A Question for the Fathers Out There

[rbattelle]

I have one question have you prayed about it??

Extensively. But I do that about everything.



-Ryan

 

[daveshoe]

My daughter is graduating this Saturday . I bounced her on my knee ''yesterday''

 

[TMitch]

My wife and I have been married for almost 11 years and have 2 daughters aged 7 and 5. We were talking about the kids a few days ago and we both agreed that we can't remember not having them! I was worried when she first got pregnant... and then had a misscarriage while I was away on a hunting trip. My hunting partner and I had just sent up our camp and went back to town to get some more grub and he called his wife to check-in, she passed on the news about my wife and we headed back to camp and packed up and came right home, 16 hours straight driving, (my partner didn't hesitate about going home - he has 4 kids). My wife had a hard time with it and a few months later we went to Disneyland over the Xmas holidays where she was sicker than a dog the time. She thought it was the water. It turned out she was pregnant again! It was the best thing at the time for us. Were we ready for kids? Probably not but I read all the books and it made the birth and ensuing neo-natal time go well. Our parents have been great, and are always there for us when we ask for advice. If I can contribute anything to aspiring fathers, my brother-in-law and I have written a "Pregnant Fathers' Handbook" that I will happily email to anyone that sends me a PM. I guarantee you'll enjoy reading it.

 

[Tee]

Don't really have much to add to this thread, everybody has done a stand up job expressing everything.

The one thing I can add is. You will find that your hobbies/interests will start to take a back seat to supporting thier interests/hobbies/dreams. All of mine have pretty much disapeared. (I got the CTD to tow her Race Car Trailer & Equipment!) I don't miss any of them though. This smile should explain why.

 

[GP]

Ryan & any fathers-to-be,



Everything you worry about before kids; freedom, hobbies, etc. , is reversed after having kids. I have trouble talking to people without kids now, from this side the "selfish" aspect takes on a new significance. Not because I think they are "too selfish", just that there is so much cool stuff about having kids. I wouldn't want to miss it because I didn't want to change anything in my previous life.

There are lots of people who will share your new point of view and who like the same things you do. Just look at this thread.



Someone told me "kids only want to hang out with you and have you not mind that they act like kids". Not only was that true, but it lets us act like kids and not have to make excuses.



Good Luck, Guy (daughter 9, son 4)

 

[RonaldLarson]

Childern are just supposed to happen

Children are a blessing from God. If you consider them to be a potential intrusion upon your life style, then don't have any. Children happen from true affection and love between two married people. They are usually not "planned" to accomodate the material wishes of the "parents" They bring with them the need for absolute devotion and attention. They are, after all, live human beings who are conceived in love, and nurtured in the womb of the mother. They are live human beings from conception. Birth brings the amazing realization of the miracle you have brought forth. Nothing brings more pride and love and affection than seeing your first, second or third child born. They are not something planned so that they might not "interfere" with our plans for success and wealth. They are your children.

I am the very proud parent of an ADD child who has turned out to be a gem in the rough. Mike was not planned or expected. He was just loved and nurtured . He has good parents who were delighted when mom said he was on the way. Kids are not status symbols they are committments to life.

Teach them to know the bible, hunt, shoot and fish. They are YOURS, and your future!

Ron

 

[FAST4DR]

Been married for 8 years next month. Had our first son in 2001 and our second late in 2002. Everyone is right, kids change your life. I look back at those carefree days... and you know what, I dont miss the partying, the sleeping in, the nothing holding you down lifestyle. There is nothing, absolutely NOTHING, that a vicegrip hug from your child - this life created out of love - can not help fix. You dads our there know the feeling I am talking about - the unconditional love afforded us by our children. It's just such a blessing.

Of course, there are ups and downs, but both my wife and I have no regrets and, actually, we are talking about a third sometime in the future. I know she wants to try to even the odds out in the house so she is not so outnumbered (have a girl).

Oh my gosh... am I actually growing up... ?



Couldn't resist. The boys at a wedding 2 weeks ago. Anders on the left and Benon on the right, enjoying their first Shirley Temple.

#ad