Diary of a Third Time Dad

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WEEK 36 - OCTOBER 2002

Car Seat Tango.

Putting Joshua into his car seat is now a lot more "fun" than before. He used to calmly "coo" and smile as we buckled him in. Now he does this squirming and arching his back thing that it seems babies are experts at. When he's stiffened into this defensive position, there is absolutely no power on earth that can bend his body to fit into his car seat. One day while Cheryl was putting him in, I looked back to see him hanging over the opposite side of the seat trying to get away.

Many parents ask me what they can do when their little one starts this behavior. I don't know, but I'll be sure to pass it along if I figure it out.

Diaper Changing Aerobics.

The car seat thing is kind of cute, but diaper changing time is definitely not. Cheryl called me for some help the other day, and when I saw what was happening, I offered my assistance by capturing this moment on film.

We did eventually get the diaper back on him, after several minutes of all of us laughing so hard we couldn't even think. It's cute when it's only a wet diaper. But it sometimes takes both of us to keep him pinned down when he's poopy.

Thinking out loud.

All couples learn to share jobs around the house. This is even more important when babies enter the picture. I'm usually happy to do my part, but some days I'll admit I get a little grumpy about it. I've gotten pretty good at hiding this, though, and I try to help out with a smile.

Not so today. Cheryl noticed the baby needed a diaper change and said, "Here, you change his diaper, I'll do the dishes."

I thought to myself, "Hey, why don't YOU do both?" Of course, I was just kidding. I wouldn't really have said that out loud.

Then I realized Cheryl was glaring at me. Oh my gosh, did I just say that out loud? Another glance at Cheryl confirmed that yes indeed, I had actually spoken those words.

I ended up doing both jobs.

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