Jan 31, 2015

The life I have chosen

You've been told all your life that parenting is difficult. You were told you'd be up late night with an inconsolable infant who's screams can be heard from the farthest reaches of the cosmos. You've been told that diapers were smelly and plentiful. You were told you'd your relationship with your significant other would be, at times, strained due the constant stress, the sleep deprivation, and the lack of time couples devote to themselves. You were told that fatherhood will change you in every conceivable way.

You read the books, you poured over the multiple websites as asked by your wife, and you listened closely to those all to willing to share parental advice to a new father.

What they didn't tell you is that you'd be so tired you'd welcome the sweet embrace of death if it was the only way to experience rest. What they didn't tell you is that every article in your wardrobe would be soiled with vomit and/or feces. What they didn't tell you is that you'd have little time for spouse, much less yourself, and everything even remotely resembling your life pre-fatherhood would be eliminated from your conscious. What they didn't tell you is that you'd have to pencil in time just to watch a simple television show. What they didn't tell you is warm meals are a luxury. What they didn't tell you is the guilt you'll feel for even considering taking an hour to yourself.

What they did tell you is that holding your sweet baby for the first time is the most amazing experience you'll ever have, and they were right.