The Family Edelhay: Jordan, Alex, and Angus

So I just had my first father's day, or as we refer to it in our household, "dia del ray", the day of the king. King day. It has a nice ring to it.

Over dinner Jordan asked me what I have learned as a father.

• I have learned how to make music using mashups of melodies and lyrics. This came as a surprise to me since I have never been musically inclined, but it is incredibly useful, and fun.
• Naturally, I have become an expert on changing diapers and all manner of related kungfu skills in dealing with a baby. I know how to compel a small animal to sleep. I know how to feed small animals. I know how to protect myself from small animals.
• I have learned that small setbacks are a part of the natural cycle of improving oneself, giving me a zen outlook on the occasional bonked head or risky thing put in the mouth. It is less stressful to not hover over your child. Frankly Jordan and I were both surprised that I turned out this way since I am not particularly a mellow person. He needs room to grow.
• I have learned how to compartmentalize my work stress and my home stress. This is a very valuable skill.
• I have learned how to dead lift a 20lb sack of potatoes with one hand.
• Related, I have learned the full value of exercise and a healthy body. I cherish my exercise time now that it is so much more scarce. More importantly, having a reasonably healthy and in shape body allowed me to handle, and actually enjoy, the dive into parenthood. The first few months with a baby are hard on the body, like how gardening is hard on the body, hard on the back and the muscles and you never get enough rest. But what we sow we reap, and Angus has been worth every missed hour of sleep or violently stubbed toe.
• I have finally learned to ignore things that don't matter.

Thanks for the pancakes mister Anginator!