I remember right before my son was born that the doctor told me that any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a "daddy." Don't know if I've attained that status, but I'm trying. Anyone who doesn't try is really missing out on some of the best experiences that having offspring can bring. Rather than feeling anger toward the men who give fathers a bad name, I feel pity. Not only do their kids miss out, so do they.
After two years of trying to be involved, I've learned a few things ...
• Boys really won't pee on you that often when you're changing a diaper. I think I've been sprinkled three times total. The first time was in the hospital the day after he was born. We looked at each other and said in unison, "At least it works." Another time he got my shoe, so no big whoop.
• If your kid barfs while he's sleeping, getting it all over him and nearly everything else, it's not that hard to just go in there, take him to the tub and then change the sheets. The thought of it makes me want to puke, but when it actually happened I had guts of steel.
• There is no way to waste time when you're spending it with your children. What is more important than that? I hope I remember this later on.
• The only time it's not freaky to watch someone sleep is when it's your kid. Such peacefulness.
• Sometimes it takes a lot of faith to believe in God, unless you're holding your newborn son for the first time. Then you know.
• Babies don't always smell good. Usually it lasts about a day after they are bathed. Little boys smell good for 15 minutes after a bath, tops.
• Spanking your kid really does hurt you more than them.
• Time stands still when a 2-year-old decides to be stubborn. It doesn't pay to be in a hurry.
• You can't ever take too many pictures.
• If I remember I'll miss him when he's all grown up and out living his own life, it makes the tough times bearable.
The Petite Filet is going to a work-related conference Feb. 13-16. It will be her first trip away from the Cutlet overnight (actually, three nights). I'm more worried about her missing him than anything else. But it had to happen some time. What fun for me!
Way to go Dad. Children do best with two loving parents. And it sounds like your son will do just fine.
Cas
can I add yet again to your post? lmao I should just copy and paste your blog and then call mine "my two cents"
* You never forget how small they can make you feel even when their whole hand can barely wrap around your finger.
* The first day of school is tough, I stood at the door and cried as he went off with a smile on his face.
* You never realize how helpless you are until your child becomes sick.
* Nothing, and I mean NOTHING compares to having your child hug you and announce they love you.
I remember my first business trip away from Punkin. It was 4 days in Long Beach, CA. I had to pass one of those fountains built into the ground that intermittently spray every time I walked to the convention center. There were always little kids running around in it. I once had to go back to the hotel to cry.
Personally speaking, I can handle the smell of any body function that comes from my own kids when they were babies. And I was more than happy to take care of them. But let me tell you, nothing is better than them being able to take care of their own body functions.
I wish this knowledge was something all men were born with. I really admire you, for your faith (which really is hard to sustain), your positive attitude, and your priorities. If we were betting on it, I'd go all in on your little boy excelling in life.