened to Counting Crows' "This Desert Life" CD and I sang all the words to you. I like to think you enjoyed yourself!

Love always...(even if you disown the Crows or me for forcing them on you!)

- Dad

Day 107 : Us Time

Sadie -

You slept so well last night that you didn't get up at all until I was already up for the day and out of the shower. This meant that we got to hang out for awhile before I went to work and while your mom continued to sleep.

I got to wake you up and help you get dressed. Mom always talks about what a great start to her day waking you up has become and I can see why she thinks this. You are what people call "a morning person." As soon as I got you to open your eyes, you were all smiles and fun. I dressed you in an outfit that your Uncle Joel got you before you were born (and that you've never worn before!) and then we had breakfast!

We got to end our day together, too. We went out after dinner to grab some things at Kroger and then came home and I gave you a bath and put you to sleep. It has been a great "us" day!

- Dad

Day 106 : Kissy Face!

Sadie -

I was holding you today and I leaned you over to your mom and told you to give her a kiss. Usually this is just a game we play. You lean over, I shove you in her face and she plays with you. But today when I pushed you towards your mom, you imitated a kiss! It was like you really knew what you were doing and you wanted to give mom a little peck on the cheek!

This really made our day! We love you so much and can't wait for you to be able to express your love for us as well!

- Dad

Day 105 : Early Birds

Sadie -

You woke up early today so I got up with you and we hung out together and let mom sleep. You are so fun when you first wake up. You were smiling and seemed really happy to see me. We got you dressed in a cute jumper and we played with your toy dog Rufus.

You wore me out a little, though. I think I might need to take a nap...

I am looking forward to many more mornings that are just me and you!

- Dad

Day 104 : Four Generations

Sadie -

Your Great Grandma Kate turns 80 next week so we went to Cincinnati for a surprise get-together for her today.

It was so neat when she walked in to the room and saw all of her kids and grandkids gathered around. There were 4 generations of our family in one place - and it all started with her!

I tried to imagine what it would be like to be soley responsible for an entire room of people. Then I thought about how one day you might be responsible for an entire room of people. I am a little overwhelmed by that thought!

Say it with me: "Happy birthday, Grandma!"

- Dad

Day 103 : Country Music Daddy Bootcamp

Sadie -

So your mom ran into the store to grab something tonight and you and I stayed in the car. I was flipping through the radio stations and ran across what I now refer to as "Country Music Daddy Bootcamp."

The first song played was a cheesey tune called "Stealing Cinderella" which contained the following lyrics:

I came to see her daddy for sit down man to man
It wasn't any secret I'd be asking for her hand
I guess that's why he left me waiting in the living room by myself
with at least a dozen pictures of her sitting on a shelf

[Chorus;]

She was playing Cinderella
She was riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
In her eyes i'm Prince Charming
But to him i'm just some fella
riding in and stealing Cinderella

I leaned in towards those pictures to get a better look at one
When I heard a voice behind me say "Now, ain't she something, son?"
I said "Yes, she quite a woman" and he just stared at me
Then I realized that in his eyes she would always be

Playing Cinderella
Riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
In her eyes i'm Prince Charming
But to him i'm just some fella riding in and stealing Cinderella

He slapped me on the shoulder
Then he called her in the room
When she threw her arms around him
That's when I could see it too

She was Playing Cinderella
Riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
If he gives me a hard time
I can't blame the fella
I'm the one who's stealing Cinderella

So that song was bad enough, but I'd heard it before and was able to power through the idea of you growing up on me.

But right after that song finished, this one came on:

Since the day they got married,
He'd been praying for a little baby boy.
Someone he could take fishing,
Throw the football and be his pride and joy.
He could already see him holding that trophy,
Taking his team to state.
But when the nurse came in with a little pink blanket,
All those big dreams changed.

CHORUS
And now he's wrapped around her finger,
She's the center of his whole world.
And his heart belongs to that sweet little beautiful, wonderful, perfect All-American Girl.

I am thinking of writing to congress to see if a law could go on the books that prohibits those two songs from playing back-to-back ever again!

- Dad