9 months

2010 has been one of the better years thus far. The Wifey was about six months pregnant with the Baby when we decided to do a last minute trip to Las Vegas for her birthday in January. It was the first time for both of us. And obviously, the best time to go is when you're three months away from expecting your first child! We didn't win much but we didn't lose much either, so it was successful trip.

And then come March, everything has been a blur. I really hate to play favorites but the Baby is my favorite child. The other one is cool and all but he's just so hyper and it's hard to keep up. Luckily he likes being stuck outside and he only needs to eat once day but he is still much more work than the other kid. But the Baby is really one of the cutest babies ever. And I would like to consider myself a baby afficionado. I think what makes the Baby cute is the fact that she is a little more petite than the other babies. Granted, I do enjoy seeing a chunky, fat rolled baby every now and then.

One of the most asked questions I get from my friends is "so is different now that you're a dad?" or at least some variation of that. To be honest, I haven't noticed much of a difference. But then again, we didn't lead the "going out" every night type of lifestyle. We have always been home bodies so it's been pretty consistent. It is an adjustment to not be as spontaneous, especially when you always have to have the diaper bag. And that diaper bag has to be fully stocked. So it's pretty much like Indiana Jones and his beloved satchel. Except ours is much bigger. Has a lot less cool stuff. But if the Temple of Doom ever ran out of diapers, we'd be the ones to consult.

One of the biggest challenges that I have faced is knowing when to help and when to keep my distance. It's a little difficult because the Wifey breastfeeds exclusively so it makes it tougher for me to assist. But it is probably the best way for the Baby and Wifey to really bond. I'm a little jealous. But I don't mind my boobs not being filled with liquid.

One of the major things I have learned and any first time parent will hear the same thing is enjoy it while it lasts because babies grow up way too fast. I talked to one of my friends and his kid just turned three and his response was "she's like a little human being, with feelings and emotions now." Everyday the Baby is learning and doing something new. And everyday she gets more of an attitude.

The other night the Baby had trouble sleeping so I went to the room to rock her back to sleep and it was just a moment I just enjoyed. She immediately laid her head on my chest and just went to sleep. It was annoying to barely move and she would start to fuss but it's a moment that I will appreciate. I may or may not purposely wake her up so I can rock her back to sleep.

The Baby had her 9 month appointment and everything is fine. She is gaining weight and we really impressed our doctor when we told her the Baby ate sushi and enjoyed. The doctor also suggested we do a case study with the Retina Foundation with some research they are doing. We will be paid with gift cards and IQ tests for the Baby!

But we'll see how 2011 turns out.