Sunday, October 21, 2012

I'm a Happy Daddy

Our daughter was born on Monday.  She is amazing.  I don't even know how to explain it.  One moment, we're anxiously awaiting her arrival and the next moment she's here.  I absolutely adore every inch and pound of her and can't believe that she's a creation from my wife and me.  It's such an incredibly unique feeling that is almost indescribable.

It's hard to sum up feelings on our baby owl.  We both wanted children and were as prepared for her as anyone could be, even though we'd admit that we understood that you're never really fully prepared for kids.  She is such an amazing little thing.  I keep thinking, "She is so cute."  I feel an immediate connection in the sense that I always want to look at her.  If we're in the same room, I just want to make sure she's okay.  I am surprised that we've been able to distinguish certain sounds so far and she is a noisy girl, but not necessarily what you might think.  She loves to whimper and grunt even when she sleeps...let me correct that.  She whimpers and grunts even when she sleeps and I love listening to her.  I can't believe she's mine.  She and her sounds make me dream even more.  I dream to not only make my dreams and my wife's dream come true, but I can't wait to take care of her and help her fulfill her dreams as she gets older.  Does she want to be a swimmer?  Will she want to play music?  Will she follow in mommy and nana's footsteps and become a teacher?  Will she be a writer like her daddy and auntie?

I'm not sure what she will be when she gets older, but I'm so happy that I get to help her become that person.  I waited a long time to meet the person that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with and now we both get to spend the rest of our lives helping her do the same.  It'll be a long time before she starts dating, but I can't wait to be that protective guide for her.  My first thought is to ball her up in a blanket and protect her for the rest of my life, but I hope the relationship I have with my wife will show her the way.  I hope she sees the love we have for her and each other; I want this love to be the example.  I will try to protect her as much and for as long as I can, but my hope is to provide her with the strength to look out for herself when it's time for her to move on beyond dear old mom and dad.  Again, it'll be a long time before that happens, but that's what I can't wait for.  I can't wait to experience the years from now until that point.  I can't wait to share the laughs, the cries, the smirks, the pouts, and everything that comes with being a baby, toddler, kid, teen, and adult.

I am a first time parent and very new at this, but I definitely know what I want for our daughter.  I want her to be happy.  She is so precious and I just want to protect her.  There will come a time when I'll need to let go of that blanket and let her watch out for herself, but I'm so happy I don't have to do that yet.  I'm so happy that we get to share our love for her and give her all of the attention we want to give her.  She is amazing.  She was just born on Monday and I already can't imagine my life without her.