Daddy Daycare

Today is Wednesday.  For the past 5 (good lord, almost 6!) years of my working career, Wednesday has been known only as the day that comes after Tuesday and before Thursday.  Just another spoke in the work week wheel that is part of the normal routine we all endure in a race to the weekend.  Well, for the past 3 weeks, Wednesdays have a new roll!!  They are now known as Daddy Daycare days.  I am lucky enough to have a job with flexibility, a wife who understands and values family time, and a daycare that will take Emma part time that all allow me this privilege.  And let me tell you, it is a blessing.  I can hardly stand myself on Tuesday because I know that I get Emma all to myself the next day.  We do all sorts of fun things like read books, jog, play on her play mat, tummy time, sit in her Bumbo chair, listen to music, chat, and my favorite is to cuddle.  While Melissa was at home with Emma part of their daily routine was to nap from about 9-11 on the couch.  I am delighted to keep this tradition afloat; today Emma fell asleep on my chest at about 9 and didn't stir until until 11:30!  It. Is.  THE. BEST!!  Those cuddle sessions are, hands down, my favorite part of fatherhood.

There are other benefits to being home beside the selfish reasons of wanting to spend more time with my daughter.   It affords an extra day to run errands to Target or the grocery store, allows me to be present at Emma's Dr. appointments, and if Emma naps long enough it gives me a change to pick up around the house a little bit.  The way I see it, the more I can get done on Wednesdays, the less there is to do on the weekends which gives us more family time.  To be clear though, its the cuddles that keep me coming back :)  The extra time I get with Emma is irreplaceable and precious - I love every minute of it!! 

Emma is 3 months old!  How did that happen so fast!  She turned 3 months yesterday.  I brought some cookies home for the celebration which was more of a "thought that counts" gesture and not very practical since I'm the only one eating dairy.  Try going into a bakery and, with a straight face, ask if any of their goodies are dairy free.  To quote the gentleman behind the counter, "I think you're outta luck.  We use a lot of butter and a lot of cream."  So I grabbed a few cookies in case Melissa wanted to endulge and because I didn't want to show up empty handed (and because I really like cookies!).  So what is Emma up to these days?  Lots of smiling, cooing, talking, more smiles, holding herself up when she's on her tummy, sucking on her hands and fingers, and gaining better control of that big head of hers.  I think rolling over is still a ways off but she is starting to find her knees and feet and she is able to reach out for things and she is starting to grab toys.  I'm pretty sure it was an accident but yesterday she even held her own bottle!  She constantly amazes me at how quickly her motor skills are developing.  It's fun to think back to what she has learned in the past week and to wonder what she will be up to in the days ahead. 

Usually, I pride myself in my lawn and garden upkeep.  This year however, plants beware!!  A dry August and shifting priorities haven't boded well for the grass and plant life around our house.  I envy Erin Clanton, one of my best friend's wife (and the reason I started blogging), for her ability to grow lush and beautiful flowers and vegetables.  I'm jealous of the pictures of overabundant strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, yada yada blah blah.  I see those pictures then look out at the carnage in my own yard. 

I'm sure the plants look at me and see a black robe and scythe because I have brought them nothing but death.  So, to match Erin's epic botanical successes, above are a few photos of my massive failures.  The most impressive of which is this "8 dollar tomato".  I call it that because the plant cost 8 dollars and if the lone tomato left on the vine ripens and we are able to harvest it before the f-ing squirrels get to it, it will be the only fruit of our labor (what little of it there was anyway).  Next year...next year will be better for the greenery - perhaps for no other reason that it can't possibly be worse.

 

Baby pictures of Melissa and I are coming soon - promise.  My mom re-sent them to me so all I need to do is organize some thoughts. Then you can be the judge of who Emma looks like. 

With love,
Jason, Melissa and Emma