Exclusive Interview - A 4 Month Old's Thoughts on the GOP Debate

So with this post I am deviating away from the norm of writing about my son and am instead interviewing my son on his thoughts about the recent Republican debate. Our apologies for it being a couple days late, we kept having to reschedule around nap time. Keep in mind that he is only four months old, so his political views may not be as developed as some of you out there. I asked him about the candidates and here were his exact words:

Trump: "First off, you have to hand it to a guy who still tries to pull off the comb over. I like to have goals for myself. My new goal after the debate is to behave better by the age of 3, than Donald Trump currently behaves himself. I believe this to be a very reachable goal for myself. I imagine my whining may rival Trump's at moments in my life, but at least I will have being a toddler in my favor. Also, give credit to Trump for the best quote of the evening, 'What I say is what I say.' Amen.'"

Christie: "Did the man lay in a tanning bed too long before the debate? I wasn't aware a human could look orange. That was a nice touch though, talking about all the people he's hugged. I'm sure he meant every one of them. No way he did it so he could later bring it up in a political debate so that he could make himself look good. Who would ever do something just for show to look good?"

Bush: "The man's name is Jeb. I think that pretty much sums it up. He was in Florida for a few years though so he might be able to rival Christie's orange glow given enough time."

Carson: "I know Dad that this is your favorite candidate, but is putting a brain surgeon in the White House really the best idea? I mean it would totally destroy the joke, 'Being the President isn't brain surgery'.... Because with Carson it might be! It's not a good joke, but still, you couldn't make it anymore. If I was going to go out on a limb here, my guess is that he has a slight smarts edge over Jeb, ever so slight."

Paul: "You have to applaud a grown man who still has a perm. That's just an excellent show of effort with not much show of style.But hey, as long as he keeps the government off my diaper-phone, I can live with the curls."

Rubio: "Marco Polo is one of my favorite games to play in the pool.... That was my thought about Marco....Polo."

Kasich: "Two things, who is he?? And with me still having no teeth, this name is nearly impossible to say."

Huckabee: "The man was the Governor of Arkansas, not a whole lot I can say at this point that will help his case any."

Cruz: "Ever heard of Florida-Georgia Line? They have a song called Cruz."

Walker: "I know he is from up north, which means every person is the South is like, 'I'll pass'."

As you can tell, nap time started creeping up on us toward the end of the interview. Oh well, babies and their schedules. As you can also tell, my four month old doesn't take politics too seriously.

Welcome to the mind of a four month old.

Somewhat Unexpected Happenings

Well, it's been a couple of months since I've posted anything. Nate looks like he has doubled in size, so good for him, that won't always be acceptable, so he should enjoy it while he can. So what are some things that have happened that I wasn't totally prepared for? Plenty.

1) The child spews liquid like a sprinkler at a summer birthday party. I mean, after a bottle, be careful not to shake him because you will pay dearly for it. I guess he always feels better afterwards, which is good. I hope he grows out of this stage, because you hit a point in life, where spewing your meal after eating too much, is no longer "cute." Nobody is going to walk up to me at the Mexican restaurant and say, "Poor Baby", because I spit up my chips and salsa all over myself. Enjoy it while it lasts buddy.

2) People told me my days of peaceful, sleep filled nights were over. I didn't believe all I heard, it couldn't be that bad..... I'm tired. I'm tired and I don't even get up at nights to feed or change him. The kid needs to learn how to sleep 8 hours straight. We would be more than happy to teach him this valuable skill.

3) I don't have a weak stomach. I am not a very squeamish person. But I was changing a diaper the other day, and I about couldn't make it through the process. Have you ever smelled something that just made the back of your eyelids burn? It's a tremendous sensation, you should try. Just let me know when you want to experience this, and we'll feed Nate some applesauce.

4) On a more serious note, it's hard to fathom just how much I love that kid. He always seems to be smiling (mostly), I can't wait to get home every day to see him, and Ashley too of course. I can't even really remember what life was like before Nate, I do remember it was quieter. But I wouldn't trade this for anything.

Light to a Child

Have you ever been driving down a dark road, by yourself? Even for those of us who aren't afraid of the dark, it can be slightly unsettling to say the least. Many a time at night I have rounded a bend in the road only to have a deer standing in front of me. Darkness brings uncertainty. Darkness amplifies our fears.

Lately, I have been noticing that whenever I hold Nate, he wants to be where he can see a light. At night when we go to bed, he is calmer when there is a light on for him to look at. The light is comforting for him. Light brings joy, light brings relief, light is something we all find comfort in.

Jesus also said, 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5 14-16 NKJV) If we don't shine our light to those in the darkness, how will they ever find the comfort that comes from the light? If our light is hidden, why continue to let others live in the dark, where nothing good is?

I'm reminded of Matthew chapter 18 and verses 2 through 4 where Jesus said, "2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (NKJV) To make this personal, to enter Heaven, I have to become like Nate. If you have children of you own, insert your own child's name. A little child is who God wants us all to be like. 

I know Nate, Lord willing, will grow up. He will learn what sin is, he will sin, he will become accountable for his actions. But I pray that he will have enough of an affect on me now, while he is that little child, so that when he does reach accountability, I can show him what it means to live as a little child before God. Yes, he must grow, physically and spiritually, just like us all. But, we must remember to remain that little child. 

Nate, you can't even talk yet, but you continue to teach me more and more every day. Nathaniel, you truly are a gift from God. 

The Hidden Talent of the Giant among... Most Babies

Well, Nate is now past the two week old stage. His two week check-up was good, slightly traumatic for Ashley and I since he had to get his tongue clipped, but all good other than that. The doctor said Nate is in the 90th percentile in length, they just grow up so fast don't they? He was pretty much average in all the other measurements so I don't feel the need to mention them. But in length, he's a giant among babies.... Or at least among 90% of all babies.

Of course as he grows older, I won't care about his height as much, until he either 1) grows to my height or 2) grows to be about 7 feet tall. Then we may be looking into basketball a little more. But until then, he can stay little as long as possible.

As I sit here and type this, he's sitting in his rocker next to me and 'm pretty sure he's working on a dirty diaper. Not positive, but it would not surprise me because this kid is a machine. I never would have thought a person this small could have that much stuff in them. He seems to have a hidden talent, that's not so secret anymore.

While he's in here I usually sit and watch baseball, if I'm watching anything. Maybe in a few years he will be able to sit here and enjoy watching baseball with me. Or, maybe he will still be taking naps during baseball games. Or even more likely, I will be napping. But for now, baseball seems to be a great nap generator....

Sleep good little guy, won't be much longer til the next diaper change gets that little temper of yours going again. Maybe Momma will do it.

Home at Last!

Well it's been a rather busy, somewhat sleepless week, but we are home! Strangely enough, I like sleeping at home in my own bed better than the couch in the hospital, but maybe that's just me. Nate also enjoys sleeping in our bed better as well.

Sleep schedules have apparently changed, I hear some noise every once and a while at night, but I just roll back over and go back to sleep. (Just Kidding) I'm sure once we settle back into a normal routine sleep may improve ever so slightly.

Just so you are all aware, Nate is an eating, pooping machine. I can hardly believe that such a little human being and consume so much and dirty so many diapers so quickly. I have yet to be pooped on, but the list of those of us unscathed is quickly dwindling. My time is coming soon I'm sure.

We are very thankful that Ashley's parents have been able to spend the week with us. I think my gray hair would have started much sooner if they were not able to be here. Pappaw and GiGi as Nate will hopefully grow to know them. GiGi has taken the blunt of the diaper changing mishaps, but maybe that's how Nate shows his affections.

We are very glad to be home with our whole family! Nate enjoys his rocker quite a bit, when nobody is holding him, which isn't very often. He will probably be spoiled.

Finally.... Nate is here!

Words cannot express the level of relief and joy I felt when I heard Nate cry as they removed him by C-Section. I wouldn't say that I was worried, but it was the knowledge that the two people I love most in this world were about to undergo a surgical procedure, which always has it's risks. Thankfully, it wasn't an emergency, but still, it was surgery. The whole process was difficult for me because I wanted to be able to do something to help. There wasn't anything I could do, outside of prayers, that would help. Sitting by and waiting is a very hard thing to do. I am so thankful to God that Ashley and Nate both came out of it safe and sound.

On the plus side, I did not pass out at the C-Section. I just chose not to look because, "Why risk it?" I figured I had made it this far without feeling lightheaded, I didn't want to fall out in the floor right at the finish line.

Nate arrived at 9:54 PM weighing in at 8 pounds and measuring 21 inches long. The weight and measurements for Ashley and I are unimportant to this article and therefore will be withheld until further notice.

Nate, we love you very much. You were well worth the wait, we hope to give you everything we can to help you become the man God wants you to be. After all, you are a gift to us from God, and we love you with all our hearts.

Just for reference purposes, I have currently changed not one, but TWO dirty diapers. Just for the record.

The Baby Birthing Week

Well, one way or the other, they tell us this is the week Nate will be making his first appearance. These 9 months have seemed so long, but at the same time, they have flown by. My wife may think it's been a little on the slow side. We've seen some of the 3-D pictures they can take and let me tell you, he's got some big ole cheeks. Looks like he may be a little on the chunky side, so he should fit right in at our house. (I am referring to only myself of course)

We like to laugh and joke about Nate and how fast he will be doing things. I think the latest goal was to have him running laps by about 6 months. Pretty sure he's going to be playing catch with me within the next couple of weeks. I figure he won't start mowing the yard until he's at least 4 or 5, I mean, gotta let him stay little for a while right? All kidding aside, I'm sure he will grow up wayyy too fast, but I'm just glad I get to be a part of the experience.

Ashley insists Nate will never play soccer, ever. I believe the plan is to avoid all things soccer like the plague. So, if y'all really want to make things interesting, introduce Nate to soccer. Just don't let his mom know.

Ashley has also decided that Nate and Carrie Underwood's baby are clearly future BFF's. Apparently his name is Isaiah Michael Fisher, for those of you who enjoy random factoids. We shall wait and see, but I have my doubts about this plan.

Because I haven't said this enough I shall say it again, We cannot wait for Nate to be here! I really don't fully know what to expect, but I'm sure I will quickly become very informed. I just pray that God keeps Nate and his Mom safe and healthy through everything to come.

They tell me that the father doesn't get drugs during delivery, hopefully I don't become the exception  to the rule.