As I prepare myself for wiping another human’s behind, I’ve found myself thinking more and more about setting a good example for my child. It may come as a surprise to learn that I’m far from perfect. In fact, I’m a far from near perfect; I have a lot of bad habits and from what I gather these little critters pick up on these habits awfully young.
It scares me to think that I will be the one that he will look to for advice. Sure, I can teach him how to tie his shoes and help him with his jump shot, but I’ve never been one to offer advice. I have no funny anecdotes offering valuable lessons or nuggets of wisdom like the fathers on television. I’ll have to come up with something.
Once our son is born, my wife will not be the only teacher in the house, as we will both be teachers every day, to our child. We will be responsible for another human being, and that in itself makes it the most important job I have ever had. I’m sure it won’t be easy, and I will have to change my entire life, but I can’t wait to do it.
I'm excited to embrace the innocence of childhood, I look forward to Christmas becoming magical again, creating new family traditions while carrying on older customs from our own families. I look forward to the creative imagination that a child brings to a house, the squeals of excitement, the silliness, the wide eyed look of enthusiasm, and the bond of father and son.
As odd as it may sound, when I was putting together his crib and dresser, I felt somehow connected to him. I found myself thinking, I’m doing this for my son…it was something I had never felt before. It was my first fatherly moment.
I understand that I’m naive, that there will be moments when I won’t feel so warm and fuzzy about parenthood. I know that it will be challenging and unlike anything I’ve done before. I accept your challenge parenthood; I can’t wait to meet this little guy.
The nursery looks great!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie, had the shower today so it's a mess!
DeleteIt doesn't sound odd at all that you felt connected to your son when setting up his nursery, at least to me!I looks beautiful. I used to feel connected to my daughter when I would hold little tiny baby socks, thinking about the little feet that would soon fill them. It seems silly now, thinking back, but it is such an amazing process. Soon that beautiful crib will hold your son. It's amazing, right?
ReplyDeleteVery much so Amy, thanks!
DeleteFirst off Pete, so not strange how you are feeling and you totally sound like Kevin and I did when we first put together the nursery for the first time. I even remember as I was closing in on my due date sitting in the nursery all done and waiting for my baby's arrival just being in awe that at any minute a new little person would indeed be living in that room. Great post and could truly relate. The nursery looks great :) :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Janine, I think I will be sitting in there soon, practicing my reading voice!
DeleteAww, that is so sweet. Beautiful post. Now is the time to think thoughts like these, in those warm, fuzzy days. I like the nursery, especially those curtains. I'm partial to plaid. It's a room to grow in.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate, the curtains were a big debate, but like most of those, I lost!
DeleteI've said it before, and I'll say it again: I think it's really precious how excited you are to be a new dad. I've always heard that women become moms as soon as they find out they're pregnant, but men don't become dads until they see their new baby. You seem to be an exception to that rule. Such a sweet post, Pete!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cari, I appreciate it!
DeleteThe very fact that you are contemplating this means you will be great. If only other parents took the job so seriously...
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right. As a parent you have to be a teacher every day. Sometimes the absurd (No, we don't eat yogurt with scissors). And sometimes the serious (We are not able to help every homeless person). But every day is worth it. My oldest is 20; my youngest is 10. I wouldn't trade in my days with them for the world.
This is such a precious post. You are going to be a great dad.
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