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being a Dad, children, family, Father's Day, holiday, Jim Chaney, life, love my kids, parenting, playing golf, The Wordslinger
I didn’t spend Father’s Day fishing off a pier or drinking long necks on a boat. I didn’t spend it playing 18 holes or getting sloshed at the 19th. I didn’t spend Father’s Day lounging in a hammock while someone else chased my rugrats around all day. No, I spent my Father’s Day with my kids rather than without them, and I loved every minute of it.
Granted, Daddy-daycare took place partially due to necessity as Jen was busy taking care of other babies at the hospital all weekend. But had our parenting dream team been complete, I’m sure that Baby-Daddy-Day would have looked about the same. Why? Because I love being a Dad; and on a day devoted to that title, there’s nothing I’d rather do than spend time with the two people in this world that can make me smile just by breathing.
A little over three years ago, I nervously started a new job as the father of a little baby girl. This new position required long hours, no days off, and the ability to complete everyday tasks with a crying, drooling, pooping, mini-human with no head control attached to one hip. No education was required, which was good because I had no idea what I was doing, and it was an on-the-job-training situation. Three years later, I continue to learn something new everyday and I can report that I’ve never enjoyed a job so much.
As a soon-to-be father of three, and current father of two, my goals and priorities in life have changed immensely since the day my daughter was born. I used to care about how fast my car could go; now I care about how many car seats I can fit inside. I used to spend Friday nights at the bar with my wife; now we spend them on the couch watching DVR’d episodes of shows we can’t seem to stay awake long enough to watch live. You might think I would long for those days when I was only responsible for myself. But today, I only long for the once-in-a-lifetime events in my children’s lives that have already passed.
Izzy’s first words, Jake’s first steps; these are the moments that live as snapshots in my memory and as I get older, I only wish that they never fade away. As I look ahead to the birth of our next child, I am excited for so many reasons. The chance to hold a tiny baby in my arms and feel its little fingers wrap around mine. The opportunity to relive those “firsts” that have already passed with Iz and The Jakester. Mostly though, I am excited to be a father once again.
I was fortunate to grow up with a great Dad and some awesome Grandfathers as well so in my mind, I know I have a lot to live up to. But when I have those moments where I feel completely inept at raising children, I know that simply loving them the way that I do means that I’m probably on the right track. So to all the fathers out there, I hope you had a fantastic Fathers Day. No matter how hard the job may seem some days, I’m sure you’ll agree that you’d sign up for it again anytime.
Note: The Wordslinger and his entire family are heading out of town for some fun in the sun next week so I’ll be re-posting an all time favorite next week instead of something new. Which post will it be? I’ll leave that up to you…
Thumb through the archives and tell me which post was one of your favorites. Whichever post gets the most votes will wind up here next week. So go read…and keep piling up the page views!
Jim, I hope many, many people tell you this, but I want you to know it again- you are a really great Dad! You’re just naturally good at it! And it’s obvious to everyone who knows you that you love those kids and you love your job as a Dad more then anything else. Great post this week! And I’m so excited to meet your number 3 Chaney!!
Lovely perception of being a dad. We don’t normally see this 🙂 May you and your family stay blessed.
Awesome post. I’m with you – – – no better person to be in the world than a dad.
Lovely post, Jim. I found your blog through my daughter’s blog…Tori. I’m glad I did.
Jim, it’s wonderful to hear how you spent your Father’s Day with your kids. 🙂 My family had a picnic with all the dads and their wives and kids. It’s nice to appreciate the time you have with loved ones. 🙂
This is easily one of the most beautiful blog posts I’ve ever read! Especially the “they make me smile just BT breathing”. I think that sentence is so true as I stare at my newborn twins smiling even when they sleep. You are clearly a wonderful father and I hope you had a great fathers day with your children. Thankyou for sharing such a happy, heartfelt and admirable post. X
Great post. I also dig being a dad. Love the shameless pageview plug at the end.
Glad you enjoyed it…and I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about regarding page view plugs.
You have very adorable kids! And they’re very lucky to have a dad like you. Happy Father’s Day! 🙂
That’s very kind of you to say, I think it goes without saying that I am the lucky one…but I guess I just said it anyway.
Yes! 🙂
Love the line “make me smile just by breathing.” Beautifully sums up all parental feelings. There is no greater love, no greater connection to that of your child. Lovely.
Thank you Julie, couldn’t agree more.
Having had a wonderful dad that I still miss every day of my life, I can assure you that you’re doing a great job. Those happy smiles say it all! Just keep doing what you’re doing.
Thanks Ms. Vic. Always nice to hear from you!
Thank God for good dads! Your post made me think of this commercial (Note: Tom bought a fancy, dangerous sports car about two weeks before we discovered I was pregnant. He had to do the Drive of Shame back to the car lot and trade that beauty in for a family-friendly SUV. He still can’t watch this ad without whimpering a little)
That’s a great clip, pretty much sums it up huh?
Just beautiful. Thank you. It really is the simplest things in life that fill our souls ins’t it? Blessings to you and your little peeps! xx