Dear Ethan, year 0, month 5

Posted on Thu 05/18/06 in Fatherhood

Dear Ethan,

Things are starting to get really fun. You have become ticklish and are laughing out loud… actually, cracking up. Your personality is becoming apparent: you are filled with energy and are very sociable. I often hear compliments about how you’ll let just about anyone hold you without any fuss (and believe me, everyone wants to). But, you do still give the “mommy cry,” when only mommy can calm you down — she has these like secret techniques that only work for her. When will I get secret daddy techniques?

One of the most exciting things we’ve learned about you this month is that you can’t stand country music (at least not the pop selection played on mainstream media) and you love punk rock — you’re more punk than me!!! Our good friend was telling me how his brother and sister-in-law have their infant constantly listening to all this baby music whenever they are in the car, and I was like, “No Way, bro… Butthole Surfers is my kid’s favorite band!!!!” (I might be exaggerating ever so slightly). In simple terms: You rule!!! Together, we will tip the tables with the musical tastes in this family. Other bands you seem to rock out to include Lagwagon, NOFX, Why?, Mighty Mouse, and Lionel Richie (I know he’s not punk, but still?).

You have inherited your parents’ love for the water. We’ve taken you to Grandma’s pool a couple times, and you feel right at home. When I carried you in, neck-deep, you began to kick and paddle. That was one of the coolest things I’d ever seen. You just popped into this world, and already, you’re ready to explore the great oceans. I can only imagine how water will play into your life… perhaps just a little, but perhaps a whole lot. Maybe you’ll be a surfer? Or the next Jacques Cousteau? Or maybe you’ll grow up to be half man-seahorse, half sea cucumber? Either way, I’m excited. Oh! We took you to CB Smith Park, which has been upgraded quite a bit since I was a little bopper; it is now a water-park paradise.

Your mom and I sorta jumped the gun with being so excited about the whole 12 hours of sleeping at night. Don’t get me wrong — I love it! But, you do NOT want to take naps during the day. If you’ve picked up my philosophy, you’re thinking that nap time is the perfect time to get things done. For me, that is a battle I often face.

I almost forgot to mention an interesting, yet probably painful, game you’ve learned. I like to call it, I’m naked so why not try to pull my wiener off! Really, when you see that thing, you yank. Bath time has given you the best opportunity because you are sitting up and, well, there it is?!!?!?

You’re teething, talking (by definition) — we hear you say real words sometimes, you are almost crawling — actually, you’re close to walking, your motor skills and dexterity have advanced exponentially since last month, you recognize familiar faces, you’ve become even more interested in your dog, you LOVE being outdoors — a walk outside is a cure-all for overtired, unexplainable crying fits, and you’ve still got blue eyes… well, sometimes green… but, they are definitely NOT brown. Dad must have had a little “b” tucked away somewhere (if you don’t get that, open up you Biology book).

Expect a surprise with your next letter. I’m looking forward to that one.

Love always, Dad.