To say that I’ve been busy is an understatement. In the past month I have painted my son’s room, built his crib, assembled the custom rocking chair, and put together his transforming-hotrod-stroller. Adding room to grow in the basement, I had our entire storage unit custom-fitted with shelving. For peace of mind I had a home security system installed.
(Photo Credit: Wools)
All that and I am still not done.
Before I am through, I will have to make a decision about which of our health insurance plans to choose, which pediatrician to entrust our son, decide on a nanny or daycare — including interviews or enrollment, and purchase a new bed with storage built-in to hold [my] clothes.
If I procrastinate too long I will also have to file taxes, brain-fried and all — two-weeks after he is born.
Why mention any of this? Despite everything I have to get done, I am truly excited about the day my son will be born. I embrace each of these tasks with the understanding that every move I make now, will have an impact on his life from the moment he arrives. I have been responsible for other peoples lives before, but not nearly as much as I will be — beginning this Spring.
It is an awesome and naturally overwhelming thing to be aware of. But I am not afraid.
That is not the case for everyone. So, my question is simple — what is there to be afraid of? I ask because there seems to be an unspoken and understood sentiment amongst fathers that we should somehow be afraid. Is this the reason a lot of people have declared your life is over and you are not ready or the often heard forget about having any fun?
I have heard a lot of advice in the past 7-months; most of which I turn a deaf ear towards, because I am not them and vice-versa; and I am not convinced that any of the fear mongering I’ve heard actually makes sense.
Many seem to be confused about which way is up. Maybe I am being naive — or maybe fathers share this sentiment because they weren’t ready to begin with? In my opinion, fear should not enter into the picture where our children are concerned. If we are afraid of life, won’t our children also learn to be?
