Joy

Having a kid has definitely altered my perspective on life. For one thing, it's made me think about the future and what it will be like when I'm not around. Estate planning doesn't mean much when it's just you. Add a spouse and it's a little more important... but add a kid, and suddenly, you care.

That's a post for another day.

Today, I just wanted to write down just how happy BG makes me. It was a long holiday weekend, and I got to spend more time with her than usual, playing and just hanging out. It was wonderful. It's amazing to watch her play. It's so imaginative and so fearless. I can't remember the last time I explored the world with so little fear. Of course, that lack of fear sometimes translates into surprise or pain as she falls. But it doesn't deter her. She gets right back up and gets back to the exploration.

And when she makes a discovery that makes her happy, she smiles and laughs. It's such a pure, honest and joyful laugh that it makes me truly happy. I haven't experienced that kind of pure joy in so long, it's refreshing. It makes me wonder if there is a way to make sure my children never lose it. I hope BG's life is always filled with joy and happiness, and that she never loses that sparkle in her eyes and the laugh that comes with discovery and learning.

Holidays

I thought holidays were difficult before. My parents are divorced, my wife's parents are divorced. We have to drive all over hell and back for the holidays. Well, it just got worse. It seems, with a new baby, *everyone* wants you to visit. Everyone wants to see the baby, everyone expects you to be with them over the holidays.

Well, this year, I put my foot down. BG's not that big, and she travels OK, but not for extended periods of time. So we welcomed visitors, but seriously limited our traveling. Something tells me that this is only going to get worse as the grandparents and BG get older.

I understand that people want to see her. She is pretty adorable and fast becoming a whole lotta fun. But I do wish that people would understand that she's still an infant, we're first time parents, and that it's just not easy... we need the time off around the holidays to rest and get stuff done around the house. I know that probably sounds selfish to some people, but you know what? With a new baby, we get about 1.5 minutes to ourselves each day.

So if you know people with a new infant, cut them some slack. Maybe you can go visit them. And give them lots of notice. And don't overstay. And bring food.