There are a lot of great dads out there. I'm definitely not going to dispute that. However, I have been overwhelmingly blessed by my dad's influence and impact in my life.
All growing up, my dad was actively involved. He never missed a recital, play performance, swim meet, softball game, homecoming,graduation, wedding, nothing. He missed nothing.
Five-and-half years ago, dad took on the mom role when he became a single parent. My amazement of him has not ceased. By the grace of God, he has done a great job. Truly.
Sometimes, I think others think the lives of my siblings and myself are deficient without my mom. But that isn't true. Dad has picked up both hats of mom and dad and he has worn them well. I'm sure he would say it hasn't been easy. But my respect of my dad has only grown.
To my dad, for all you to see, I say thank you. Thank you for truly, truly, being an incredible father who somehow manages to stay involved in the ever-changing and ever-evolving lives of your children. All eight of them, at that.
Showing posts with label Dad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dad. Show all posts
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Baby A - Week 9
This week, I have a lot to discuss. Oh my, I hope you are ready!
My Baby's Daddy: Ben has been incredible. I mean, he is always wonderful, but he has taken his wonderfulness to a whole new level. This week alone he has - cleaned the house, washed dishes, cleaned up dog poop, did all the laundry, arranged for our move (details to come soon!), cleaned up more poop, and has put up with my exhaustion, panic, and more. He has been splendid.
Maternity Clothes: I'll admit it. I'm not liking what I've seen so far. So, it is distressing for me to realize that mass maternity clothing arena is trying to force the whole "mom-look" on me. I'm not buying it. At all. Literally and figuratively. Needless to say, when Cindy takes me shopping...I hope she is prepared for the bundle of emotions called her grandchild's mom.
The absence of my Mom: I could write an entire blog about this, but I'm not. Let it suffice to say that I miss my Mom's insight like crazy, but that my dad has been wonderful in answering all my genetic questions and a great group of friends (Jamie, Lisa, in particular) have been wonderful support in making me feel more normal.
I get paranoid. In the middle of my excitement, my processing, my planning, I get paranoid. I get paranoid of what I'm eating - will I birth a "15 pound baby" due to my diet? (That is not a comforting thought). I get paranoid about a lot of things. But, I'm learning to take things one day at a time. And, that is difficult for me. The daily, YES DAILY, change of my body and smells and cravings and more leave me stressed out. But, I'm learning to relax.
Thank you all so much for your encouragement and just all around incredible comments! My energy is lacking - hence the silence, but I miss you all a lot, readers, so I'm trying to make a come-back. Plus, we have a ton to discuss too! Stay tuned!
My Baby's Daddy: Ben has been incredible. I mean, he is always wonderful, but he has taken his wonderfulness to a whole new level. This week alone he has - cleaned the house, washed dishes, cleaned up dog poop, did all the laundry, arranged for our move (details to come soon!), cleaned up more poop, and has put up with my exhaustion, panic, and more. He has been splendid.
Maternity Clothes: I'll admit it. I'm not liking what I've seen so far. So, it is distressing for me to realize that mass maternity clothing arena is trying to force the whole "mom-look" on me. I'm not buying it. At all. Literally and figuratively. Needless to say, when Cindy takes me shopping...I hope she is prepared for the bundle of emotions called her grandchild's mom.
The absence of my Mom: I could write an entire blog about this, but I'm not. Let it suffice to say that I miss my Mom's insight like crazy, but that my dad has been wonderful in answering all my genetic questions and a great group of friends (Jamie, Lisa, in particular) have been wonderful support in making me feel more normal.
I get paranoid. In the middle of my excitement, my processing, my planning, I get paranoid. I get paranoid of what I'm eating - will I birth a "15 pound baby" due to my diet? (That is not a comforting thought). I get paranoid about a lot of things. But, I'm learning to take things one day at a time. And, that is difficult for me. The daily, YES DAILY, change of my body and smells and cravings and more leave me stressed out. But, I'm learning to relax.
Thank you all so much for your encouragement and just all around incredible comments! My energy is lacking - hence the silence, but I miss you all a lot, readers, so I'm trying to make a come-back. Plus, we have a ton to discuss too! Stay tuned!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Who is Beating Who?
About a week ago, I got a call from my dad. At 7:45am. My Dad is one of those great Dads who is always there, checks up on you, and is the most laid-back and consistent person I know. He also has a GREAT sense of humor.
Back to my story.
"Hello?" Only my Dad can call me THAT early.
"Hey Bethany! I have this great idea." I did too...where is that cup of coffee?
"Okay?"
"Why don't you set up a basketball bracket? It would be a hoot."
(translation: you don't know SQUAT about basketball or basketball brackets, for that matter! This will be the PERFECT opportunity for both your sports-lovin' dad and husband to LAUGH at your expense)
"What? Why would I do that?"
"Because it would be GREAT!" (read translation again)
"Okay...Where do I do this?" I couldn't believe I was considering this.
"Ask Ben. He'll tell you."
(translation: this the PERFECT way for your husband to know and be prepared to laugh AT you.)
The phone call ended. I went to work. I kept thinking about the basketball bracket. I know nothing about basketball: fouls - say what? Are those referrees or umpires? I can't tell. They always wear black and white. How do I know which team color to cheer for? Turnovers? I thought that was a food? How many points? 2? 3? 1? Is it innings? quarters or halves? I hate math. I hate basketball.
It's ridiculous that I even considered this. But I did. And, with Ben's step-by-step help, I filled out my very own bracket. My method was simple. Since I didn't have time to go through to look at each team's school colors, I went by their school name. Oh...Villanova? Sounds European. Check! You get to move on up in the bracket. Lehigh? Sounds mysterious! Yes! You will beat out Kansas State. Vanderbilt? Sounds sooo academia. Okay, you will make it to the Final Four (whatever...that...is).
Then, much to my Dad's and husband's surprise...my bracket started beating theirs. Look who is laughing now, boys! And, much to my surprise, my bracket was really strong...Seems my method wasn't such a bad idea after-all.
Now, my Dad and Ben are chatting with me about basketball. Like I know it all. "Hey, did you see that play? Man, oh man! That was awesome! Second overtime? You've.GOT.to.be.kidding.me?!?!?" I try not to give-away my "I don't have a clue what you are talking about" reaction. But, really, we all know what they are really leading up to is - "So...what is your most recent bracket point?"
Back to my story.
"Hello?" Only my Dad can call me THAT early.
"Hey Bethany! I have this great idea." I did too...where is that cup of coffee?
"Okay?"
"Why don't you set up a basketball bracket? It would be a hoot."
(translation: you don't know SQUAT about basketball or basketball brackets, for that matter! This will be the PERFECT opportunity for both your sports-lovin' dad and husband to LAUGH at your expense)
"What? Why would I do that?"
"Because it would be GREAT!" (read translation again)
"Okay...Where do I do this?" I couldn't believe I was considering this.
"Ask Ben. He'll tell you."
(translation: this the PERFECT way for your husband to know and be prepared to laugh AT you.)
The phone call ended. I went to work. I kept thinking about the basketball bracket. I know nothing about basketball: fouls - say what? Are those referrees or umpires? I can't tell. They always wear black and white. How do I know which team color to cheer for? Turnovers? I thought that was a food? How many points? 2? 3? 1? Is it innings? quarters or halves? I hate math. I hate basketball.
It's ridiculous that I even considered this. But I did. And, with Ben's step-by-step help, I filled out my very own bracket. My method was simple. Since I didn't have time to go through to look at each team's school colors, I went by their school name. Oh...Villanova? Sounds European. Check! You get to move on up in the bracket. Lehigh? Sounds mysterious! Yes! You will beat out Kansas State. Vanderbilt? Sounds sooo academia. Okay, you will make it to the Final Four (whatever...that...is).
Then, much to my Dad's and husband's surprise...my bracket started beating theirs. Look who is laughing now, boys! And, much to my surprise, my bracket was really strong...Seems my method wasn't such a bad idea after-all.
Now, my Dad and Ben are chatting with me about basketball. Like I know it all. "Hey, did you see that play? Man, oh man! That was awesome! Second overtime? You've.GOT.to.be.kidding.me?!?!?" I try not to give-away my "I don't have a clue what you are talking about" reaction. But, really, we all know what they are really leading up to is - "So...what is your most recent bracket point?"
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