Fatherhood
Time flies when you’re a new Dad. Making time for old hobbies takes a quick back seat when you have a kid. To people without children, it may be seen as “your life is over” or you don’t want to hang out with them any more or some other similar nonsense. Why nonsense? Because that’s what it is. Life is far from over, and in a sense it is just beginning. Your hobbies might get put on hold for a bit, but it’s not really that big a deal because when you have a child, your child comes first because that’s what you want. It’s hard to explain, but you just know that you would do anything for your little one, and if that means putting hobbies or other things on hold for a while, so be it. If that means spending money on things you don’t want or spend time doing things you’d rather not, that’s fine as long as it’s for your child. And you’re OK with that. Amelia is 21 months old… And it is wild how the past 2 years have flown, and how much she has changed, as well as I have changed. What I have found though is that the little one will be far more satisfying than any hobby out there. The first time they call you Dada (or Mama) is just amazing.
It’s scary when you’re getting ready to have your first child. “I don’t know what I’m doing!” and “What do I do when this happens??” type of thoughts easily fill your mind. All I can say is that it all comes one day at a time, and there will always be people willing to help you. It may seem overwhelming to think about it, but in reality, it’s not because it all is just one day at a time. You’re not having a 6 year old to take care of. You’re having a baby. Your home doesn’t even need baby-proofed yet (but it will soon). If you need a night out, someone in your family is surely ready to spend some alone time with the squirt. If you have a question, ask your parents, your friends with kids, or even just ring up your doctor.
It’s not all easy, as there are plenty of frustrating or scary times, but getting through those is part of the challenge of parenthood and what makes it far more rewarding than any other hobby. When I was younger I never really saw myself with kids as I just didn’t think much about it. But now that I have daughter, she is easily one of the best things to ever happen to me and I can’t imagine life without her.
I have friends in just about all stages of parenthood it seems. Some have kids, some getting ready to have kids, some who will have kids in the future, and some with no plans to have kids at all. You’re all my friends and I wish I had time to hang out with all of you every weekend, but the little ones soak up the free time. Would I rather be out riding, grabbing a beer, or playing with my daughter? I’ll pick daughter any day. At least until she hits those teen years where she hates me. Not looking forward to those, but one day at a time. Right?
