What a gigantic difference one tiny line makes.
On Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, my entire world changed. That was the day that my wife Kim told me that, ready or not, I was going to be a daddy. She was going to be a mommy.
WE...are having a baby.
We both cried. We hugged. We stood on a sidewalk outside of a gymnasium and were totally quiet for several seconds that felt like an eternity.
I don't think I'll ever forget that moment. It was beautiful. It was significant.
It was terrifying.
I don't say that to take any of the shine away. This is amazing. But I'm being honest about what I think every guy must feel when he finds out:
"Am I ready? Can we afford this? Is all our free time about to go away? Will I be a good father? Is this how I'm supposed to feel?"
I wonder how we'll work out childcare. I wonder if I'll be as good a father as my own dad. I wonder if I'm ready.
But you know what? I have to be. In nine to ten months, there will be a new human being in my life who needs me. I'll be more responsible. I'll have more expectations. More will be required of me.
That's the "Type A," "right-brained" part of me speaking. Thankfully, I do have another side.
That other side can't wait to see my baby. My kid. A living, breathing person that I helped create. None of this caught God off-guard. I have a wonderful wife to share this with. She will be an amazing mother. I will be the best father I know how to be. This will make me better.
It has to make me better.
So I wanted to share the news with all of you. I am excited about this. God is good.
"Congratulations" are welcomed.
Congrats! That's awesome man. Being a dad is awesome!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations my dear friends. I am so happy for you both and I know you'll be a great dad Kevin. You're the most reasonable, forgiving and devoted guy I know. Love ya buddy. Carrots.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rob! I'm looking forward to it! I'm gonna have to get Alicia to hook us up with a super sweet Lakers onesie. :)
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS!!!!! In 10 months we'll all expect to see more posts from you that were posted at 3am.
ReplyDeleteSTART NOW counting how many times well intentioned people tell you, "Yah know, you're life is going to completely change"
Really? Seriously?
Try not to be sarcastic. They mean well.
Congrats! That is so exciting!
ReplyDeleteThanks Stephen! I appreciate it and yes it is exciting!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I've already got a lot of that already. The prevalent "words of wisdom" I've gotten thus far has to do with how little sleep I'm going to be getting from now on. People love to be downers. ha.
ReplyDeleteKevin, you WILL be an amazing father. Kim WILL be an amazing mother!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen the comments come...just say thank you and laugh! Nothing
will prepare you for fatherhood/motherhood. You can read lots of books,
and you should. You can research it on the web, and I know you will.
But until you hold that little blessing from God in your arms, no one,
I repeat, no one, can prepare you for how you will feel or how you will act.
There is, absolutely, nothing like it in the world. You will cry (just
like your Dad) and laugh (just like your Mom). You will wait for your
life to get back to normal. It will not. Your life will NEVER be the same.
But...... you will have a NEW normal. And it will be wonderful!!!
Dad and I love you and will be here for you every step of the way! Well,
as much of the way as you want us to be. haha!
Thanks mom! :)
ReplyDeleteYou are about to embark on the most amazing journey. Yes, it will change you and make you better. Hard times and good ahead, but all worth it. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the words of encouragement Michael Ann. I'm looking forward to the challenge! :) Again, it's great to have you as an addition to this ever-growing group of awesome readers and commenters.
ReplyDeleteFabulous. This is the first post I've read here and I must say, it's a GREAT one! God is good. You aree blessed. Many, many congratulations...Daddy!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz! Glad to see you hear on "The Isle." Hope to see more of you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna. I checked out your website. I see you're into Etsy. So is my wife. I'll have to have her check your site out! Thanks for stopping by. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats!
ReplyDeleteYou will lose lots of sleep dude. What they don't tell you in school is those kids, man, those kids are poop machines. And don't even get me started about feeding hours...
But no, for serious I'm real happy for you and Kim both. You'll be great. Cheers.
Haha. Good stuff. Yeah, I had no idea about any of that. I also have heard that you shouldn't let babies text and drive. I'm not sure about that. Still doing research.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bobs. Love and miss you brother.
ReplyDeleteI am late to this party, but congrats. As a mom of four littles I would just like to say that the first kid is a game changer.
ReplyDeleteBetter late than never! I appreciate the congrats. It's already been a gamechanger so far and the baby isn't even born yet. ha. I'm sure I have all kinds of shenanigans to look forward to.
ReplyDelete