Parenthood and Other Random Thoughts from the Hubs

Somewhere early in the pregnancy Amy suggested the idea of me doing a post to add my perspective on our upcoming joy.  I have been ready for us to expand our family for a few years.  Amy had personal goals she wanted to achieve before we embarked on this great adventure, so to say I am anxious for the next eight weeks to be over is an understatement.  Before I get too deep in this post I should probably apologize in advance.  Writing has never been a strength of mine so you will have to suffer through run-on sentences.  It’s a gift and a curse; I write how I speak.

From a father’s standpoint, the pregnancy has been very overwhelming.  It’s a mixture of excitement, fear, and virtually every other emotion imaginable.  I was blessed to have two amazing parents who provided me a spectacular upbringing.  Not only were they both extremely supportive, but they also were able to provide me everything I could imagine.

Practicing my snuggles with my daughter dogter

I want my daughter, and any future children we may be blessed with, to have every opportunity I was provided.  My parents managed to do this yet keep me grounded.  Determining this balance terrifies me; giving her every opportunity imaginable while keeping her motivated enough to not become one of the stereotypical entitled brats we come across far too often in this country. 

I also worry about not providing Amy with the support she needs and deserves throughout this pregnancy and once the baby arrives.  Amy is a very independent person and cannot stand asking for help; however, I know that she needs more from me right now than I am used to giving.  She is an amazing person and deserves much more than me.  She did say yes to marrying me though which means she is stuck with me.   

I could get used to this! 

I find myself focusing mostly on the choices Amy and I will make when dealing with our daughter over the next 20 years which will shape the person she becomes.  She has the lineage of two great families in her genetic makeup, and her potential is endless.  I want to be sure I do everything I can to set her on a path of making the best possible choices to achieve what she wants in life, and to live life in an honest and honorable way.

Ultimately, I just want our daughter to be free to pursue whatever interests her and not just make choices in the world to pay bills and get by -- so long as she avoids the horrible choice of her parents to pursue politics and policy.  Having the intelligence and compassion of her mom; combined with the analytic skills and street smarts of her father will give her limitless potential.  Of course her mom’s height along with her dad’s athleticism would be a nice bonus.

-RTW