Being Dad

Being Dad is a tough gig. Although it is the single most rewarding experience I've ever had it is incredibly draining. I mean physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually draining. I have three kids and each one presents me with different joys and different aggravations.

Lennon my oldest is almost five years old. She is smart, funky, and animated. Literally the kind of person that brightens a room. She may be the most nurturing person I've ever met. This of course lends itself to the problem of her constantly touching the baby. Every five minutes the baby is squawking because Lennon is grabbing at her. Lennon loves to talk and she does...allot. I haven't had an uninterrupted sentence in almost five years. She is my first so she has been testing me longer than any of them.

Riley is my only boy. At three years old he has already proven to be incredibly sweet. He's quiet, imaginative and inquisitive. He is every thing you could ever ask for in a son. He also has a temper that rivals my own. Every time he throws a fit or acts stubborn beyond his three years I'm forced to confront the worst in myself. When my mother said "I hope you get one just like yourself" she got her wish with Riley. He's also been responsible for more trips to the emergency room than than a line backer with brittle bone disease. Last time he got an egg on his head from jumping off the toilet I discovered white hairs in my beard.

Virginia is just a baby. At 11 months I'm embarrassed to admit how many times we've had a contest of wills. Since my wife went back to work part time Ginny has given me a solid hour of crying every time I've been left alone with the kids. I've had to call my mother on several occasions to bail me out when the baby decides "anyone but Dad." She's new so we are still getting to know each other. I would say a good 42% of her face is smile so even when she is at her roughest it's impossible to not adore her in her tiny glory. She is a cool little chick and I would say 23 hours a day she is the easiest baby I've ever met.

All three of my kids are a blessing. They all have strong personalities and have since day one. They are beautiful and healthy. They are everything I've ever asked for in life. Obviously the good far out ways the bad but don't ever let anyone tell you the job is easy. I think I'm going to call my father right now and apologize for all the strife I've caused him. I'm thankful example and my chance at being Dad.