Things to Know about your Dad

Dear Baby,

Last week at our first birthing class (there will be a recap, I promise), the instructor had us introduce ourselves to the other couples by answering particular questions.  The ladies were supposed to share "what trait we hope our child gets from our husband" and the men were to pick a "feeling face" from the sheet in our folder to describe their emotion about being there.  I knew immediately what trait I would share because your dad has the most patience of any person I know.  While I can blow up like a volcano (possibly a trait I got from my dad??) - your dad never seems flustered.  Traffic jam - no problem, more time to listen to the radio or chat.  Flight is delayed - completely non-plussed - he is happy as a clam to sit in the middle seat for what seems like hours.  Our deck takes three months to build - can't rush perfection - no biggie for him.  You see what I mean?  This is sometimes frustrating but mostly I wish he could pass the patience.  So while there are certain character traits I hope you get from your dad...loyalty, patience, easy going-ness etc - I was also reflecting on some other things I think are completely funny/quirky/make me crazy about your dad.  So without further ado...some things I know about Robert Hauck (aka - your dad):

-The more pillows the merrier - literally your dad would use every pillow on our bed (including mine) if he could.  He likes very little light to be hitting his eyes - so he makes what I like to refer to as a "fort of pillows" around his head every night.
-Before we leave for any type of extended trip, I like to build in what I call Rob's "lock down time" to our timeline.  This means that while I stand around and do essentially nothing - your dad is rushing around checking every window, door, lock etc. of our house, checking and then double checking to make sure they are locked.  Even when we leave for the casual errand, he checks the front door to insure it's locked (usually twice).
-This man is the most cautious driver I know.  This may have something to do with having two accidents in a short period time a couple years ago.  But, it's maddening sometimes....we joke that he's still in "Carrie Hauck driving school" because every time we drive together I'm nagging giving him some pointers.  On a recent trip to IKEA in Mason, Ohio (about two hours away) he dubbed my driving as "nascar style" and I dubbed his "snail style".
-I was skeptical about his combination of an everything bagel, cream cheese, mustard, and ham - but I have to say, it's delicious!
-The man is handy - he has transformed our house - built a new deck, dug out two new flowerbeds, replaced all the baseboards and doors, changed light fixtures, ripped out three thorny bushes, and painted every room but one.  Bascially there is not a project he is afraid of.  Maybe it's because we're cheap frugal?  Maybe it's because he wants excuses to buy more tools?  Or, he just likes Lowes that much?  Either way, I've been thankful for his resourcefulness on many occasions.
-Your dad would wear the same ten items of clothing (and about 3/4 of them would sport Oregon colors or logos and the other 1/4 would be flannels) if I would let him.  Thankfully, he has me as a fashion consultatnt to mix up his wardrobe. 
-When it comes to the TV, your dad has a hard time committing to a channel.  He is a serial channel surfer - always wanting to make sure he's watching the best thing.  The best things are usually DIY shows, HGTV, SyFy Network, or football games.  Though, I do have to admit, he's introduced me to several shows that I do enjoy - "Eureka", "Fringe", and "Ducky Dynasty".  He has yet to convince me on "Holmes on Homes". 
-You would never know this from looking at him - but your dad has his pulse on pop culture.  Literally if you want to know something about a celebrity - ask your dad. From Justin Bieber to Chris Brown - I have no idea how he knows all this...but he does and it's amazing!
-He is reliable - meaning if you ask him to take care of something, he does.  He is also reliable in his routines - I can count on the "rumble" of his truck every morning at 6:40 AM - literally on the dot.  If we are riding together to work (which almost never happens because I cannot get my act together that early) - he is usually hustling me along to make sure we are in the truck by 6:40.

I love your dad so very much - and I'm so grateful for his patience, sense of humor, and attitude every day.  The above list is just a reflection of all the things that make him so silly and lovable...won't be long until you experience it too :)