A First Is a First, Even When It's Snot

Not Buck, but, boy, does he look sick.

Watching babies grow, you get to experience a lot of firsts. First time rolling over, first tooth, first time he peed on you, first steps, first injury, etc. Well, ole Buckeroo is in the midst of a dubious first: first cold. Chances are, this will be the first of many. According to BabyCenter.com, the average baby has 6-10 colds per year. I guess I've gotten off easy if buddy boy has made it 7 1/2 months before his first mucous-laden infestation.

All of these firsts provide mini research projects for me as I scour the internet for medical information, advice from other parents, and the like. It turns out that the cool mist vaporizer that we've had for years has done wonders for his sleep. Thanks internet. And you can't fight a baby's cold without Boogie Wipes. Those things have magic boogie-dissolving powers. Thanks Jane. I have one of those rubber bulbs that look like they could suck a baby's brain out through his nose, but it wasn't necessary this go around. And don't get me started about those snot aspirators that have the parent orally sucking the greenish-yellow stuff out via a tube connected to junior's nose....

All in all, it has been a positive cold experience. It was a mild cold that helped build Buck's immune system. He's starting to feel better, which is great. And I've got yet another research project under my belt. Praise the iPad and the Google!

Great Thing, Not Such a Small Package

One minute I blinked my eyes and some big boy had taken the place of my little baby. I remember when my wife and I brought my son home. He weighed less than 5 pounds and could rest on my forearm; now he weighs more than triple that and sprawls longer than my torso. That little, helpless baby is gone and in his place is a big, hungry, heavy, sometimes-rowdy, always-cool little dude.

When he was born, my friends who already had kids warned me that the days of having a cute, little fragile baby would be short-lived; they suggested I do all I can to cherish this too-short window. But what new parent ever has time or energy to fully take advantage? I was overwhelmed with trying not to injure, maim, or kill my baby while learning as much as I could on how to be a good parent—and trying to find a rhythm in all of it while marching forth woefully under-rested.

That's not to say I didn't have moments with my newborn that I will never forget. Is there a better feeling in the world than laying on the couch with a little baby napping on your chest and some nice tunes playing in the background? I've tried many, many ways to try and reach that level of relaxed contentment and all have fallen well short.

Now, it is onward, upward, and outward with my big little boy (or is it little big boy?). I'm open-eyed and enthusiastic to find new levels of contentment, happiness, and pride in my growing son. Of course, I'm also a little better prepared for all of the work and responsibility that being a good parent entails. Although I do still spend a good deal of worry and energy making sure my boy is uninjured, un-maimed, and un-killed.

Curses!

I need to stop f@#*ing swearing so much. If my son’s first word is the four-letter fire truck word, my wife will ensure that my a*s is grass. The thing is, I love to cuss like a sailor, truck driver, stevedore, and your mom all rolled into one vile four-letter-word-spewing beast.

Some people argue that when people swear they are exhibiting a limited vocabulary. I beg to differ. If you’re talking about having a well-rounded vocabulary, why not use all of the words to exhibit a full range of nuances? There are occasions when a well-placed cuss says more than a paragraph of bullsh@t explanation. And sometimes it’s just fun to let some F-bombs fly.

However, while it is really f@#*ing hilarious when other people’s kids swear, it’s not so funny when your three year old lets it fly at the church picnic in front of the blue-hairs. Sure, when my son was younger I thought it was a blast to cuss, curse and swear to him, but, at six months old, he’s getting older and is really taking everything in. I guess it may be time to leave some of the colorful language behind... But swearing is so much f@#*ing fun! Man, I need to cut that sh!t out. Now. Seriously.

Everybody's Favorite Neighbor

I'm far from a perfect man. I sometimes snap to anger much too quickly. Sometimes lash out in sarcasm rather than taking a moment to pause and understand someone. Sometimes shut out people and ideas without even a second's consideration.

But I do try to be a good person with an open mind and heart. I try to treat the people around me fairly and with compassion. And, even at his ripe young age of 5 months, I strive to pass this onto my son.

Lately, I have rediscovered a guru for these sorts of matters: Mr. Rogers. When I'm home with my son and find myself wound too tightly, I'll search out YouTube videos of this great man who has taught decency, kindness, and love to more children than anyone else in the realm of pop culture. The videos have a calming effect on me and remind me of what is important.

Sure, he may seem to make things over simplistic. Heck, sometimes he even comes across as simple. But that couldn't be further from reality. I love this video from 1969 where he completely disarms a cranky Senator Pastore with kind words and earns a boatload of money for PBS in the process.

A Family Affair

Music is and always has been an important part of my life. Recently I got to share a part of that love with my family. Two Saturdays past, my band—The Dirt Floor Revue—played The Brooklyn County Fair, an all-day outdoor music festival, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to make it a family affair.

Since I haven’t found the time yet to make up a good fake ID for Buck to get into the dives the band usually plays, this was the first time he attended one of his dad’s shows. He looked mighty sharp wearing his Dirt Floor Revue T-shirt, I must say. And to keep the family-vibe going, my two eldest nieces—my biggest fans—got to see me play, as well as a good buddy’s twin 2-year-old boys.

Playing music in my band is the one outlet I insisted on keeping when my wife and I decided that I would work at home while taking care of Buck. I can’t even describe the pleasure I get making great music with the boys, but that pleasure was eclipsed on that Saturday. I was, and still am, thrilled that I got to play an integral part in exposing some really great kids to live music. 

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Check out Dirt Floor Revue's album here or here or on iTunes

Cutest ABCs Ever

Folks, once in a while the ole Dad Dude needs to show his mushy underbelly. This is too cute for words

4 Year Olds....

I saw a great post online about a man and his 4-year-old son. It's a great, quick read:

Read It Here