Four Months a Dad

Spread the diaper in the position of the diamond with you at bat. Then, fold second base down to home and set the baby on the pitcher's mound. Put first base and third together, bring up home plate and pin the three together. Of course, in case of rain, you gotta call the game and start all over again.

--Jimmy Piersal, on how to diaper a baby

Yesterday my daughter turned four months old. I've been a dad for four months, and I have to say that there is very little to compare to holding this little bundle and trading smiles and silly noises. I love to just hold her in my lap and make faces at her. She'll laugh a big, open-mouthed laugh, and I swear, she's the cutest thing to ever grace the face of the earth.

I still continue in my quest to be the world's best dad, and I think I'm doing a fair job. She's healthy and happy, and that's the whole point -- raise a healthy, happy baby. In fact, she's extremely healthy. She had her four-month checkup (and shots!!!) yesterday, and she weighed in at 19 pounds, 3 ounces and 27 inches long. She's big, but she's proportional. I feel like once she starts sitting up and crawling that she'll drop some weight, or at least level off in the weight gain.

She's started vocalizing, and it's the sound of angels. She has such a sweet voice, even when she's gurgling.

I hold out hope, as all parents do, that she will continue to be healthy and happy. I also hold out hope that I won't screw up too bad as a parent. I don't think I will, but there's always the possibility. Stay tuned for breaking developments.