The Daddy Monster

Day 193:

As much as anything about being a parent, the learning curve is the biggest adjustment.  It's not the lack of sleep or changing diapers or the expense... No, it's quite literally the most intensive course of learning and understanding that any person can take on.  And surely, learning the ins and outs of diaper changing and feeding schedules are important but it's learning the queues that make it interesting... And what I mean by queues is, what are YOU doing?!  Are you happy and smiling?  Rubbing your eyes? Reacting to a certain sound or movement?  Are you cranky?  Why are you cranky?  What makes you laugh?  Why do you cry?  (Don't know that anybody figures that one out, Son.  I don't care how good-a child psychologist they are or how many books they write, each kid is different.  Period.)

Yes sir, it's not learning how to parent that's intense, it's learning the child you're parenting.  It's quite the journey of course, and as I mentioned each kid is different and thus the approach will vary.   Generally speaking, you're a pretty easy little dude, Conor.  You primarily fuss when you're hungry or at worst, tired.  Either way it's easy to adjust.  But more than that, learning what makes you happy is my greatest pleasure in life.

Having the better part of the morning and early afternoon to spend with you, we did a lot of laughing today, you and I.  I've learned my schtick with you, the ever fearful Daddy-Monster act, is now anticipated.  And not only is it anticipated, it's expected!   If you're in just-fed-and-ready-to-burn-energy mode, when you see my face you'll immediately scrunch up that nose, grin ear to ear, and fully expect I say to you "it's the DADDY-MONSTER!" and then charge in on your neck and ears, tickling you madly with my gruff old beard.  It's easily the biggest highlight of my day, and surely one of yours as well...

Well, today you and me took Daddy-Monster to the next level, Boy'O.  While having you laid out on the bed and hovering over top of you, I sat straight up and down from my knees, spread my arms wide as they would go, and before I could call out "DADDY-MONSTER!" you were already smiling, scrunched up, legs in the air, hands by your face, and laughing hysterically!  I thought in that split moment, "I have to change it up!" and so I put my fists on the bed on either side of you and began rocking the bed back and forth!  You CRACKED UP like nothing I've seen before!  Squealing, giggling, laughing, and I could hardly contain myself...  I started laughing hysterically as well!  It was the first time we'd ever truly laughed together... And as if I hadn't ever lived a day in my life, I soared with excitement for the opportunity to, for the first time though certainly not the last, rough house with my Son.  Soaring........

Later in the afternoon, after a number of chores and tons of play time, I fired up the Harley and headed out to see Ziggy.  The news was definitely very good!  What a difference a few days makes...  Both me and your Uncle Doug were able to speak with Ziggy, laugh with Ziggy, hope with Ziggy... Just be there for him, and for the first time in weeks, he knew we were there!  Now THAT'S progress!  He's not exactly out of the woods yet, but he's talking, eating, joking... He's getting well and that's all we can hope for.

I love every part of you, Conor the Lion Heart.  You're the coolest little guy there ever was.

Always and forever-
-Dad