It all started one day when Rhett was home to help during the bedtime routine. The best things always come about when there is a change in routine. I left our extremely gassy baby with him to be burped while I took care of putting our toddler to bed. Hours later, I came downstairs to find Rhett tilting the baby at a 30 degree angle, feet in the air, patting her bottom. They were both smiling.
I asked him what he was doing. He replied, “I finished burping her. Now I’m farting her.” Now, I’m not quick to worry–moms usually aren’t–but in response to the look on my face, he said, “Don’t worry, I only hold her like this for a few seconds at a time.”
While it may not have ever crossed my mind to take this approach, boy was it effective. “Farting the baby” is the new gas drops in our house. We all slept better that night!
Other recent contributions Rhett has made in his newfound dad time:
Me: Cannon’s awake from his nap.
Rhett: I’ll get him. He can finish watching Tombstone with me. Learn how to be a real man like Wyatt Erp.
On the subject of television, he managed to find a new version of the gingerbread man story on YouTube, complete with a catchy new song that I love having stuck in my head all day.
Dads are good for kids. They push them in ways moms are just too exhausted to by the end of the day. Like the day Cannon learned to put pants on by himself.
Me: Will you help get Cannon ready for the pool?
Rhett (from the couch): Put your swimsuit on, Cannon.
Cannon: But I can’t!
Rhett: Yes you can! Put the strings in the front and step in, one leg at a time.
Cannon: I can’t!
Rhett: One leg at a time.
Cannon: I can’t!
Rhett: One leg at a time.
*Repeat 10,789 times and conclude with a stare down that takes way longer than just getting up and putting the swimsuit on*
Rhett: See? You can! It’s that easy.
Or the time he learned to take his pants OFF by himself.
Rhett: Do you need to go potty?
Cannon: Yes, really bad!
Rhett: Okay, go potty! *Dips chicken finger in sauce nonchalantly*
Moms and dads sometimes think differently. This is always a positive. Always. It’s what helps get kids in bed on time every night, makes sure they eat healthy meals three times a day, you name it. With great minds not thinking alike, I’m glad we have all your bases covered, from “rub some dirt in it” to “no, the chlorine in the pool does not count as a bath.”
Happy Father’s Day, Dads! Thanks for your invaluable input!
