Again, I leaned forward to kiss Sue-Ann. Again the fist grazed my face, this time accompanied by a jealous shriek. I shook my head in disbelief. Enjoying the effect I was having on my tiny rival, I decided to test him once more. Sure enough, he took another swipe at me, boldly defending his exclusive claim to Sue-Ann's attentions.
Mealtimes afford new dads plenty of opportunities to bond as well.
After countless quiet meals with my wife, the sight of a chubby, red-faced toddler peering at us from his high chair has been a bit of an adjustment. So has his approach to eating. Within minutes he can transform his meal tray into an impressionistic watercolor, drawing on most of the basic food groups for his creation. What doesn't make it to the canvass ends up tucked thoughtfully behind his ears, in his hair or all over his face. Meanwhile, I try resolutely to deliver a spoonful of food to its intended target before it is intercepted by a tiny hand, by coaxing and cajoling with a repertoire of facial expressions and baby gibberish that renders normal conversation between adults all but impossible.