FACT: being a father wouldn't be so hard if it weren't for those meddling kids. 1999 was the year I became a Dad for the first time. My daughter was born that March, and boy, was I not ready. I'm not sure if anyone ever is truly ready to become a parent. But that first time I gazed into the eyes of the perfect little person that I just helped bring into the world, I had a feeling of wonderment and awe that changed me forever. And just as I was finally getting comfortable with it all, another thought slowly creeped into my head: holy smokes, I better not screw this up.But if you think about it, they come into the world relatively perfect -- a blank slate. After reading the book "The Expectant Father" cover to cover at least 3 times, I did not recall it having a chapter on "A Guide to Ensuring Your Baby Stays Perfect." So I was resigned to the fact that all I could do is try my best to screw the kid up as minimally as possible. And a funny thing happened along the way: as time went on and I was trying really hard not to screw the first kid up, someone thought it was a good idea to throw a few other kids into the mix. Three more to be exact: and boys to boot. While I know I have been extremely blessed, sometimes it's like, dude, what was I thinking? There have been times when I have fooled myself into believing I had the parenting thing down. Don't drop them on their heads -- check. Teach them to ride a bike -- check. Teach them to snow ski -- check. Teach them to despise Justin Bieber -- check. Potty training? Not so much. Having patience with teen angst? I suck. Dealing with boyfriends? Hells no. Oh, and I have totally forgotten to move the damn Elf on the Shelf countless times over the years (a few times on purpose) when it was my turn to move him. This Father's Day, however, is a bit of a celebration and a milestone in our house. That little person, the one who first made me a Dad in 1999, was dropped at her college of choice for orientation this past week. She will be officially graduating high school next week. In September she will be on campus starting the next chapter of her life. And while I have made countless mistakes as her Dad, it turns out I haven't completely screwed her up. She's bright. She's talented. She's a good person. She's her own person. Even though the work of a parent never really ends, I find myself in awe and wonderment once again.So here's to the fellow Dads out there this weekend. It's a hard job trying not to screw kids up. I hope you are fortunate to be able to celebrate your kids and have pride in their triumphs whether they be large or small. We should acknowledge their failures too -- but just be sure to blame those on their mothers. It is Father's Day after all.Enjoy your weekend everyone.XOXODave
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Friends of Dave #25: Partying Like It's 1999
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FACT: being a father wouldn't be so hard if it weren't for those meddling kids. 1999 was the year I became a Dad for the first time. My daughter was born that March, and boy, was I not ready. I'm not sure if anyone ever is truly ready to become a parent. But that first time I gazed into the eyes of the perfect little person that I just helped bring into the world, I had a feeling of wonderment and awe that changed me forever. And just as I was finally getting comfortable with it all, another thought slowly creeped into my head: holy smokes, I better not screw this up.But if you think about it, they come into the world relatively perfect -- a blank slate. After reading the book "The Expectant Father" cover to cover at least 3 times, I did not recall it having a chapter on "A Guide to Ensuring Your Baby Stays Perfect." So I was resigned to the fact that all I could do is try my best to screw the kid up as minimally as possible. And a funny thing happened along the way: as time went on and I was trying really hard not to screw the first kid up, someone thought it was a good idea to throw a few other kids into the mix. Three more to be exact: and boys to boot. While I know I have been extremely blessed, sometimes it's like, dude, what was I thinking? There have been times when I have fooled myself into believing I had the parenting thing down. Don't drop them on their heads -- check. Teach them to ride a bike -- check. Teach them to snow ski -- check. Teach them to despise Justin Bieber -- check. Potty training? Not so much. Having patience with teen angst? I suck. Dealing with boyfriends? Hells no. Oh, and I have totally forgotten to move the damn Elf on the Shelf countless times over the years (a few times on purpose) when it was my turn to move him. This Father's Day, however, is a bit of a celebration and a milestone in our house. That little person, the one who first made me a Dad in 1999, was dropped at her college of choice for orientation this past week. She will be officially graduating high school next week. In September she will be on campus starting the next chapter of her life. And while I have made countless mistakes as her Dad, it turns out I haven't completely screwed her up. She's bright. She's talented. She's a good person. She's her own person. Even though the work of a parent never really ends, I find myself in awe and wonderment once again.So here's to the fellow Dads out there this weekend. It's a hard job trying not to screw kids up. I hope you are fortunate to be able to celebrate your kids and have pride in their triumphs whether they be large or small. We should acknowledge their failures too -- but just be sure to blame those on their mothers. It is Father's Day after all.Enjoy your weekend everyone.XOXODave