We’ve just passed one of the first tests of parenthood: assembling the baby’s crib. Of course that test should really come before you’re pregnant so as to weed out those who are uncapable.

On the plus side we accomplished the difficult task without any instructions. On the downside, we have leftover parts. It’s a hand-me-down crib (the one Abby slept in as a baby), thus no instructions, but it’s also possible the extra parts don’t actually belong to the crib.

We’re waiting for the father-in-law who assembled the crib in the first place to come home and confirm whether or not the parts are extra. I’m betting extra–the crib is fully assembled and works fine. I can’t imagine where the extra parts would go. The extra parts are three thin wires that are hooked on the end, and one is possibly missing. But of the three, one of them is longer than the other two. Again, I think they belong to something else.

As milestones go, this one’s pretty cool. It pales in comparison to hearing the heartbeat, but an expectant father has to go with what he’s got. The only downside is the crib makes the room seem really small. When it was my office it felt huge. Now it feels cramped. Oh well: small child, small room.

Update: The spare parts don’t go with the crib.