FIRST, A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE PEOPLE AT REAL KIDS SHADES FOR HAVING A GREAT PRODUCT AND FOR BEING COOL ENOUGH TO DO THIS!!!

HERE IS THE WINNER’S COMMENT:

I swear, there is no sight as sweet as your baby drifting off to sleep. I’m not talking sweet, as in sentimentally sweet. I mean sweet as in “SWEET! I CAN FINALLY GET SOME SH!T DONE!” kind of sweet.
It reminds me of when I used to wait for my parents to go to sleep so I could stay up all night and watch TV. Now, I wait for Jake to pass out so I can shower. Ah, the circle of life:)

“HE’S OUT COLD! GO! GO! GO!”

I’ll admit, I sometimes have the tendency to cuss like a drunken sailor. Although, I’m making a conscious effort to curtail the “trucker mouth” in front of Jake. I’d never forgive myself if his first words were “bull…shit…DADA!” So, I’m learning new and interesting ways to put a spin on my favorite go-to bad words. My absolutest, mostest, favoritest is replacing the F-word with FUDGE! Honestly try it and you will laugh all day! “WHAT THE FUDGE!?” “YOU’VE GOTTA BE FUDGIN’ KIDDIN’ ME MAN!?” “FUDGE OFF, YOU MOTHER FUDGER!” Oh fudge, I’m laughing as I’m typing this! The possibilities are endless! I FUDGIN’ LOVE IT!!!

“FUDGE YOU, AND A, FUDGE YOU TOO!”

Last week I told you about “the tick” that Jake has developed, particularly when he’s very tired. Picture your kid tasting something sour, or shaking off a chill. It seems more behavioral than neurological, but we want to make sure. Today we went to the hospital for his EEG. I was SO PROUD of this kid! They attached 25 wires to his head and two to his chest. He never cried once until it was time to finally fall asleep. The poor kid was exhausted because we had to keep him awake all morning until the test. But Mama J gave him a bit of the Magic Booby, and he was out cold in minutes. I think it was a good sign that he finished way sooner than expected. We hope that means it was blatantly obvious that nothing is wrong.
My wife and I are firm believers in the “signs” all around us everyday. Sometimes we miss them, and sometimes they’re right in our face. When we returned home from Jake’s first Dr’s appointment a week ago (the one that spooked us), there was a card in the mail for the Epilepsy Foundation’s annual donation pick up day. Of course we scheduled a day for them to stop by. What do y’know, the pick up day was of all days, today. I made sure there was a big box of brand new toys on the front porch first thing this morning.
Some might say those signs weren’t that great, but we think differently. Maybe it’s God or the Universe, or whatever force you choose to believe in, reminding us to have compassion for those dealing with similar problems. A reminder to appreciate having a healthy baby. As we sit and wait for these test results, trust me, it’s the first thing on our prayer list.

His Very 1st Car Ride Nearly 7 Months Ago

Yesterday’s “automobile accident” reminded me of how much Jake’s car ride etiquette has changed over the last few months. Other than the occasional bout of incontinence, he really has become an angel baby in the car! I honestly forget he’s there sometimes. It used to feel like transporting a rabid mongoose in the backseat, with all the shrieking and thrashing! Now, he just plays with his Captain Calamari hanging fuzzy squid and drifts off to sleep. Occasionally, he may need his Billy Bob teeth to calm down, but that’s it! Let’s hope he’s that cool on a plane!

What’d You Do!?

We had a BLOWOUT in the car today! Fortunately, I’m not talking about a tire! Unfortunately, I am talking about what seemed like a half gallon of caramel syrup blown out the sides of Jake’s diaper!!! I could hear the unmistakable gurgling sound from the passenger seat. Oh boy…

Sorry Dude!

I can tell you that after starting solid foods, Jake’s poop has once again transformed into something I don’t quite understand. But in the meantime, it’s still my duty to clean it up. And after today, I’m keeping an entire spray bottle of soapy water and a case of shop rags in the trunk! Jeepers Rice Kiddo!

A day is fast approaching in which I will have to stand up and face the inevitable. No, not the fact that the cast of Jersey Shores is signing another contract. I’m talking about Mama J going going back to work! I thought she and I would both be excited by the prospect of her getting out of the house again. But as the day gets closer, that’s not the case.
I know she’s going to miss Baby J just as much as he’s going to miss his Mama. I see myself as a pretty good Dad. But there are times when nothing soothes that kid but Mommy. I think that’s the most worrisome part. She could be hours away and I can’t console the little man. I’ve been there before. A bottle doesn’t work. Holding him doesn’t help. Letting him cry it out doesn’t work. The only thing that calms the little man down is Mommy and the Magic Booby.

I’m sure I’ll look back and laugh at this in a few months. Although right now, I am, for lack of better words, “crapping in my pants”.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!! Last night, my wife attempted to camp outside with Baby J and a ton of family. I had a hunch I’d see them back at home later. It was a safe assumption. Jake is a little like his Daddy when it comes to sleeping. He needs a fan on, the A/C purring, maybe even a sound machine depending on his mood. If there is any, and I mean ANY background noise while he’s trying to nod off, forgeddaboudit! I’m sure it will get easier for him in time (wishful thinking). Until then, he gets to be the grouchy old man that has to get home at a certain hour or he’s a real A-hole!

10 Seconds to Total Meltdown

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION! I want all of you to log in tomorrow with all fingers in tact! Baby J handled the fireworks like a champ! He was mesmerized! Thanks for all the good advice!!!