Mini Me

This post also appeared on www.capecodonline.com/blogs in the opinion section of the Cape Cod Times, a division of Ottaway Newspapers, Inc.

I know it’s been three weeks, but it still stops me in my tracks every time I go to pick up my son and I see a tiny, screaming version of myself looking back at me.

Sure he’s got his Mom’s mouth, hands and feet. But the rest of him is all me…the poor kid. Unfortunately, that includes my receding hairline as well. A lot parents say the novelty of having a baby starts wearing off right about now. I guess I can see where they’re coming from. The crying, constant feedings, diaper changes and sleep deprivation can get pretty cumbersome. But I’m happy to say that isn’t the case with me. I’m still just as awestruck by Will as I was when he was born.

And now I find myself studying him more than anything. I’m starting to learn which cries mean what. There’s a gassy cry, a hungry cry, an “I want to suck on something” cry and finally, there’s just an “I’m a pissy infant and if I can’t sleep ain’t no one sleeping” cry. I still don’t think he’s smiled yet though. I thought maybe he did a couple of times but I think it was just gas. But that hasn’t stopped me from trying. I make funny faces, I play with his arms, I blow on his belly and I talk in a really high pitched voice. So far nothing, but one day he’s going to smile at me and I’m going to feel like the coolest person on Earth.