Father Faux

I decided I better post something before Barbra takes up the whole Internet :)!  But having the Internet full of Finnigan isn’t such a bad thing.

Barbra recently invited me to contribute and I’m happy she did!

After college, I’m use to structuring my writing around a central argument, however I guess with blogs I don’t need to do that haha.  So, I’ll just ramble (<---thesis) about our marriage, parenting, and a future Faux family goal.  Plus a special appearance from everyone's favorite Faux -

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Baby Finnigan’s first blog post (Go nuts Finnigan! Let your heart be free!) 06/30/12:

 gfes./;l90k,.,m mfgm,klo,.

Tgfr

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Marriage, when Barbra said Yes.

07/12/11

It was a bit stormy earlier in the day.  I travelled on my scooter to my parent’s home to pick up the ring I will use to propose.  My Father provided me with one of his spare souvenirs from our many, many family trips to Nauvoo, IL over the years.  Ever since I was 12, I knew I would use a Nauvoo Nail (prairie diamond) as the symbol for my initial engagement.  With the prairie diamond in hand, I was ready to propose to Barbra.

After the weather cleared, I texted Barbra saying, “I believe I left something at the house.”  I rode my scooter up to her friend’s house, where she currently lives.  I am more than a little bit nervous and took a couple extra moments getting off my scooter.  The whole trip I was fearful that my ring (Nauvoo nail) would fall out of my pocket.  I found the ring and strategically replaced it in my back pocket.

I knocked on the door and Barbra approached and said, “I looked everywhere.  I couldn’t find anything that was yours.”  After another minute and a half of searching for nothing, I said, “I’ve found what I’ve been looking for, Barbra you are what I’ve been looking for.“  We gave each other a hug.  I then said, “Barbra Spalek, will you allow me to sacrifice my life in service for you?” I got down on one knee.  Barbra did not even let me finish the sentence before she said, “Yes”.  Still on one knee, with more formal wording I said, “Will you let me marry you?” and extended my hand with the Nauvoo nail in my palm. 

Barbra took the ring and placed it on her finger.  I pulled out a needle nose pliers and re-adjusted the ring so it fit snuggly.

I told Barbra that sacrificing my life in service to her meant that I would do my best to become the right person for her and to place her needs above mine.  Barbra said, “Me too.”

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I’m a Lucky guy to be with Barbra, she cares about others more than her self, she has a desire to serve, and she reciprocates and builds upon the love she receives.  I sometimes fall short of what I hope to be for Barbra, but she is always forgiving and willing to allow me another opportunity to be what I promised.  Thank you, Love you Bieber!  It’s been a great first year!

Parenting

I’ve learned as a parent, no matter how good your intentions, your character flaws will stare you in the face as you raise your child.  I imagine as my baby Finnigan grows, learns to talk, walk, and react to his surroundings, my character flaws will reflect in his actions.  I have learned how impatient I am.  I have learned I am not always the most caring.  I have also learned I can be too hard on myself sometimes.  Parenting is the most fulfilling, joyful, and real experience of my life.  I am very proud of Finnigan’s small achievements each day, learning to roll, push-up, do the worm, the backstroke, practice standing, practice walking, gag himself with a plastic spoon…

Barbra over the past couple weeks has been introducing Finnigan to solid foods.  Barbra and I alternate watching the baby 3 days each week, Barbra works 12-hour night shifts 7pm to 7am and I work the regular 9-5 job.  Barbra worked last night, so today I have the pleasure of watching the babe.  Barbra stressed that the only solid food I’m allowed to give the boy is pears.  The baby loves pears.  Barbra only feeds Finnigan the same type of solid food three days in a row for practical medical reasons, but Finnigan is in solid food heaven for day 2 of 3.   Yesterday, Finnigan sat very still as Barbra lifted the plastic spoon and placed it gently in the baby’s mouth.  Finnigan decided that he only needed one day of practice before he can start feeding himself.  Finnigan became so excited as I started to feed him pears today he grabbed my hand and shoved the spoon down his mouth, it didn’t matter that he gagged himself, it’s easier to shove the spoon down your throat than to swallow!

If nothing else, the boy must be my son, Juicy Pear is my favorite Jelly Belly :).

Faux Family Goal:

Colin wants to go to Graduate School and Barbra wants to Homeschool!