On Fathering Thus Far

Baby: *cries*
Dada: Buddy, you know I always give you your pacifier back after you lose it! There's no need to panic.
Baby: That's called the inductive fallacy, Dad. There is no guarantee the future will resemble the past. There is ample reason to panic!
Dada: Just because we have reason to believe inductive reasoning isn't conclusive, doesn't mean you are warranted in believing conclusions contrary to those suggested by an inductive process. It's called learning to trust your Dad.
Baby: I love you Dad. Can we get back to reading Plato's Republic, now?
Dada: I love you too, Son. *tears up*

When I saw my son for the first time, it was love. But now I look back and realize I hadn't even gotten to know him yet. He was so slimy and sort of grey. Now he is dry. And more pink colored. And he snores. And other fun things. I like him.

He is learning to smile. Which is adorable.

I can't speak lowly enough of Baby-Wise and other "cry-it-out" methods. More on this perhaps in an anathematizing future post.

I can't speak highly enough of our providers - the pediatrician, the midwife, and the nurses. My mother-in-law is a saint. She comes and has fun - fun, mind you - cleaning our house and holding our baby.

Also my family. Close friends and family. Their love and support and generosity and eager arms have been hugely helpful. Way to be helpful, guys.

But the real star is my wife. She stands head and shoulders above us all for the hard work she's put into pregnancy, labor, delivery, breastfeeding, Soren's infancy in general so far... I could easily go on. I married the right woman. Hands down.

I was a little concerned about spoiling my son, since his needs have been so well met so far, and he already has an abundance of toys and textures. But I think I am actually okay with that. I just want to be intentional about teaching him humility and generosity.

He is very obedient so far, in fact. I tell him to be cute and to smell good and he does it. Good boy.

My wife has taken to calling him "Pumpkin", but it sounds more like "Punkin".

My nicknames for him so far include Dino-Soren, Sweet Baby Boy, Sweet Baby Son, My Son My Only Son, Snoren, and the like.

I am convicted to look to live a more righteous and generous life as a model for him. Lord, help me to take my responsibility seriously and to be a good model for my son, and help him to excel far beyond whatever goodness You have granted me. Amen.