It's been a while since I've updated, but in my absence, I've learned a few things:
Elmo isn't as annoying as I initially believed. Apart from referring to himself in third person, he's really not that bad. Don't get me wrong, I'm not about to go out and buy a bunch of Elmo stuff for TLB's room, but I can totally handle watching "Elmo's World" on Sesame Street. Telly Monster and Baby Bear are annoying as all get-out, though (though the episode where Gabi babysat Baby Bear and his sister and made up that song "Now You're Doing the Bear" was really cute), and I'm convinced Zoe is borderline retarded.
Fevers don't need a reason. Sometimes they just happen, with no other symptoms. Really high ones. For, like, a week.
It takes a village to raise a child. Okay, maybe not, but having a couple extra villagers on hand from time to time is pretty convenient (see "Fevers don't need a reason"). My mom and dad ROCK.
Babies are hams. At least mine is. I don't know how he knows how to mug for the camera, but... he does.
Drama doesn't have to happen. At least, so far. Alex doesn't cry without a reason, and every reason has a solution. Feed him. Change him. Put him down for a nap. Sometimes a combination of those three (bottle + bedtime = magic). I think that a secure baby is a good baby. He knows I'm there for him, so whatever else is happening can't be that bad. I realize the Drama Factor may change when he's a Terrible Two. We'll see.
Bedtime Routine = Bedtime. This is magic. If the proper steps are followed, my son will go to sleep anywhere -- our house, my parents' house, the playpen at Uncle Roland's house, the playpen in a hotel room, anywhere. He knows that after dinner comes a bath; after his bath comes bottle, prayers and story; then the lullabye playlist goes on, the lights go off, and it's time to go to sleep. DO NOT STRAY FROM THE ROUTINE.
Five people cannot go on vacation in one vehicle if a baby is involved. Not if the driver wants to see out the back window, anyway.
There is no life before baby. Or at least if there was, I can't remember what it was like. I can't imagine being without him. Ever. Which confirms my theory that Casey Anthony is an evil, inhuman whore. EVIL.
This list is by no means complete. It probably never will be. Every day brings a new lesson. Luckily, I have always loved to learn.
