A taste of Fatherhood

There are moments in life that teach us a great many things. The teaching moments are better than any formal lesson plan with all the study guides and testing in the world could do. Those moments come at home...while preparing to being a father.

Scott came over to tend the kids last night. I had to take Kellis to the hospital for his dosing session. Hey--it's Pizza night and all the homework is done. This should be easy. I gave the kids only one real direction, "there is one movie tonight! But you all have to have your PJ's on." Kellis and I left and the night commenced.

Scott hears water runnning upstairs, but isn't too worried about it until Garrett comes downstairs and tells him that there is water in the toy room. Oh Boy! Instantly the four children have a sense of "it is time to all fall apart--let the witching hour commence!" Virginia suddenly screams out in frustration (she is stuck in a blanket and she can't unwrap herself). Scott races over there to help and she screams "NO!!" Okay I got to get back to the water! Upstairs Garrett or Isaac (this is still to be determined) has poured water into one of their toy boxes. Not just a littel but 7 inches worth and now the toey box is leaking. Scott (the superman that he is) gets the box out of the room and dumps it into the tub.

Remember Virginia--she is still screaming because she is stuck in the blanket. Scott races back to her and he catches Margaret RED HANDED in the candy jar. He asks her if she took any gum drops and she looks at him and says, "no?" while she holds liek 14 in her hand. He takes those away (except for 2) and then Isaac is starting to freak out because Virginia is screaming. Suddenly on the Ice Age movie the "noise" during Mattie's dream echos out of the speakers! Garrett is in full panic attack, Virginia can't get out of the blanket, Maggie is crying because she can't have the candy and Isaac is telling everyone to be quiet!!

Scott reported that he has never had all four of their heads spin around at the same time before. He's been able to put out little fires, but this was a whole buring inferno! Suddenly as quickily as it came...it left. They all suddenly started watching the movie and were quiet! NIGHT VITAMIN TIME!!!! Scott looks at the clock 7pm? Yep it is time for the night vitamin. After about 15 minutes Virginia and Maggie annouce that they are tired. YEHAW! Two children asleep. Isaac follows up and finally Garrett. All asleep by 7:45. Scott asleep by 7:46. April and Kellis home by 8pm.

Scott, welcome to fatherhood. I knew that you could do it. It's intense sometimes, but there are great giggles to be put in your pocket. Thanks for sticking it out.