Three things I’ve learned since becoming a dad

Hello everyone, good afternoon! It’s beautiful today in the region. I think it’s supposed to get to eighty degrees. Currently, I’m sitting on my porch, in my blue rocking chair, enjoying the warm weather and the sunshine. Tomorrow I go back to work after being on parental leave since the beginning of March. It stinks, but I have to. So today I wanted to talk about a few things I learned within the first couple of months of being a dad. 

Lea and Oliver are out of town until Saturday, so I’ve had some time to reflect on my life today, and just how much it has changed. With everything that’s happened in my young life (the passing of my dad and brother), I truly couldn’t imagine the happiness a child would bring into our lives. Honestly, a year ago if you asked me if I thought we’d have a baby by this time the following year I would have said “No, but I hope so.” Things just weren’t going our way for the longest time. That is, until, baby Oliver was born.

 

Now, let me share with you what I’ve learned the past couple of months. Besides learning to change diapers, make bottles, and getting used to someone sitting in my lap and pooping his pants, I’ve learned:

1. You can never spend enough time with your children. No amount of time will ever be good enough. Especially when they’re babies. I can’t picture myself ever saying “okay well I’ve spent enough time with Oliver today.” I don’t know what I’m going to do when I go back to work! I’m going to miss the little guy like crazy. Him and Lea just left an hour ago and I already miss him! I miss Lea too, of course, but it’s not the same lol.
2. Everything is about them. Everything is for them. When you have a child there is no time to be selfish, especially when they’re young. Their needs and interests come first, and we as new parents have to learn how to adjust to that. Honestly, and I’m not trying to make myself sound like I’m an incredible parent or the best dad ever, but I feel like Lea and I didn’t have trouble with this. Speaking for myself now, I think my parents being so selfless kind of made it easier for me to be that way with my son. Growing up with that example showed me that’s how it’s supposed to be. Thanks mom and dad, love you!
3. God answers prayers. This one is SO important! When you feel like there’s no hope, pray. When you feel lost, pray. When it feels like your life is falling apart, pray! Every time I look at Oliver I’m reminded that God answers prayers, and I’m reminded of His grace and mercy. I don’t deserve everything I’ve been blessed with, but God gave it to me anyways because He loves me, and He loves all of you too. So, if you’re ever in doubt, just remember God answers prayers! It might take a while, and it might not be when you want or how you want, but your prayers will be answered. Remember, speaking for myself again, I’ve been praying for a child for years. Sometimes it felt like it would never happen. Then, one day, your life changes forever. So never, ever give up.

These are just a few things I’ve been thinking about today. I hope you enjoyed this post, and I hope it helps whoever is needing it today. Becoming a parent is tough, but remember most of us go through it, and we all do okay! Just hold your babies tight and love them forever.

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Peter

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