You can always tell when Daddy dressed Baby - right, moms?
At our house, the biggest clue comes not in mismatched gear (though that has been known to happen) but rather in team apparel.
If it's the weekend, I can pretty much guarantee that our daughter will start her day in a Notre Dame onesie (she has three), a Notre Dame cheerleader dress (for her girlier days), a Notre Dame sweatshirt (Daddy brought one home from South Bend) or a Chicago Bears onesie and bib set. (For night games, she has Bears pajamas). To mix things up, she might sport a Western Illinois jersey (#4 after her dad's collegiate water polo number) and on rare, rare occasions (because Dad is wardrobe boss for the day), an Illini T-shirt. For accessories, she has matching collegiate socks, hats and jackets. She is one decked out and prepared little fan.
At our "getting ready for baby" class, dads-to-be almost fell out of their chairs when the nurse shared that "football is good for babies." To prove it, she even provided expectant parents with a pamphlet that outlined all of the developmental benefits of watching football on television. "See, honey?" one husband remarked to his very-pregnant wife, big hand enthusiastically jabbing at the colorful handout. "Watching football is important. I volunteer to aid our baby's development by holding him during Packers games." She rolled her eyes at him and at me. "Looks like I have lost this argument forever," she quipped. "Gotta love scientific findings!" My husband grinned hugely. "Well, my fall just got validated, didn't it?" he teased. "Guess what we'll be doing while Mama is at cross country meets!"
I can't argue with their Daddy-Daughter dates on the couch. (I swear his eyes twinkle when I come down the stairs, daring me to make a comment. He has the nurse's "findings" ready and waiting in his back pocket). While she notices TV, she doesn't pay much attention to it until there is a game on. (We will ignore for the moment that she may or may not recognize the theme song to The Young and the Restless). Dad has even coached Daughter in the finer points of the traditional singing of Notre Dame's alma mater. She's been startled a few times by his excited exclamations - given the Irish's play this season, I'm guessing that not all of his comments have been baby-appropriate - and happily responded to his cheers. She watches the TV, and his animated face, with big eyes, eagerly taking it all in. I have to wonder: does this constitute baby brainwashing?
Our Sunday tradition of chili, jerseys, and a family meeting (dog included) on the couch has been especially fun this fall with a miniature fan in tow. Watching her little head wobble a bit unsteadily as she sits between us, active hands playing with her stuffed football, we are both quietly filled with an awed wonder at her presence. Who is she? And who will she be? Most importantly, who will she cheer for?
I hope that, as the years go by, their Daddy-Daughter dates continue in front of the game - I know her dad would love it. Even if she chooses not to root for Notre Dame.
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