There are a number of things that Ann and I are really enjoying about being parents of a newborn. Believe it or not, for me one of those things is diapering.
I don’t know quite why this is, but here are some possible reasons:
* It’s the best opportunity I have to take care of one of Lucy’s simple, physical needs at this stage of her life. Ann gets to be a “snack bar” (as our counsellor so vividly puts it); I get to be a source of dryness.
* It always goes well. Even when it gets a little messy in the middle, diapering always concludes with a dry, clean baby. Lucy seems to be starting to enjoy that, and I know I do.
* It turns two of my qualities into definite assets: I appreciate quality control (read: “I’m obsessive-compulsive”) and I’m a germophobe. These quirks turn into a calling when applied to caring for someone who poops their pants half a dozen times a day.
* It gives me an opportunity to sing. Why do fathers sing while diapering? No one knows. It’s customary among our people.
* Finally, sheer egotism: I am esteemed for my skills. Ann has dubbed me “Doctor Diaper” for my facility in performing a diaperectomy, and this kind of flattery will always worm its way into my heart. It’s quite pathetic. As a result, I enjoy my career in diaperology.
No matter what the explanation, you can be sure: the Doctor is in!
Dr. Diaper –
Diaper love will end sometime around your 2500th diaper change.
It’s not the poop. It’s the drudgery. Its the labor. Its the interruptions. Over and over again for eternity.
Also — and this is key — the poops get bigger. And much nastier.
Odor is not yet an issue for you. It will be. She may even smell like you! Gross! Things begin to grow in the digestive tract. The bowels become weakened and confused.
We’re all really pleased your’re just such a massive diaperologist.
Talk to you in a year — or three.
Slainte!
I realize I’m naïve. I’m still glad there’s something left for me to be naïve about, though.
Jon,
I am with you. I love diapering. Just wait until you start the cloth. There is a great sense of satisfatication knowing that with each change you are being a good steward of the earth! Also you have to by the “toilet shower” (www.tinytush.com), it attaches to your toilet to spray the pooh away. It is reather fun and worth the $30.00. :-)
Anyway, keep up the clean tush.
I must say that diapering gets really adventerous once they are super mobile. Diapering Benjamin is now more of a wrestling match, trying to keep him on his back while securing the diaper before he rolls over and tries to crawl off the table.
if joy is directly related to staying naïve, then stay naïve.
At any rate, even with stinky diapers and boys who crawl away, and after four children… I think diapering is still fun sometimes. After all, the belly is there just waiting to be kissed or tickled before the shirt gets snapped back shut.
As an added bonus, Mac and Bubbie can reach the light switch by the diaper table with their toes. At about 18 mos they taught themselves to turn the light on and off with their feet. Which gives them a ridiculous amount of satisfaction, since they can’t yet reach the other light switches in the house.
I’m glad there are still some diapering-lovers out there! I think Jon is the best diaper-master. I am forever lacking in quality control — I don’t get seal the legs well enough and we get leakage, or Lucy will pee during a diaper change and I’ll miss it, only to discover after triumphantly snapping up her onesie that it is all wet. Jon always encourages Lucy to pee during the diaper change, and I think that works. Whenever she does it, he gives a big “Ahhhhh” and I think she is getting trained. :)
I’m with Kelly…
Jon, you continue to delight in being the diaper man, you are a treasure to your wife and your daughter for that. Don’t worry about what the what the future of your position holds. I have the strongest feeling that you will see the blessings as you go. It’s a gift both you and your wife posess! Thanks be to God.