being a dad.

I have a bit of a different outlook on life and kids since Parker has become a reality.

Shootin’ the breeze with a couple of different people recently, I realized I used to be just like them. Things are different now. What I heard was the good ‘ole standby “we’ve been thinking about kids, but we’re not quite ready yet.” Then there’s the list of “reasons,” from money to parenting skill or just being unsure/afraid. I was in the same boat. I always knew I wanted a family, but “now” never seemed like the right time. Too busy, planning on moving, not settled, wanted a better job, less bills, etc. The reality is that you’ll never be ready to have your first child. There is no level of money savings and life tidying that completely prepares you to usher new life into the world.

Admittedly, Parker caught Jess and I a bit off guard. I never really had the chance to hem and haw about the perils of parenthood. It was just there, staring us down. All is good in the world though. We tightened down on the budget (it’s not that bad, really), did lots of reading, took a new parent class, did more reading, picked out all the baby paraphernalia we’d need, and now we’re just coasting; waiting.

In the past 7-8 months, we’ve done all we physically and mentally can to be ready for Parker. And you know what? It’s still not enough. That’s the reality. But we’re excited and just going with the flow. Do I know how to change a diaper? No. Do I know how to play with or care for a tiny human (miniature Neanderthals, as one of Courtney’s professors like to call them)? No. But you learn in time, and it’s fun.

Have fun. Enjoy life by the moment, not by the pages of plans and budgets you think you need.