The Adventures of Baby Arthur

by Lincoln

I've been stricken with a 101-degree fever for the last 3-days. But that isn't even the worst part. The worst part has been having to avoid Arthur as much as possible. For the last three days, Arthur has been clamoring for my attention, trying to get into my room, reaching out for me when I am around and wanting to play with me. It definitely feels good. Because, there's no greater gift than a child's laughter! (*snicker*)

It feels good because it wasn't always this way! When Arthur was born, I had grand plans about being an involved father in every way. That plan basically went out the window once Arthur figured out how to distinguish between Mom and Dad. It went further out the window once Arthur figured out who his Grandmas are! By six-months it was damned near embarrassing:

1: Arthur crying
2: Dad picks up Arthur to calm him
3: Arthur cries even harder
4: Mom / Grandma takes Arthur away from Dad
5. Arthur is happy

At our routine pediatrician's visit that month, after all of our questions had been answered, Liz looked at me and said, "Do you want to ask? About Ineffective Dad?". I shrugged my shoulders and just as I was saying "Ah don't worry about it," Dr. Frenchy put his hand on my shoulder and with his best French accent said: "Oh don't worry. Your time in the sun will come. I used to be pissed when I came home and my kids would run away from me!".

Actually, that did make me feel better. I had been talking with other parents, reading books and all the regular parental research so my mind knew this phase would probably end. It just didn't make it much easier! Ok, sometimes it did: "LIZ! ARTHUR NEEDS YOU!! NA-NA-NA-NA-NA, I'LL JUST KEEP WATCHING TV."

As Arthur closed in on 12-months and beyond, I gradually and noticeably started moving up the hierarchy. He began taking notice whenever I came and went. He started following me around the apartment. A few days ago, he reached for me while he was being held by Grandma! (MIRACLE!). And even more recently, he reached for me while he was being held by Liz (ACT OF GOD!).

I've come to enjoy my ascent in the pecking order of Arthur's affection and I hope this fever doesn't lead to my demotion!

Labels: arthur, fatherhood