My body is hurting right now. More so than normal. My 10-month-old baby is teething, which means I held her in a tight position last night, bobbing her around in hopes that she would fall back asleep. She did, but much later than I would have liked and today my shoulders ache. Also, my neck hurts because I went for a diving header while playing a game with a soccer team I coach and when I got up, my neck reminded me that I am 41-years-old and not eleven.
As I type this, my 11-year-old and 9-year-old flank me as they work their way through a list of math problems that are part of their homeschool work. At my feet, my 4-year-old is playing with Play-Doh, which I am sure is being ground into the carpet. And in the other room, sleeping soundly is the one that kept me up last night. I know that this carefully crafted peace won’t last long; at any moment, the kids will want to work in different rooms, my 4-year-old will beg to play with me while I try to teach, and the baby will wake up and demand immediate attention.
And am I bitter?
No. I’m thankful. I’m content. And why wouldn’t I be? I have 4 amazing children nearby. My life is better because of these 4 kids. They have given me so much more than I could possibly give them. Before them, my life had a purpose; I just wasn’t sure what that was. Before them, I believed the world revolved around me and my wishes. Before them… you know what, I am actually having a difficult time remembering what it was like before them.
These 4 little ones have changed the way I see myself and the world around me. I do not just see a world that exists for me, but I see a world that I have a responsibility to because my children will inherit it. With a bitter war of words and actions taking place around me, I don’t give up hope, but instead strive for a better future. Because my kids will be living in it. I am prepared to help make a brighter future for them.
So thank you babies. (They’ll always be my babies whether and infant, 11, 25, 41, or 92). Thank you for making me who I am today. Life as a family isn’t always easy, but my love for you and the love I get in return are well worth every difficulty.
Also, thank you to my other “baby” for providing me with 4 lovely babies and changing my life.
On the day my first son was born, I was reborn as a father. And I am joining with Pampers (I have 4 kids, I am very thankful for Pampers) to acknowledge all those men who have been changed because of a little one entering their lives. This Father’s Day, Pampers is honoring all those dads that live their lives for others. Please tweet this Father’s Day why you are most thankful for your baby with the hashtag #ThanksBaby.
Visit http://www.pampers.com to learn more about Pampers products, join the Pampers Rewards program, and find ideas and information to help your baby get the most out of love, sleep and play.
Disclosure: I have partnered with Life of Dad and Pampers for this promotion.
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