Entering Wusshood

The fact that I am a parent still blows me away. This thought usually comes late at night while I stand over Colden's bassinet and watch him sleep. I begin to think about how everything in my life now revolves around his welfare. I believe that everyone, before they have children, imagines what their lives would be like as a parent. My idea was kind of like a compilation of America's Funniest Videos: the spit ups, food fights and the unavoidable hits to the groin. These images would be interwoven with clips of watching them play soccer, taking care of boo boos, and of course being called Dad. It's the things I didn't think about or understand that makes being a father so life changing. It's the rush of worry when things are too quiet. The infectious nature of his smirks and smiles. The consuming desire to protect him from every possible harm. The increase in compassion for other parents and children. I'm beginning to understand the level of love my mother had for me even if it went unsaid. Apparently becoming a father makes you a little "wussier" in areas, but it also makes you not care that you are going soft. The fact is, there will be the soccer games, the hurts that need to be healed, and unfortunately, the ever painful shot to the crotch, but that's just the icing on the cake.

Chris