Dad's Day

So it's father's day again.  A time when everyone takes time out to let Dad go golfing.  But seriously, it's a great time for reflection and introspection. 

I think back to all of the things that were great about my childhood.  All of the things we had, the traditions, the camping trips, the bike riding and all of the random activities done in the spur of the moment.  My dad was a great father.  He was constantly involved in everything we did.  He was always helping us have more fun.  When we were trying to build a jump for our bikes, he took the tractor and built us an entire BMX course!  He played with us, built a forts for us, built a tree house, well sort of, for us and was always accessible.  Upon researching many of my friends experiences with their fathers, I now know what a blessing that was for my brothers and I.  He was consistent in his punishments and loved us all of the time, both physically and spiritually.  He was a cuddly hugging daddy and that made very loving affectionate men of my brothers and me. 

I could go on and on but I'll finish with this.  He now makes a great Toepappy for my babies and has not stopped being a great dad to me.  The education never stops, it only gets deeper after you've become a parent.  I constantly strive to be a good daddy to my babies.  To be consistent.  To be cuddly.  To be fun.  To try and be all of the things my father was to me.  Its a tall task, but because of how awesome my dad was and is, it makes it a little easier to fail some times because dad's capable arms are still there for a big hug.

Dad, I love you so much.  Thank you for EVERYTHING!

Over Doing It......Parenting

I remember when Sophie was first born.  My pride and joy.  I would do anything for her, and I made so many promises to myself about how I would parent and how I wouldn't parent.  I wouldn't say and do some of things my parents did when I was a kid.  I would carry on some of the wonderful things about my childhood that my parents created for my brothers and me. I would always stay calm and foster a good environment for her.

Well, not all of that remained true.  I mean, I think I am good father, and I think that shows through what a wonderful little girl she is turning out to me.  Kacy and I are not perfect by any means, but Kacy is a wonderful, strong and caring mother and I continually challenge myself to be a better parent everyday. Sometimes your best intentions fall by the side of the road as you hurry through life.  I am going to school and working and while both of those things hold promise of a better future for all of us, I also know that the kids don't get to see me as much anymore.  They miss me, but I only have the best in mind as I work toward my goals.


The one thing I have been struggling with lately is being to hard on Sophie.  Now that Max is here, and he is the baby, I somehow have found myself treating Sophie like a 10 year old or something.  I feel so bad afterward because she constantly reminds me through he sweet dependance on her "pink puppy" or her blanket lovey that she is still a baby.  A sweet little three year old that really doesn't always know better, despite my accusations.  She shouldn't always have to act like a big girl, despite my demands sometimes, because she is a little girl, and should be for as long as I can keep her that way.  I really should learn to distinguish between the baby, Max, and the little bit bigger baby, Sophie, when I am dealing with diciplinary situations or maybe over reacting to something one or the other does.  They are both my little babies and sometimes, instead of urging Soph to grow up too soon by demanding too much, I should just bite my tongue and squeeze her as tight as I can and tell I love her.