Things a Dad Should Know..

Reading over a few of my personal favorite blogs, I came across a list, "72 Things a Dad Should Know." I figured, "Hey, I'm a dad, let me add my two-cents." So, here a few of my favorites plus some of my own.

Favorites:
1. Don't worry, your dad didn't know what he was doing, either.
7. Your child, at birth, already has a deeply complicated relationship with his mother, and, for the first year, you are only a curiosity.
9. Baby gas is lessened with a good nipple connection during feeding, which decreases air intake.
Assuring that his lower lip is flipped out, not pursed, helps.
16. Reason boys are better: They cannot get pregnant.
23. The first time you change your son's diaper and he pees all over you is not an accident. It's foreshadowing.
33. Overalls are not only cute, they provide a convenient handle.
39. Beware your child's uncles, who will teach your kid dirty words, introduce him to liquor, and give him gifts of drums, archery sets, and possibly matches.
61. Acceptable reading material: Dr. Seuss, Where the Wild Things Are, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Curious George, and any of the following by Roald Dahl -- James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Danny the Champion of the World.
66. The harder they play, the earlier they sleep.
69. They never really outgrow the claw.
"No, Dad, no! Not the claw!" means "Apply the claw, please."

My Entries: (Place them in the lists where you feel acceptable)

* Pee-Pee Tee-Pee's are the most worthless baby accessory. If you have time to place a Tee-Pee on his Pee-Pee, then go rent a How-To video on diaper changing.
* No matter how many time you look at your son/daughter, you will love them more each time you look at them. I promise.
* You wife will be ten times as beautiful when she becomes a mom.
* Playing Mr. Mom for the first time will be nerve-racking and priceless at the same time.
* Christmas is not just for the kids, it allows adults to be kids again.

Last, but certainly not least:
* True love is not experienced unless you have held your child for the first time.

26 on the 26th!!!

Happy Birthday to Robbie!!!!

The gang gathered at Mama's Pizza in Arlington to celebrate a wonderful day for a wonderful person. We haven't had Mama's Pizza since we were in the hospital a few day after Jaxson's arrival, so it was hands down the place to go. Cold beer and hot pizza, mmmmm-mmmmm-buddy.

Today, Robyn turns 26 years young. I have known Robyn for almost 7 years, and every moment has been a blessing. She has taught me how to love life and how to enjoy life's moments as they come your way.

Happy Birthday to a beautiful women, a tremendous mom, a caring person, and my best friend.

(Jaxson told me to tell you Happy Birthday too; he was sleepy and needed his rest).

Someone Came Down the Chimney Last Night??

Jaxson woke this morning and wandered into the kitchen, and found his first Christmas morning experience of Santa. Robyn and I never heard anyone come in, and he even ate a cookie and had some of Jaxson's milk. He left Jaxson some new diapers, clothes, and some educational toys.

I wonder if reindeer really know how to fly??

Christmas Eve at the Wheat Residence

First time Robyn and I hosted for Christmas Eve; and I loved it. The sounds of children laughing and playing with toys just unwrapped. Glasses of eggnog, cookies, cake, and tamales - a staple of any Texas Christmas..

Snapped a few classic family portraits:

Now Jaxson's Stocking is Hung by the Chimney..

Hand made gifts are worth more than any monetary gift could ever be worth, especially when made with love and care. Aunty Esther delivered Jaxson's first stocking this past week, and I do have to say that she may have found her second career. Robyn and I were absolutely floored at the detail and time spent on his stocking.

For years to come, we will look at Jaxson's stocking and remember Esther and the love she has for our "Little Elf."

Thank you Esther.

The Tradition Continues....

As another year passes and we are mere hours away from Santa shimming down the chimney, the Wheat family continued our traditional dinner at Edelweiss in Fort Worth last night. For over 25 years, the entire Wheat and Chamber families have gathered at Edelweiss on Christmas Eve (or the day before if it falls on a Sunday), to connect back to our German roots at the best German restaurant in the area.

Bernhard is the owner, singer, and host for the evening. He will serenade you with traditional renditions of Blue Christmas, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and will also chime in with some traditional German carols and even the Happy Birthday tune if requested. Helga, the lady on the piano, will even play Silent Night on the saw, yes a saw, just like the one you would use to cut wood. Very Cool.

The thing about Edelweiss, if you don't want to have a good time, then don't show up. By the time the night is over, you will have done the Chicken Dance at your table, yell "YO!!" more times than you can count, and chime in with Bernhard when he sings.."And please drink more beer!!!" and chant Ziggy-Zagga-Ziggy-Zagga-hoi-hoi-hoi to a room full of strangers.

Jaxson joined us for his first Edelweiss experience, even though he isn't old enough to indulge in the Jagersnitzel, Keokee coffee, fried potatoes, or the darkest beer in Fort Worth; he was there to at least experience the atmosphere that is so unique to this diamond in the rough.

To all the members of my family that were not able to attend; we missed you, we love you, and have a wonderful and beautiful Christmas and a safe New Year.

To David and Dale - Craig, Chad, and I missed you boys at the dinner table. We raised a glass for you. Keep those fires under control and the families safe.

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Sporting the New Threads

Jaxson would like to thank Jacob and Esther for this early Christmas presents. With one shopping day left (thank goodness) until Christmas, Jaxson asked if he could wear his new clothes shopping so he could impress the ladies.

Eat your heart out girls....

I Got Your Bow Right Here

In every kids life, there is the unavoidable fact that they will have their picture taken with a bow on their head. It is acceptable in our society, it is a fact of life. So, with that being said, here is Jaxson first ever "Bow Head" photo.

Vogue Photo Shoot

"Strike a pose, there's nothing to it; vogue."








I can't believe I just incorporated a Madonna song into my blog. I need help, or a drink - which ever comes first.

Lost in the Fluff

Don't you wish you could sleep in something that looked this comfortable??

Heads Up.

I think we are about to enter a whole new dimension in the next few weeks, and according to all the books, Jaxson is right on schedule with his growth and development.

We are days away from our little buddy having his first "rollover." He will assume his "swan-yoga" pose, but hasn't yet figured out how to get his momentum going in the proper direction. Lifting and turning his head while in this position has become easy, but we still haven't mastered the next step in the process.

Just a Little Snip.

Although, not his official first haircut (thanks to Uncle Michael for cutting his mullet off with me behind closed doors), Jaxson attended his first public pruning session.

Robyn and Mimi helped Jaxson look suave and distinguished by trimming the loose ends.

For the next haircut, I am thinking mowhawk with a lightining bolt shaved into the side of his head......maybe not.

My First Teddy

Thank you to the Mancil Family for the early Christmas present for Jaxson. If I recall correctly, this is his first official "Teddy Bear." Not only does it serve it's purpose as a teddy, he also doubles as a blanky.

Open up the bear's soft tummy, and out pops a blanket. Anytime, Anywhere.

Jaxson has begun to be very aware of his surroundings. Noticing familiar voices, sounds, smells and textures. He has also started to grasp items with purpose, and not just as something to hold onto while eating or "doing his business."

His favorite item to hold onto right now seems to be his teddy, who we will now refer to as "Buster the Bear." So, thank you again to the Mancil's, you can be the proud givers of Jaxson first security blanket.

Walk it Off......

Scars and dirt make a boy a man. They are going to get bruises, scraps, cuts; and blood will flow from a little boy more times than you could possibly imagine, and Jaxson is already making those statements true.

Just barely three months in, and Bambino already has two scars. (He makes his daddy so proud). Grant it, neither of them actually came from him doing anything; but, a scar is a scar.

The very first, came from other boys - imagine that. I went to pick up him up last week from Birdie's house, and the first words I hear when I walk through the door are..."Well, Jaxson got a scratch today, it didn't bleed long. Two of the boys were rough-housing next to him while I was feeding him and that scratched him, I'm so sorry." Sorry, what the hell for, you just made me proud. My boy is already learning how to defend himself. What doesn't kill you only makes your stronger - right?

The second war wound is a different story.

The most wonderful woman in the world (Robyn) was trimming the little guy's fingernails, all seemed well at the time. As the time passes we notice that Jaxson has been crying more than often, and just seems to be restless.......this is where it gets good.

I'm sitting in our room getting ready, and Robyn walks in with tears in her eyes....

"Oh my god, I cut him. He's bleeding, I hurt our little buddy!"

Well, in the heat of the moment, Robyn accidentally gave Jaxson his first full blown open wound. It wasn't bad, but from Robyn's reactions, you would have thought that she made Jaxson have nine digits instead of the normal ten. But, the little guy handled it like a trooper and walked-it-off after letting us know what we did to him. I am sure he will get us back some day.....

All is good back in Wheatville, wounds are healing and fingernails are once again growing.

3 Months and Still Kicking.

Hard to believe that my little buddy is already three months old. Seems like yesterday I was changing his diapers and sucking boogers out of his nose - oh, wait, I was doing that yesterday.

Happy 3-Month Birthday to my Little Bambino....

Like a Deer in Headlights

Parade of Lights

When I was little, I went to a few parades. I recall one in Fort Worth, one at Disney World, and I watched more than my fair share of Rose Bowl and Thanksgiving Day parades. This past Saturday night Jaxson, Robyn, and her family and myself went to downtown Arlington to see the Parade of Lights. There was a crisp in the air, children's laughter bouncing through the streets, and toothless bald middle aged men asking us if we would like to buy any Santa hats that light up....what a wonderful night.

It really was a nice little treat. The floats ranged from full-blown floats with lights and decorations, to BoyScouts on bicyles with battery powered light strands. Their was a rumor that some Cowboys were making an apperance, but I guess they were to busy preparing to whoop-up on the Giants. Since we now have sole possession of first place in our division; hey, NY - take a backseat on the Romo Bus of Love!!! (Actually, they did show up, but they were the real ones with horses and spurs).

So, the Little Bambino got his first parade experience, I didn't get suckered into buying anything, and we wound up having a good time. All is good.

The Little One's are Easily Amused.

Snow Day!!!!

What else do you do when you have been home all day and have white stuff outside and a new kiddo with you - bundle him up and take some pictures of course.....

Jaxson "enjoys" his first snow fall. It's small; but hey, we are in Texas and we will take what we can get.

"It's Begining to Look Alot Like Christmas..."

The lights are hung, the tree is up, the stockings are hung by the chimney with care; and even little Jaxson knows that Santa will soon be here.

What a cozy morning. Freezing temps outside, beautiful fire, lights twinkling; and best of all, the little bambino is alert enough to just lay back and enjoy the season with mom and dad.

Happy Turkey Day

To All - I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and thank you God for giving us Tony Romo!!!

Run Turkey Run.....

What a better way to prepare yourself for a day of indulging in turkey and sweet potato pie than running 6 miles for a good cause; and even better, getting the whole family involved and possibly starting a new tradition.

The whole family came out today to participate in the 2006 Fort Worth "Turkey Trot." God blessed us with an absolute beautiful morning to enjoy some sunshine and good company.

Running is a passion of mine, I don't have the opportunity to run as much as I would like to, but when I get the chance, I love hitting the pavement. To add to the joy of the day, the Little Bambino had his official First Race today. He finished the 5k, with momma in-tow, in a blistering 52 minutes. (there was walking involved, but I swear there was smoke coming from Jaxson's stroller tires).

Life Beyond Diapers and Chuppies

Isn't it funny, that when two people have a "grown up night-out," that they always get seated next to a table full of kiddos and one crying in the distance.....life is funny that way.

Robyn and I had the chance to go out Friday night without the Little Bambino, and what a nice break it was. Thank you to Mimi and Papi for watching Jaxson for a few hours, while mom and dad enjoyed some time out alone. As much as I love my boy, it is always nice to have a few hours to ourselves without having to feed the beast or change a diaper. Refreshed and rejuvenated, we are ready to tackle life's ups and downs with our little buddy...

And on top of all that, Robyn had a girl's night out on Saturday night while "the boys" hung out with Boo and then watched more football than is almost humanly possible in one night...life is good. Robyn got a well deserved break, which allowed Boo and I to have some quality time alone with Jax. He is to the point where he is beginning to interact with us, smile when he hears our voice, and laugh when he hears us laugh.....

These are moments that are truly unforgettable and these are the moments that make life sweet.

Thank You Sir, May I Have Another

He may be small, but he is tough. Jaxson had his two-month doctor appointment on Friday, and after 3 shots and an oral dose of medicine, the little man only cried for a few minutes. Good sign that the little man will be a strong man some day.

It is so amazing to watch Jaxson grow and change on a daily basis. Literally, from one day to the next, you can see small changes in his face, hands, legs, and even his mental compacity. We are blessed to have had such a healthy child, and a happy child at that.

As we entered the doctor's office, Robyn and I took a "gentlmen's bet" on Jaxson's new weight. I guessed 14 lbs. even, and Robbie guessed 13.3 lbs. Guess who was right.....

Warning: Inside Joke Ahead...

As the great Ben would say, "I know more about weight than you do b***h."

Be Creative, Please.

Last Christmas, I and a few co-workers were blessed with the task of planning the 2006 Christmas party for my company. We wanted something different, and something that all involved could walk away from feeling as though the Christmas spirit was present and that good deeds were done. Our idea was to host a silent art auction with paintings done by all the kids of the parents of Huckabee. The first ever Kids Art Day was held this past weekend at our office, and what a day it was.

Events like this make you so proud and excited to be a parent. I watched child after child let themselves go as they simply "created." The kids had no idea what to expect, but we tried to give them some themes to work from; but some decided to go their own route, which worked out beautifully.

The parents were able to spend a few hours with their little ones and were able to create art side-by-side as a family. Definitely a day to remember, and I hope there are many more like it in the future. Thanks to all who participated, it would not happen without you.

Nothing Says Family Like Picture Day

I know, I know; I haven't posted anything in almost 10 days, but life has been hectic and I have finally got some free time to reflect and post another entry - my own little therapy. (I think we all need therapy).

With the holidays just weeks away, it was picture time for all the grandkiddos this weekend. Big brother was in town with Booger and Cody-Man, so we all set out for pictures at the Botanical Gardens in Fort Worth. Beautiful setting, if only the little one's would only look in the same direction at one time - oh well, at least we got some good candid shots out of the ordeal.

Happy early Holidays to all, and I am sure we will have plenty of post of our "Little Buddy" in and elf costume in the weeks to come - stay tuned.

Beacuse a Birdie Told Me.

Today was the day, it was the little bambino's first day at "school." I can say he didn't jump out of bed and run to the front door with his lunch sack in one hand and an apple in the other for the teacher. He is more the "Come on, hit the snooze one more time," kinda guy.

He wore his cutest clothes and washed his hair extra good last night, just to make sure he isn't the smelly kid in class.

"Birdie" is Jaxson's "teacher" for the next few years. An absolute sweet lady who you can tell has a passion for the "little one's." When I dropped the little guy off this morning, she couldn't wait to get him out of his car seat so she could hold him for the first time. She assured me that the first few days can be rough for Jaxson, but he will adjust and be an angel in no time.

School Days Are Upon Us.

On the eve of Jaxson's first day at day care, and the emotions are running at full speed. I can not believe that eight weeks have already passed. It just does not seem possible.

Robbie is in the kitchen packing the little guys first sack lunch, nothing like some home cooking to make your first school day one for the ages.

Almost eight weeks ago, to the minute, I was sitting in this same exact seat typing a blog entry that was explaining that Robyn was in full labor and I need to sign-off so I can get her to the hospital.

Time flies when you are having fun.

As the little guy sets off to his next stage of life, all I can do is sit back and ponder what the rest of the "steps" will be like. His first day at pre-school, 3rd grade graduation, his first dance, first girlfriend, high school graduation, college, and maybe someday he will be sitting in a coffee shop with his hand size computer dictating what he his saying as he sends his first little one off to day-care. Sounds crazy to talk like that, but time truly does pass quickly when you are having the time of your life.

So, just remember Jaxson, always get in good with the teachers, they will help you when you need it most.

As the great Billy Madison once said, "I got my lunch packed right, got my shoes tied tight, hope I don't get in a fight....." Knock 'em dead little buddy, show them how special and lovable you are and don't break to many hearts on the first day - you gotta leave them wanting more.

Thanks to All.

Thank you to the Brooks family for letting us spend the weekend with you. We had a great time at the party on Friday night and your hospitality for the whole weekend was as good as it always is. It was great to see so many people interacting with Jaxson and having him respond back. This will be the first of many trips for the little guy to see the Brooks family. Thank you once again.

Hit the Road Jax....

If the saying is true that it isn't the destination that counts, but the journey that you took to get there is what makes traveling special; then I would have to argue with that...but just this once.

After a whirl-wind week of trans-Texas traveling for business, Robyn and I set off for Houston with her parents on Friday to visit some family; and I can say that I have had my bout of carsickness that I was due. Jaxson, on the other hand, was a trooper. Not sure if he was mulled to sleep by the hum of the tires on the road or just passed out from the smell of beef jerky and fried pig skins, but he was an absolute angel for the trip. (We will let that one crying spell pass due to your lack of inexperience on the road - but only this once).

Now that you (Jaxson) have successfully completed your first long road trip, it is time for daddy-o to give you some lessons that will help keep you sane on your many travels ahead:

1) Don't drink out of a can that isn't yours. Seems simple, but you never know what could be lurking in the bottom of that warm Dr. Pepper can in the front cup holder...hold out until the next gas station for a drink.

2) Don't be the first one to fall asleep in a car full of guys that have been on the road for more than 3-hours. Boredom is your enemy, and they will play you like a worn out fiddle. Shaving cream and old-chewed gum don't come out easily. I promise.

3) Don't Drink and Drive - You might hit a bump and spill it.

4) Always Enjoy the Scenery. (This is a serious one) Don't' forget to look out the window and enjoy what you see. We live in a beautiful country and an extraordinary world. There are unlimited possibilities beyond the window in front of you. Marvel at the beauty of a 100-year old oak in the middle of a field with a run-down barn next too it. These images won't be around for ever, so enjoy the world for what it is.

5) Only use your mirrors for driving, not for living. By this, I simply mean what's behind you is in your past. You can't change it, no matter how hard you try. Learn from your mistakes and relish your victories, but always remember that something new is waiting for you around the next bend. So keep your focus and don't let anyone drive your life. You live it the way you want.

Remember these five rules, and apply them to live and the road, and the rest will take care of itself.

Happy Halloween!!

What's Halloween without a few pictures of your kiddo in a pumpkin outfit. These will just add to the collection of embarrassing photos I already have of Jaxson to show his first girlfriend...blackmail is so much fun.

Have a Hell of a Day.....