I'll have my son done medium-rare please.

Oh, the joys of finding new uses for various gadgets ;)

Tonight was Joel's bath night - an experience he doesn't always like. We got the baby tub out, in the sink (well, straddling half of the double-sink [tub manufactured to do so]), and started filling it with warm water. To make sure the water is in the correct range, we have a rubber duck(ie) with an aquarium-like temperature strip on it that changes colour at various temperatures. Well, the colour change is so slight sometimes, you are always second guessing what the temperature is.

Solution? My digital, BBQ meat thermometer ;) Got it out and dropped the probe into the water - it instantly told us the temperature. We adjusted the water to the 37C range and all was good :) Joel even fussed a little less this time. Safety tip - do not leave the probe in the water for risk of the child accidentally puncturing themselves with the probe once they are in the bath.  

 Note: No babies were injured in the bathing episode, though the father would have gotten slapped hard for wanting to get out his bbq sauce and basting brush ;)

Trappings of Parenthood

For those that have yet to join the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of Parenthood, perhaps some comments on the trappings of such a noted investiture:

Epaulettes of Commission - usually consists of the wearing of "burp cloths" on one's shoulders at all times when dealing with a sovereign or chancellor of such an order after mealtime.

Aiguillette of the Sacred Pacifier - as seen as the "gold ropes" on some military uniforms. As a parent, often a (useful!) badge of honour to help keep one's charges content and not overly fussy.

Accolade(s) - a right of passage almost.  Being pissed and vomited on is probably something most people avoid at all costs, but by one's Sovereign or Chancellor of the Order, those joining such ranks accept such ceremonies with bravery and perhaps a little honour.