Father Love
Although having kids were always part of our plan, Tom confessed to me a couple to times that he was intimidated by babies. Not surprising for somebody who was never a father before. He told me that he never knew how to react towards them and that he probably would be better when they start to talk.
Father and son playing by the fireplace. Evan at 8 months.
But looking at him with our Evan you would never guess that. He was a much involved parent from the very start. When Evan was born Tom was the first to hold him. I smiled through the fatigue as I listened to him talking to his son as if they had known each other for a long time.
At home in the first month he took the late night shift (until 1-2am) so that I could take the only 2 straight hours of sleep I can manage even if he had work the next day. Pre-baby we had to be in bed by 10:30. I grew to be dependent on him during the 2 weeks leave he took that I cried and was scared when he went back to work. A couple of times I called him at the office sobbing in frustration while he could only listen helplessly but patiently on the other end.
Patience is not one of Tom's virtue but he is Job personified to his son. I have yet to see him lose patience with him up to now. He has called Evan Mr. Mischief, Mr. Squirmy, a bundle of fun, buddy, bruiser, buster, Mr. One Sock, Mr. 2 Teeth. Tom is not one for lavish praises but with his son he is generous with them, he tells him that he has the most perfect face or the greatest smile, "even better...errr...as good as mommy's," he quickly corrected when I raised one eyebrow at him. My husband has always been reserved but is quite affectionate with Evan, telling him that dad missed Evan at the office or how Evan melts dad's heart (copying me). Last month when Evan had the cough, everytime he coughs at night Tom would get up to check on him until I had to threaten my husband that I was going to tie him down to our bed because he was ruining my sleep.
The other day Tom confided to me that he is enjoying our baby even more now that he is crawling, can pull up and even attempt to go over Tom's body while he tried to block Evan from going too near the fire. The father was impressed by his son's determination and in a way it was a game for them both. And Evan hasn't even started talking yet.
Currently listening to: Evan playing the piano
Currently reading: The Inheritance Of Loss (Kiran Desai)
Currently watching: World Trade Center (Nicholas Cage)
Posted by geri at 03:44 PM | 3 thought balloons
in-in (guest)
We haven't really talk much about Ryan's fear although I have told him about my fears. That was why I asked you about the feeding and stuff. I guess there is so much going on right now that needed to be taken cared of first. I can't wait when our son will be old enough like Evan but I know in my heart that Ryan won't be like his dad (if you know what I mean). I was going through the clothes you gave us earlier and they are all so cute. As I was buttoning them up, I imagine Evan in them. Thanks again for giving it to us. I promise to take care of them, the way you took care of them.
Have a safe trip and kisses to the Evan.
Ed Abbey (guest)
Judy (guest)
Yeah, I've seen Daddy's love & affection to Evan. Wally and I was laughing when you kidded Tom that Evan will munch the dried "tuyo" after he's done with his celery.
Taking care of babies is a 24/7 job. I could not imagine how those single parents cope up with the demands of raising their kids. But of course, the feeling of joy & bliss from watching your kids grow day by day is priceless.