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By Mike Bailey February 17th, 2004 Dozens of thoughts are running through my head on the eve of my first child being born. There are probably too many to effectively write down in any organized way but I’m going to give it an attempt, here. There are some who feel that it’s about time Shannon and I start our family. The pressure to have the first grandchild for both our families did not go unnoticed. In actuality, it was me who held things up for a couple of years. It took some persuasion to convince me that I would be ready to be a father. It took some time for Shannon to find some stability in her career. And it took some time for us to be in a position financially to have a child. I was much more anal about having our money in order and our debt down to a reasonable level before we started having kids. I’ve heard too many families break down because of money and I don’t want that to happen to us. But, I’m proud to say that the only debt we carry is for our home and vehicles. We didn’t use credit cards for any purchases in getting ready for the baby and we have a descent savings for the time Shannon is off work allowing her to take a full 2 and a half months before she has to return to work. I feel like everything I’ve done in my life up to this point has gotten me ready to be a parent, especially in the past 5 years. Shannon and I have always discussed children from the time we were dating. We bought a house with a room perfectly suited to be a nursery. We had plenty of special experiences as a couple, including vacations and some selfish splurging on some of our toys, but we’ve always had our sights set on having a family and getting our home and relationship ready for that to happen. I can’t help but believe that we did things the right way. We didn’t rush in, we prepared well and that has helped relieve a lot of pressure when it comes to the daunting task of raising a child. When we first began announcing that we were expecting last summer, one memory that I vividly remember was the first reaction we got from my Aunt and Uncle Lynn and Dave. As soon as they heard the news that said that we were going to be great parents. I cannot express how much that statement meant to me. (I’m tearing up just writing about it now) To have some one who has seen you grow up, making stupid mistakes along the way, and tell you not only that you’re ready to be a parent but be a great one, it really makes me feel unbelievably good. So, tomorrow I’m going to be somebody’s dad. (Holy Shit!) Shannon tells me that I get a look on my face every once in a while that just screams that sentiment. The feelings that are going through my head run the gambit. Excitement, leads the list. I’m excited to shape the development of another human being. I think about all the things I get to teach, to read, to help discover about life. There some fear and concern feelings, too. Is it going to be healthy throughout childhood? I think back to how many time I could have gotten myself seriously injured pulling some stunt, and I'm amazed I still have all my limbs. Is that what I have to look forward to as a parent? Ultimately, there’s only so much I can do in that regard so I can’t keep those thoughts active in my head. Pride is in there too. Recently, I’ve developed a new appreciation for family. I think it has something to do with the transition that takes place from being a member of a family to beginning a family of your own. I think back to all the memories I have growing up and wondering what kind of memories my child will remember and hold dear as a grown up. Finally, anticipation of what’s to come. I’ve been fascinated lately with the process of childhood development. When to they learn which life lessons? How soon can I teach it about the word and all of its wonders? In some ways, I can’t wait for the child to grow so I can watch it develop. But I also know that it’s going to go by very quickly and I better try to focus on enjoying the moment. Life is in the journey, it’s not a destination and I look forward to what the journey has in store for me and my new family.
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