Great Things About Fatherhood

This blog has served several important purposes for me, including:

1. A nice online journal that will function as a detailed remembrance of the many antics of life and parenting with young children. It captures what I think and feel at that moment. I will enjoy sharing it with my kids in the future.

2. A way to vent some frustration about above-said antics, and to "laugh it off" by poking fun at myself, hopefully making others laugh in the process.

3. A way to connect with other dads and dad bloggers (and to get reassurance that my experiences, triumphs, and fears are not unique).

Just like the news media has a tendency to focus on "negative" stories, so too am I prone to take a more venting, sarcastic bent at times.

I should clarify by saying that it's just that--venting.

The fact is, I love being a Dad-E. It's my favorite and most important job. Although before Big Brother (and then Little Brother) came along, I had no idea how hectic, chaotic, and tiring fatherhood would (and is and will be), I wouldn't want it any other way. My life will never be the same as it was before we had children, and I couldn't imagine going back to that point.

And so, I thought today I'd compile a short-list of some of my favorite things about being a Dad-E:

1. I get to play with TOYS, which is encouraged and not frowned upon! Not only am I bonding and interacting with my boys, but let's face it--it's fun, too. I mean, I've never played with the boys' toys after they've gone to bed. No, never. I could build stuff with Legos, put together puzzles, and make new train tracks with them for hours without getting bored (and sometimes we do).

2. I love to tuck my boys into bed after they've fallen asleep in the car. There's nothing quite like the feeling of a tired child melting in your arms, completely trusting.

3. My children keep me honest. I've had a few times where Big Brother has called me out something I've done that he is reprimanded for. I distinctly remember referring to some inanimate object as stupid, and being told "Dad-E, we don't say that word." "Do as I say, not as I do," does NOT work for children.

4. My children inspire me to take care of myself. (Okay, we're not going to include getting enough sleep for now, which is sometimes just plain hard to do.) If it weren't for them, I think that it'd be much harder for me to do things like get out of bed at 6am to run three days a week. I want to be around to harass them for as long as possible, and this gives me the "activation energy" I need to get up and going when I'd rather hit the snooze button.

5. When I get home from work, no matter what kind of day it's been, I know that I can expect to be mobbed at the door with little smiles and hugs. I cherish that moment, which is the best one of the day.

6. Uncontrolled belly laughter. (This is my motto #4 about fatherhood.) There really is no sweeter sound that this laughter, which is so raw and full of pure emotion. It can't help but bring a smile to your heart.

7. My boys think I'm a hilarious stand up comedian. Whether it's being just plain silly, ticking, jumping on the bed (yes, Mom-E knows about this, I'm guilty of encouraging a few bad habits), or trying to make someone forget why they're grumpy, I think it's a dad's job to make his kids laugh. I consider myself to be an introvert who makes an occasional witty comment, but I check being "reserved" at the door when it comes to my kids.

8. (Busy-Mom-E and )I are our childrens' teachers. Simply put. My children observe (and imitate and repeat) everything I say and do. Especially since we have boys, my children will learn about what it means to be a man, a father, and a husband from me. That's a HUGE responsibility, arguably the most important one of parenthood. When Big Brother asks the "big" questions, like "What did God make me for?", I want to be the one answering.

9. I have a built-in "excuse" for stains on my clothes. I really don't worry if I spill something on my shirt or pants, because if there isn't already another stain, there will be one soon.

10. I love, and I am loved, more than I ever thought possible.

See you on Fatherhood Friday!
Cheers,
Busy-Dad-E