Since we have been home, our life has evolved from our self-centered world as a married couple, free to do as we please without children, to navigating the unknown territory of raising a child. Not a newborn…but a 1 year old little girl that is already into everything. I have heard several people say something to the effect of…well at least you are getting some sleep…and 11-12 months is such a fun age, newborns can't really do much but eat, sleep, and parents you know what to fill in last, but honestly the experience has been similar to never exercising your entire life to entering and running a marathon. It takes preparation to get ready for a marathon much like having a newborn prepares parents to what is to be expected their child gets older. The good news is, we don't have to run the entire marathon and if we need to walk, we can. We just have to take our time and pace ourselves. As a Dad, I can't imagine life any different than it is now. Mikayla has presented a few challenges, but for the most part, she is an awesome baby! I love everything about being a Dad…from waking her up from a nap and cuddling with her to coming home after a long day's work to see her smile because "Daddy's home". If she is on the ground playing, generally she'll let out a little squeal and start high tailing in my direction. I have to fight off the dogs (they are equally as happy to see me) and sneak in a quick kiss to Kathy before I have this little child crawling up my leg. Next to being with Kathy, there isn't a better feeling in the world. I am not the mushy-soft type and I don't intend on letting our daughter manipulate Daddy to get what she wants, but I definitely love our little girl. She has been adjusting well to our household, starting to interact with the dogs, and is beginning to recognize simple commands and requests. I have to attribute her quick adjustment to her Mom. I often tell her how great she is and what an amazing job she is doing, but I can't tell her enough. She stays home all day with little adult interaction, dealing with whatever Mikayla dishes out and she still manages to have dinner ready, do laundry, keep the house clean, and even exercise. I'd say she is superwoman, but that's an understatement! All that being said….here are a few things that make being a dad, sacrificing the self-centered husband all worth it!
There are many other things I love about our daughter and I am sure I will get the opportunity to share them along the way. For now, I just wanted to share some of my favorite moments with our new addition.
Seeing Mikayla with her Mom…
Watching her sleep…she is quite the wiggle worm…
Her smile…she really is a happy baby…
Her eating...
So true, so true!!! Our adjustment with the boys was 100 times harder than it was with our daughter. It felt like we were asked to go from 0-60 in .5 seconds, and no amount of preparation gave us a clue to the enormity of it all. It is such a joy to watch via blog as you adjust to this sweet daughter of yours. We are continuing to pray for your adjustment....we are still adjusting and we will have our 3 year anniversary with our sons next month! :)
ReplyDeleteI love hearing your thoughts as a dad, Brian. If only I could get my Brian to post. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're a GREAT daddy!
I loved this post, Brian! You are a great dad and Kathy is a great Mom. I'm looking so forward to our playdate this week, and hope that it will become a regular occurence in the future! I love adult interaction during the day too :)
ReplyDeleteBrian, great thoughts, and I will have to say I am glad you appreciate what a stay at home mom has to juggle. Sadly, I don't think all working people really gasp the juggling act.
ReplyDeletewhat wonderful words Brian. You and Kathy are amazing parents and your love for M is evident in every word and every photo we see here. And you are right, Kathy is superwoman! Thanks for sharing your heart.
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