So, Shannon and I had a few “discussions” about whether to circumcise Colin or not. She was gung ho for it while I was kinda reluctant for it. Just seems wrong that it is ok with society to butcher a man’s genitalia for a negligible health gain. Round and round we went, back and forth. Finally I decided I could be ok with this. It isn’t like it this is some really off the wall kind of thing. And over the long run it makes things simpler.
In steps lady fate. When Colin was born he had a hydrocele. Since his man bits are all swollen they won’t be doing a circumcision right now for fear of screwing it up. Now I find myself pissed that we wasted all that time discussing this to death when it would have been a moot point for the next 6-12 months.
As to other Colin news… Eating, shitting, pissing, sleeping and occasional bouts of crying. So far that is his day. Really can’t wait until he gets to be a bit more interactive. Right now he feels more like another pet to take care of then a child of mine.
Hell, at least Boudreaux and Solomon can go through the whole night without pissing. I am sure I am going to burn for that last statement…
Chad Colin
Not sure why but Colin knocks right out when I put him on my chest when I am laying down. Doesn’t do it for Shannon so something’s unique about it. Not quite sure if this is a good thing but at least I know I can make Colin go to sleep. Does that mean I am boring to be around?
Chad Colin
Had Mat and Alicia over for dinner this evening. Kinda awkward at first since there is no existing social context to mimic. No sitcom tv, no literary references, no past experiences, no nothing to guide us on how this should work. Kinda thawed out after a bit but each of us was so timid that there were some pretty long moments of silence in the conversations. Not even sure if the point I wanted to make came through. That we don’t need to worry about what others think the social dynamic should be. That right now there are only 4 people whose input should listened to. (Mat, Alicia, Shannon and me.) Once Colin is old enough to express his feelings and thoughts he’ll get some say. Anyone else who tells us what kind of relationship we should have can but their opinions are just that, opinions. For the most part we just need to make sure to be very communicative when something happens that crosses anyone’s level of comfort.
So while it wasn’t a bust it also wasn’t a boom. I think it’ll just take time for all of us to test the boundaries and see what is comfortable and what isn’t. Kinda nice with all the social media sites to help facilitate conversations and picture sharing. Makes it a bit smoother. Still debating if these post need to continue to be about how I am dealing or more of what did Colin do recently. The first is cathartic for me. The second is more useful for other. Probably doesn’t need to be an either/or situation but I only have so much blogging in me.
At least the food was good. Cooked a deboned chicken, corn on the cob, salad and fresh muffins for dessert. Could have used some bread or rolls though. Maybe some cornbread. Speaking of which. Is it weird to be looking forward to when he can eat grownup food? You don’t know how much I am looking forward to the occasional fish sticks with Mac & Cheese. Yeah, yeah I know. I can have that now. But if I cook that now, I feel guilty for eating it. But later on… Well its for the kid so that makes it alright?
Chad Colin
Finally took the picture but it didn’t quite come out like I wanted. Sorely understimated how tall that sign was. Wanted to go for the geek humor of converting it from ” POP 2,346″ to “POP = 2,346 + 1″ but damn thing was out of reach.
Chad Colin
As she made the beds, shopped for groceries, matched slipcover material, ate peanut butter sandwiches with her children, chauffeured Cub Scouts and Brownies, lay beside her husband at night, she was afraid to ask even of herself the silent question — “Is this all?”
-Betty Friedan, The Feminine Mystique
I know that right now is atypical in what I could expect as a stay at home dad… But with that being said I kinda have the feeling that it wouldn’t be that bad from the amount of work required. Housework usually is done by about noon. Toss in an extra hour or two for the yard work. The mental and emotional bit is a bit daunting but that is what play groups are for. So while it is a bit isolating and daytime TV is horrible this isn’t the hell that Betty Friedan made it out to be. It’s work, but no more challenging than my regular job. Has society come far enough to make Betty’s original concerns moot or since I have a penis I can’t begin to understand the burden that housewives carry?
Chad Colin, Social
Went before the judge today. Kinda scary quick how fast it went. I guess that may be due to our lawyer doing his job behind the scenes. Either way it is all official now. Afterwards, Shannon and I had planned on wanting to do something to celebrate. That something was to take a three hour nap. And I am glad to say that is exactly what I needed to celebrate with.
Chad Colin
Powdered formula we use has given Colin constipation. Time to switch. Besides that everything else is kinda drifting along. Tired as hell right now due to having a long day. But at least the house is clean.
Chad Colin
I was gung ho to use the standard square blanket for swaddling Colin. Shannon found some custom shaped pieces of fabric with velcro. Those things keep Colin locked up in blanket goodness. Although I do feel bad since they kinda remind me of baby straight jackets. But it keeps him feeling all warm and secure so I can’t complain much.
Had the first Dr’s appt today. All is well, except that we need to continue waiting for the fluid to go down in his penis area before we can get him circumsized. Was nice to hear the Dr reaffirm that it was ok to let Colin cry for a few moments before rushing to pick him up. Might make night times better. We shall see.
Found a couple of websites that sell snarky baby onesies. Need to find a few to buy that express the inner geek in him that I will draw out of him as he gets older. Speaking of inner geek. Time to try out the ability to include an image within the post.
Holding him one armed while he just quietly stared at everyone.
Chad Colin