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Man’s man

December 3rd, 2009 · by map · 10 Comments

I spent the day at home with Emmett yesterday, as a mild fever kept him out of daycare. It was mostly good times. Even now, the boy seems to have a good sense of humor, an observation based mostly on the fact that I can get him to laugh, heartily, without even trying.

Thing is, Emmett’s still really just a laughing lump with arms and legs. He can’t tell us anything. I can’t relate to him in any other way but to hug him or pat his head or do an insane jig while maniacally waggling my tongue to get him to laugh (ask Leah). And it makes me wonder what kind of dad I’ll be for him. I mean, other than slightly crazy. I don’t plan on taking him to any football games or on fishing trips or to car races…I never did any of that stuff with my dad. I guess it could be different now. I suppose it would be easier if I had some big ideas about the way Emmett should grow up, what kinds of things he should or shouldn’t do, but I don’t. I’m just eager to find out what he’s going to like, and I’m not sure how much to impose myself on his process of discovery. I can’t even decide if I want him to grow up to be just like me. I mean, what’s so great about me? I’m all full of contradiction and human weakness. Surely he can do better. Maybe the most I can expect of myself is to stay out of his way and not screw him up too badly.

Tags: Baby · Emmett

  • Kathryn

    I read some column somewhere (specific, I know) written by a parent about the best compliment her grown child ever paid her. It was along the lines of: “I remember having fun.” Maybe that's something to shoot for. So keep dancing maniacally, daddy-o.

  • avagmom

    If he grows up to be like you, he'll be a great man. We're all full of contradictions and weaknesses; that's the human condition, I guess. Also, he is more than just a “laughing lump”!! I can already see his personality, the same way I could see Ava's. Her baby personality sure seemed true to who she is now; I think Emmett will be the same way.

  • http://nicheplayer.net map

    I guess I will. Maybe L will even catch it on HD video. So much for my political aspirations….

  • http://twitter.com/dannynovo Danny Novo

    All night fragfest in Unreal, dude.

  • http://nicheplayer.net map

    Leah read your comment, Danny, and said, “Why would he write that on our blog?” This is the reply of a person who doesn't know what “Unreal” or “fragfest” are. It was a fun conversation; I wish you could've been here for it.

  • http://twitter.com/dannynovo Danny Novo

    Anything I can do to help the chalice meet the blade.

    See, we have two boys, and I need to prepare myself. Today, they spent all morning wrestling on the couch, with the little one (3 yrs old) howling and growling and eventually crying. When I'd break it up, and tell them not to fight, they would both say they were playing, and then they'd go back at it. Rinse, lather, repeat.

    I used to hope we'd raise little sensitive men who would bring flowers, and put the toilet seat down, and never leave their Mom.

    Now, I just thank God we don't have girls, as my wife is so not-girly that we really wouldn't have a clue what to do. (I think I am more girly than she is.)

  • http://nicheplayer.net map

    The wrestling scenario sounds familiar, all right. Man, did my brother and I used to have some knock-down-drag-outs. Whew. I'm talking fisticuffs.

    I'm eager to see if Emmett's going to be easier than Ava. I sure hope he is. How could he not be? Leah's pretty not-girly, too, so it's a wonder Ava is as well dressed and coiffed as she is. ;-)

    I do miss a good game of UT now and then….

  • benjamind

    I second the fragfest and the great man comments, and add:

    - photo walks
    - bike rides
    - cooking
    - beer fests (root beer and pretzels for the foreseeable future)

  • http://nicheplayer.net map

    He's going to be old enough for the Burley come the spring, Ben. I don't know that I was on my Volae more than three times this past summer. Man, that's sad.

  • http://nicheplayer.net map

    He's going to be old enough for the Burley come the spring, Ben. I don't know that I was on my Volae more than three times this past summer. Man, that's sad.