Changing the Unchangeable

Once again, I am writing about Townes. Some of you may be tired of reading about Townes but I am positive that the majority of those reading this blog are related to him.

The title of this entry is "Changing the Unchangeable" for a reason. Most of my life I have been hardheaded and spiteful to most of those around me. Family members and friends have made exceptions for my shortcomings and allowed me to continue this behavior under the belief that "you can't change people" (I will take this brief moment to offer my sincere apologies to the aforementioned victims).

I was on a fast track to an early dirt nap due to the stress and struggles associated with hardheadedness and spite. Then a little 8lb. 13oz. miracle entered my life and changed me forever. Without saying one word ( he is only able to grunt at this point) he is able to stop me in my tracks and bring me to my knees. He has mystic powers that melt my defenses and make me a "less" stressful human-being. I can't help but wonder if he does this to slightly diminish the anger and rage that I will feel when he gets older and acts just like I did! (Sorry Mom and Dad)

I am not saying that I am no longer hardheaded and I am definitely not saying that I am no longer spiteful. I am saying that this little boy has made me realize that there are more important things in life than my own selfish quirks. Politics, sports and money may have been important things in my life a year ago but compared to being a Dad, they are tiny dirt bumps on the forehead of life.

Top 5 Things I Love About My Son...

5. I love the little grunt he makes and the reddening of his face before he farts or poops. I cannot help but laugh everytime he farts or poops because it is usually during a quiet moment when has just woke up. Let me add that his non-stinky newborn poops have made way to the new and improved "old trashcan" smelling dumps.

4. I love when he first wakes up ( yes after he poops) and looks around, yawns, grunts, stretches and begins to figure out that he needs to eat and he needs to eat right now! I really feel a bond with him during this time. The similarities between he and his old man are mind boggling.

3. I love the occasional smile and laugh that seem to come from nowhere. Obviously Townes hasn't figured out what is funny and what is not, though I like to try to convince Jamie otherwise. He usually lets out a laugh and a grin when I have made a "not so funny" joke about Jamie. Again, he truly is his father's son!

2. I love the fact that Jamie and I have created the most beautiful child in the history of the world. (In my opinion) He is perfect! I could not have hand picked or imagined a better baby. We are truly blessed with his perfection.

1. This one is a little sentimental but what the heck, it is in the #1 spot...I love the fact that I cannot imagine life without him. When I am away from him I miss him like crazy! I love changing diapers just so I can spend even more time with him. Hopefully, when he is changing my diapers in a few years he will feel the same way. I look forward to the future when we can go on vacation and he can cry in the backseat because "we aren't there yet." I look forward to teaching him the average skills I have accumulated through the years at various different activities. Obviously, I hope he takes the little that I know and adds to it. I guess to sum it up, I just love him.

My Two Cents...

Most of you have read the news on the recent decision of Governor Blunt to not run for re-election. Many people have asked me what the real reason is for not running for re-election. I hate to disappoint my many admirers (I call them admirers because if they actually thought that I was privvy to that information they must think highly of me) but I am not, and never have been, high enough in the pecking order to know that kind of information. I can speculate but it would be just that..speculation. I can say this, I entered the Missouri political scene as a member of Governor Blunt's staff. I was fortunate enough to meet the Governor on numerous occasions and found him to be very personable and one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. I believe he has made the state of Missouri a better place to live and I am sorry to see him go. He was forced to make decisions that were unpopular with some but very neccessary for the state as a whole. I am proud to call myself a Republican and am thankful for the Governor's service to our state. I can only hope that the next Governor will continue in the direction that Governor Blunt has steered this great state.

Back By Somewhat Popular Demand!!

I apologize for the long stint without a post. Our computer is currently taking a dirt nap and I am unable to access my blog.

Things are a little rough at the Baker house. Last week I was stricken with Influenza Virus and am currently recovering. Jamie is suffering some of the symptoms and Townes is clutching his rosary in hopes that the doctors made a mistake and accidentally switched him at birth.

If you have never had a flu test I highly recommend giving it a try! The long pipe cleaner they shoved up my nose and into the back of my throat was exhilarating! I began to wonder, when the nurse jammed the flexible Qu-Tip up my nose, if she was trying to remove my pea-sized brain and prep me for mummification. She assured me that she was not and that I should shut my mouth if I knew what was good for me. Those Oklahoma nurses are top notch!

Aside from being quarantined for the past week I feel pretty good and things are slowly getting back to normal. Townes welcomed me back to fatherhood with a fresh shower of warm baby pee and a heavy diaper full of poop. Just when I think I cannot be loved enough, I feel a trickle of warm dookie down the back of my hand and hear a chuckle of love from my pride and joy.

More to come!

My Boy, My Boy

Well, life has changed forever. Our beautiful little boy is growing everyday and his parents are trying to figure things out as we go along. Some small things I have figured out as a new parent:

1. When changing a diaper, keep a cloth or something close by to obstruct the onslaught of pee that will undoubtedly be aimed directly at you. I, like many men out there, learned this the hard way.

2. Keep your jokes to a minimum. I have found that my sense of humor does not fly as far as it did before the baby arrived. My rendition of "Postpartum Blues" to the tune of "Bell Bottom Blues" is not funny (if you have postpartum depression).

3. Stop snoring! Before your child is born elect to have the small surgical procedure that removes the loose flap of skin in the back of your throat. I learned this the hard way that there is no excuse for my snoring. Sleep deprevation+crying baby+loud snoring+wire hangers= Manson Family Christmas. See Rule #2

4. Unless you are able to nurse, do not expect your baby to want you to hold him. It is OK that your baby cries everytime you hold him. You usually get him when he needs to eat or poop. He will need you later when you have a job and a bank account.

The list could go on and on but I thought I would just give you a little taste of what I am learning. More to come!