Becoming a father has changed a lot of things for me. With it, there are new rewards and new challenges and new things to learn.
Here are 16 things I’ve learned from becoming a father.
- holding a baby is a great conversation starter
- sidewalk wheelchair ramps make running with a stroller much easier
- to be more efficient with my time – If I’m watching Jude, I have to get my stuff done during his short naps
- it works great to listen to podcasts with earbuds while putting Jude to sleep
- it is faster to heat milk up on the stove top than in a bowl of hot water (we don’t have a microwave)
- babies are cranky if they don’t have regular bowel movements
- if I want life to be different for my family, I need to do things to make them that way
- to be more grateful
- to think long-term
- the house is going to be a mess sometimes
- spit up doesn’t show up as much on light colors
- the sound of a baby pooping came be the sweetest sound in the world
- how to change a screaming baby’s diaper in the car on the side of the expressway… as a police officer is pulling up to investigate
- I want to build a legacy for my family
- how amazing it is realize that he is another person with his own thoughts and personality
- that life is a gift and each day should be cherished
Anything you would add?
ah, i love it! wonderful. i love things learned. Maybe in a few years i’ll have some things to add. but for now, i’ll just learn from you 🙂
Hey, thanks Crystal! Yeah, parenthood is great, I can honestly say it’s the best thing that ever happened to me. So, yes. It’s something to look forward to! Of course, I’m sure there are lots of things to be learned from where you’re at now too. 🙂
it’s true, there are many things to be learned about right now too! im learning to look at life in seasons, right now i am living with a close friend, independent, dating, working a job that i am learning alot from but don’t see myself at long term. And when you view life in seasons you realize you need to appreciate each part of that season, embracing the good with the bad, and learn as much as you can cause before you realize it, the seasons will be changing!
That’s wisdom right there, Crystal. So proud that you’re my sister! You’re an amazing person with so much to offer.
Thanks Mike 🙂 It’s been so inpsiring hearing you & Cluadia’s hearts via this blog!
Being a parent sure changes your perspective on things… for the better. I agree with you that it has been the best experience of my life. I’ve learned so much and I didn’t realize I could love so much. It’s made me think differently on how God must see us. On a lighter note I’d love to hear more on the diaper/expressway/police officer story.
Stephen, great thoughts on how it changed how you think about how God sees us. So true!
The diaper/expressway/police officer story… I was taking care of Jude for the day and I had to make some what of a long trip with with him and, well, it got too long for him. He got hungry and needed his diaper changed.
I was on the busy expressway outside of Philly and had to pull over to take care of him because he was screaming. There wasn’t much of a shoulder but I managed to get in the back seat with him and got him out of the car seat and brought him up to the passenger seat.
I’m there trying to console him and had his diaper off changing him when a police car pulls up behind me. I thought, what next?! As it turned out, it was a woman officer and she didn’t seem to mind that I was in the middle of changing a hungry child. She said she’d wait till I was done and on my way. So, she was back there in her car while I’m trying to hurry up and get my son put back together and back in the car seat. It would have been easier if she went on her way so I could’ve relaxed a little more.
It all worked out OK, but it was a little bit stressful!
How many kids do you have?
That’s a great story! That would have been stressful for me too. At least the story didn’t end with a ticket.
My wife and I have a 2 year old daughter and we are expecting our next in May. It’s amazing how fast the time goes by. It seems like she grows, learns, and changes every day. It’s an amazing experience to be a part of!
Good luck on your parenting. It sounds like you are and will continue to be a great dad!
Stephen, I love your mindset as a father, that you think it’s an amazing experience to be part of. That’s something that I try to constantly remind myself.
And congratulations on the news of the new child! Your kids are blessed to have a father like you.
Baby pooping can be the sweetest sound…only a parent can totally understand that! So true. And yeah, messy house. Wait until he is one and cleaning out your cabinets on a daily basis! Being a parent is quite challenging but so rewarding.
Char,
So, you’re saying the messy house thing is going to get worse, not better… I guess it’ll be a new opportunity for growth, right?
#13, awesome. http://wholeheartedhuman.com/2012/02/06/16-things-i-learned-from-becoming-a-father/
Yeah I know, right? Check out my response to Stephen here in the comments if you wan to know some of the dirty details. 🙂
I’m cranky too if #6 isn’t working for me.
Sorry, but I disagree with #12 🙂
I absolutely love #14!
And I’d add #17…don’t blink, because it goes by fast. I mean, come on, I’m still young and my 3 are about ready to go to college!!!
Haha!!! That’s funny, Kent! You know, I think #6 is true for most people whether they admit it or not. And, I love your #17. I can see how that happens. Unbelievable, right?