The Immaculate Receptacle

Yes, I'm talking about the Diaper Genie II we have. A whole blog post to talk about a poop holder? In essence, again, yes. If you're not a parent, then you probably aren't sure what a Diaper Genie is, but you've probably inferred by now.

Beep beep beep: this just in. Diapers are stink. Not stinky; they are the definition of putrid and where the smell that gets in your throat comes from.  I have been blessed with a beautiful family and new baby girl (obviously mother's looks).  But damn. She's only eating/drinking milk! And if it wasn't for that little white container that seals the lid from the flames of seedy nostril poison, this would be tough.

Nicole and I have a bit of a routine, and it works out pretty well. At night we take turns getting up and feeding/changing Faith (except last night I cheated and got five consecutive hours of sleep - amazing I know). Not only do we have to run downstairs to the aforementioned receptacle in the middle of the night, but by the time we make it back upstairs, Faith has blessed us again.

I think I have this down (non-parents beware): first she poops, smiles, and fusses. Then, we head to the changing table. I let her sit for a couple of minutes, because sometimes she surprises us. Next, I change her and place the A-bomb in the container (which should have a toxic symbol-logo-thing on it) and turn back just in time to see more fun. I change her again, cleaning the changing table appropriately. *Quick side-note: this is totally the story I will tell at her wedding in 30 years :-)

Wouldn't you know it - I had to pause here for a diaper.

To finish my (already long) story: it's not uncommon for Nicole and I to go through three diapers in one changing. And because of this, we have learned to let her sit for a solid (pun somewhat intended) five minutes (and no it's not mean or wrong) after she smiles coyly waiting for her moment to squirm.

Baby and Mom are doing great. Pictures are still flowing on Facebook, and Dad is slowing learning the intricacies that is the bull-ride of parenting. I mean, come on, you only get eight seconds or you're in a lot of sh*t.


~Rob

Baby Girl Thoughts

Yes, it's been almost a week since we found out boy or girl. And yes, we have both shared our feelings about it (we are both very excited by the way). But Monday night I had the real realizations and questions. Like: What will she look like? How will I afford the early years? How will I afford college, marriage, prom? What about school? How will I worry about friends (both boys and girls)? Will she be a brat? Will I care about that? Am I going to be a dad she can trust, listen to, talk to? Will she have me wrapped around her finger? to a fault? I grew up around women and I know about stuff that happens, but how will I handle it? Is it appropriate for me to push the Cubs and Cyclones on her? Is it fair for her? Am I already choosing the music she listens to subconsciously?

Is too much pink really a bad thing? I know I shouldn't be worried about half of this right now, but it's hard not too. My lovely and wonderful wife will attest that I am somewhat anal when it comes to some stuff - and it turns out my new daughter is one. (Is she going to like me for that?)

~Rob

Score one for the pink team!

So, it's a girl! We found out today that the bun that's been cookin' is officially a little Nicole. We do have a name picked out, but we are keeping that a secret.

So the story! When we got to the doctor, I asked the ultrasound tech if she had a goofy or fun way of telling people if it's a boy or a girl. She said no, not really, but said that part was towards the end of the scanning. So I had been sporadically tearing up, and (because I was standing by Nicole's feet) rubbing her feet, and just watching this amazing process, when the tech got a little more quiet than normal. Don't get me wrong, she was still typing away, but I had a fear something bad was happening. As I stared at the screen, she took a picture and typed "I" then "R" then "L", and finally, "G" at the front. It took about two seconds, and Nicole was crying and saying how she was wrong. My words were, "I suppose I can forgive you for being wrong." I'm a dork. We were both very happy and surprised, and it was a great feeling. The tech later said that sometimes the "G" key sticks. HA! I thought it worked well.

Rob H. and I have already decided on what sports equipment we have for girls, and I heard that Vince is a good coach, so we'll see where this leads.

Anyway, I am a very excited and happy father-to-be of a little girl. This has been, and will be, a great experience and I am looking so forward to it.

Oh, and Nicole said I can post one picture for the blog:


~Happy Dad-to-be