Life's a Filet of Fish: Where Can I Get Dad Certified?

I'm a dad. I thought there was some course or certification that needed to happen before I got that title, but instead, it just kind of...happened.

John is wondering when I'll just get over myself and get him some milk

So, as the days blur together as a process of changing, holding, bouncing, and handing the kid over to Mom to eat, Houston shut down twice due to inclement weather.

See that frosting in the valleys of the roofs? That's what brought this great city to its knees.

Of course, it doesn't take much for drivers unaccustomed to icy conditions to cause a ton of trouble, so I kept off the roads. That gave me some more time to hang out with the kid.

And we put him in an oversized bear suit when we go outside.

This popular guy wasn't content to just hang out with his parents though. He demanded that his grandparents come and visit him. So they did.

I think Mom was wrapping her head around being a grandma!

He didn't seem to mind hanging out at restaurants...most of the time.

John doesn't like the process of going out the door.

You're taking me where?

Fortunately, the Grandparents Reese have a bit of a knack at chilling him out.

I think he may be a little small for the suit here...

Seriously? You're going to leave my pacifier there, just out of reach?

We enjoyed having my parents stay in our new home. Of course, it also helps to have extra hands to help do things like wall hangings and ceiling fan installations.

He really gets into his pacifier if he's upset.

It was early February, and we were able to invite more family out to Houston to attend John's baby blessing. I failed to get many pictures of the San Antonio crew, but I did get this one of Becca being a natural mommy.

It wasn't until the day of John's blessing that it struck me that this is probably the most personal public act of my priesthood. With the exception of maybe a confirmation, a baby's blessing is the most unscripted, highly attended blessing one can give. So no pressure there. I think things turned out well; the bishop didn't need to refute anything I said at least. And John didn't cry, thanks to Robby's quick pacifier fix.

Also, it was Alison's birthday.

John wasn't exactly in the happiest of moods when he learned that the Grandparents Reese were leaving

Noooo! You have to stay!

Michelle, Robby, and crew were able to come out from LA. John was especially popular with Emma and Charlotte.

We were happy to have John's first encounter with his LA cousins!

Yeah...I guess this is what an experienced Dad looks like

The LA Gibbs had to go home shortly after the blessing, and I had to go to work. Alison probably has better pictures than I do during the time she was home with him. I'll just include the few I caught when I was home.