Amir is a disappointment to Baba. He has no interest in athletics, and he has chosen to spend most of his free time writing, which Baba considers a waste of time. Baba also believes that Amir is a coward, since he has noticed on more than one occasion that the younger and smaller Hassan has to stand up for him. Baba does not understand why Amir has not turned out to be more like himself--strong, athletic, fearless and confident--and he must wonder why Hassan (who the reader discovers much later is actually Baba's son) is much closer to Baba's own character traits. Amir understands his weaknesses, but he senses that his father's real problem with him stems from Baba blaming Amir for his mother's death during childbirth. Baba's opinion of this is never answered within the novel, and he is probably above blaming his son for such a matter. Baba claims to be happy that Rahim Khan has a good relationship with Amir: He doesn't understand his son, but he is satisified that his friend can find positive aspects about Amir. Baba is waiting for Amir to mature and, hopefully, changes his ways. Amir's victory in the kite fighting tournament is a start, and their relationship will eventually get better once they move to America.