Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Entering Wusshood

The fact that I am a parent still blows me away. This thought usually comes late at night while I stand over Colden's bassinet and watch him sleep. I begin to think about how everything in my life now revolves around his welfare. I believe that everyone, before they have children, imagines what their lives would be like as a parent. My idea was kind of like a compilation of America's Funniest Videos: the spit ups, food fights and the unavoidable hits to the groin. These images would be interwoven with clips of watching them play soccer, taking care of boo boos, and of course being called Dad. It's the things I didn't think about or understand that makes being a father so life changing. It's the rush of worry when things are too quiet. The infectious nature of his smirks and smiles. The consuming desire to protect him from every possible harm. The increase in compassion for other parents and children. I'm beginning to understand the level of love my mother had for me even if it went unsaid. Apparently becoming a father makes you a little "wussier" in areas, but it also makes you not care that you are going soft. The fact is, there will be the soccer games, the hurts that need to be healed, and unfortunately, the ever painful shot to the crotch, but that's just the icing on the cake.

Chris

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

12 Weeks In

Today Colden is twelve weeks old...Twelve weeks doesn't sound all that long and for the most part it has flown by. There were; however, those nights that felt like weeks, the few bouts of crying that seemed to last ages, and the moments he looked at you when time seemed to stop. He has changed so much in such a short period of time. He is holding his head up better everyday, following movements around him, and slowly gaining control of his fat laden arms and legs. His array of expressions seem to hold more meaning, making his smiles that much more enjoyable and his pouts even more pitiful. It is funny to think that I changed my first ever diaper only twelve weeks ago and now I can probably do it blind folded. (I didn't say it would be done well, but it would at least be on the right end.)
The drool has started. It's not a running faucet yet, but if given the chance, he can hang a spit-line down to his ankles. Colden has also mastered the art of spit bubbles. I was kinda hoping I would be the one to teach him this unappreciated art, but what can I say - he's gifted. The other day he managed to bullfrog one about two inches out from his face and reel it back in without popping it. TALENT! I'm sure this is just the beginning of his extraordinary abilities.
Here are some new pics. Look for the one where Colden is wondering if our friend Kelly can provide him with a little snack.

Chris

Monday, July 14, 2008

Back Home

Well we survived another road trip. It is safe to say Colden's threshold for the car seat rests at about the 3 1/2 hour mark. He did well over all. Back to back weekends that involve being in the car for at least 8 hours of the weekend tend to be very tiring. I apparently can't road trip like I used to. We enjoyed seeing everyone in Big Spring and introducing them to our newest addition. Colden got to see his Uncle Bubba (Krissi's brother Cliff) and I'm sure Colden is in for years of spoiling from him. Krissi went back to work today; I hope it wasn't harder for her than she is letting on. Thankfully we have Lynn (her mother) in town for the week to help ease this transition. Then next week my mother will come in for a week. Their help is really appreciated, but I think their stay is more self serving. This week's entry is a little short...I'm still trying to get caught up from being gone, but I hope the pictures are enjoyable.
Chris

Sunday, July 6, 2008

More 4th Pics


Some more pics taken over the weekend.

4th of July Weekend

Well the first long road trip is in the books. Colden did marvelous! He slept 90% of the trip. The amount of cargo it took to travel with a baby, two dogs and a wife (who, to her credit, managed to get 4 days worth of "essentials" into 2 bags) makes me rethink getting rid of my truck. I also found that diaper poo bombs are a great way to relieve road rage. I'll have to admit I was a little apprehensive about a 3+ hour car trip with a 9 week old baby. I imagined 3 hours turning into 6 with a whole lot more crying involved (and not just from Colden). We'll see if he can continue this trend as we embark on a 5 hour trip to Big Spring this coming weekend.
This weekend was loads of fun. We even squeezed in a trip to San Antonio. We got a chance to meet Adrienne's family (my future sister in-law). They were very fun and Adrienne's cousin is wise beyond her years. After that we met up with Bryce and Milena for dinner at The Riverwalk. It is very frustrating when people see you pushing a stroller and don't make the slightest effort to give you room to pass. I wanted to set an example by chucking a few of them into the river. It was a great evening in spite of those less considerate.
Colden started smiling a lot more this weekend, I think he is finally realizing what funny parents he has. Colden was a hit with everyone, but they seemed pretty surprised that I could have a hand in making such a beautiful baby. "Good thing he took after his mother" was heard quite a bit. After remembering some of my baby pictures, it is a good thing he took after her. Well with out further ado here are the pictures I promised last time.

Chris

Friday, July 4, 2008

SLEEP

Sleep... How we used to take it for granted. Don't get me wrong; we sleep (me more so than Krissi), but continuous sleep is what has seemed to vacate the premesis. It is amazing though; the things you learn to do in a half-sleeping haze. Change a diaper, give a bottle...drive to work. There are consequences to these groggy endeavors, ie: waking up later with poop on various parts of your or his body. We are lucky though; Colden does sleep and lately has been sleeping for longer periods of time. However, he only seems to do so when he is either on or in close proximity to one of us. That is our fault and we have gotten endless advice on what we could have done and should do now. It is, however, much easier to give advice than it is to listen to your son go hoarse from crying too long. We are both hoping that he will grow out of this habit as he learns to sleep even longer.
Another amazing power that lack of sleep bestows upon you is the marvelous ability to fall asleep anywhere and in any position. In exchange for this ability, you do give up a large magnitude of your patience. Not with your baby, but with other people; especially other people's stupidity. The urge to throat chop people who decide to pay in pennies completely consumes me. And don't get me started on the people who feel the need to drive 45 miles an hour on the highway when all you need to do is get home so the screaming baby in the back can be fed.
It is 4th of July weekend in Lockhart and although having family around eager to hold and play with him makes napping a lot easier, it somehow isn't the same as having an 11 pound poop factory snoring on your chest.

Chris
P.S. New pictures will be posted when we get back home.