50 Rules for my Unborn Son (with updates for my born daughter)

Ahh Pintrest.  This was posted by someone I follow recently, and I thought it was a good list.

The list is for his unborn son, I'm adding some notes in Italics for my 5.5 week old daughter...

1. In Monopoly, buy the orange properties. (Ask your Uncle Jason to play Monopoly with you.  Don't ask your Auntie Sara, and yes, the orange properties are good.  So are the yellow ones.  Marvin Gardens is my favorite.)

2. You are what you do, not what you say.

3. Don't be afraid of pickup games. It's the best way to learn. (Your papa is very excited to play toss, pass, and basically any other kick the/throw the/catch the ball game with you.  Eventually of course.  I mean, once you can hold your head up).

4. Never be afraid to ask out the best-looking girl (boy) in the room. You'll be surprised how often it works.

5. Watch lightning storms from a safe spot. But watch 'em. (Ask your Grandma Jeannie about the time the lightning went through her umbrella!)

6. Offer your seat to a woman, no matter how old she is.

7. Never side against your brother in a fight. (Or sister, or cousin)

8. Keep a copy of your letters. It makes it easier on your biographer.

9. Don't be shy in the locker room. They are all thinking the same thing.

10. Spend time with your mother. She's cooler than you think. (Uhm, yes)

11. Push-ups and sit-ups are all you'll ever need to build muscle. 

12. Be a good listener. Don't just wait your turn to talk. (Your mama is working on this.  Luckily you can't talk yet, so she has some time to get better at it).

13. Know your neighborhood like the back of your hand. Sometimes the best adventures are in your own backyard.  (Your neighborhood is fun, but we can't wait for you to spend some time in the woods at Foxsparrow.  Auntie and I had a whole set of trails and special spots out there. We can't wait to show them to you).

14. When in doubt, wear a tie. 

15. If you don't know what a word means, ask. Before it's too late. 

16. Start a band. (You better be careful, or your papa is going to want to be lead singer.  Call the spot of lead singer first. Otherwise you'll end up on the triangle.  I call hound dog guitar).

17. When it comes to shoveling snow, the earlier you start, the easier the job.  (I don't know anything about this. Go ask your dad).

18. Keep your room clean. One day you'll have roommates.

19. Make curfew. Sneak out later to meet her. Don't make a habit of it. You'll miss the danger.

20. Never criticize a book, play, or film unless you have read or seen it yourself. Art is full of surprises. (We can't wait to read to you!)

21. Believe it or not, a museum is a great place to beat a hangover. It's cool, quiet, and full of water fountains.

22. Dance with your partner, not at her. But don't forget to lead.

23. Be cool to the younger kids. Reputations are built over a lifetime.

24. Order the local specialty.

25. Drive across the country. Don't rush. (Your papa and I drove across the country together twice. And we were rushing both times (we made it once in five days, once in five and a half).  Maybe someday we'll try again when we have some more time!)

26. There's nothing wrong with musical theater. (Everything in moderation.)  (You are going to have to come to me for this one. Your papa just doesn't get it.  I expect you to know all the songs to West Side Story by the time you are six.  There will be a quiz.)

27. Don't boo. Even the ref is somebody's son. (Your papa is a good sport.  Your mama is working on it).

28. When singing karaoke, choose a song within your range. (You're going to have to go to your papa for this one, I have never sang karaoke.  Ask your papa about the time he and his friend sang Pearl Jam and Nirvana covers in a tiny Chinese restaurant in Walla Walla.  It was a very very fun night).

29. Read before bed every night. A book every two weeks is a good goal.

30. Never post a picture online you wouldn't feel comfortable showing your mother, your boss, and the dean of admissions. (Yes, and I will be creeping on you online for eternity, so.....)

31. Don't throw sand or, when you're older, mud.

32. Take the stairs.

33. There is never an excuse for stealing someone's cab.

34. Choose a window seat and enjoy the view.

35. Try a hairstyle that you'll one day regret. I'll get over it. (Don't let me cut your hair.  Don't let dad cut your hair either, or his own).

36. When handling a frog, be gentle.

37. There is always something that could use a fresh coat of paint.

38. If you make a mistake, forgive yourself and move on.

39. Have a favorite song. It doesn't have to be hip. (The best ones never are.)

40. Until you are a doctor, never answer your phone at the table. That goes for emails, texts, and tweets.

41. If you get yourself arrested, call me. You get one free pass. 

42. Help a buddy move. (You can help us move, back across the street, then back over here, then back across the street...)

43. Don't panic.

44. If you ignore history, it will ignore you.

45. There is rarely a need to raise your voice. At the ballgame is one exception. (Uhm yes, or when there is a ball game on television or on the radio, according to your dad, and Papa Doug).

46. Never hog a microphone.

47. Keep your word.

48. Send postcards.

49. Respect fire.

50. Don't litter. Ever. (And stay on the trail when you are hiking-- Auntie is a major stickler about this one.  Jake not so much).