I think it is safe to say that now I am a veteran father. When my mother went to get me a Father's Day card this year, she originally purchased a "Happy First Father's Day!" card, forgetting that I am long past my first Father's Day and now, even my second Father's Day is behind me.
Speaking as veteran father, I thought it would be good to share some of the lesser known benefits I have discovered as a father. Sure, I figured there would be laughs and smiles, hugs and kisses, and such, but there are other benefits that usually don't make the baby books, such as...
No, It's My Toy Too!
Hannah has brought into our lives not only joy and laughs, but lots of new toys as well. Some are really cool. Take for instance the Ernie and Duckie boat that you wind the propeller up and watch it motor around the pool or tub. I would be lying if I said I didn't try it out during my bath time. Or the no spill bubbles Hannah got for a birthday present. They really won't spill...how do they do that! Bubbles are a lot of fun...especially in the house (Dana lets us play with them in the house! What a fun mommy!). Have you ever seen how big a bubble you can blow using a bubble wand? Or tried to catch a bubble on your tongue without popping it? Lots of fun! I can't wait for her next birthday!
End of the Sickness Mystery
In the old days, Dana or I would get sick, then pass it to the other person, and all the while a mystery would remain concerning who the evil person was who passed the bug to us. Well, wonder no more! Now that we have the human petri dish, we have found the source of all sickness in the Olson household. (Well, I suppose not all sickness can be attributed to her, but let's not get caught up in the details.) It is like Hannah was trying to get every form of sickness out of the way the first year! Not fun! Oh well, at least no more sleepness nights wondering who got us sick. Now its just sleepless nights caring for the one who got us sick.
Morning, Sunshine!
Remember when your mom or dad used to wake you up for school or for some other reason, and you hated that. My dad used to use the smoke alarm sometimes. Testing the smoke alarm that early in the morning should be illegal. The could call it "Daryl's Law." Well, revenge growing up was not a good idea. I don't think it would have went over too well to use the smoke alarm to rouse dad. So, all that pent up revenge sat for years....until now. Every once in awhile we need to wake Hannah up instead of letting her wake up on her own. Now I don't use the smoke alarm, but I must admit it is kind of fun to be the parent in this situation. I come in and speak gently to her, but boy is she a grump! I should feel bad, I suppose, but instead I fill a tinge of closure. My time has come...maybe Daryl's Law should stay off the books for now.
Tolerance for Grossity
When I got into this fatherhood thing, I knew there would be diaper issues, snotty noses, etc.. Not a ton of fun, but definitely provides a lesser known benefit - a higher tolerance for all things gross. I was in a bathroom at work the other day with a less than desirable toilet situation. Now the normal guy might not have been able to handle it, but I've dealt with worse. When you have been peed on a couple of times, what's a dirty bathroom?
As I venture forward towards my third Father's Day (with three Father's Days under my belt, what will that make me? What comes after "veteran"?), I am sure that more side benefits will come to light. But right now, I'm just going to sit back and enjoy the bubbles. Maybe you should pick up a bottle too.
- Daryl
1 comment:
Speaking of "Daryl's Law":
My dad used to throw my sneakers up the stairway to land very noisily in the hallway outside my room to wake me up. Mind you there was no carpet to be found so it often did the trick!
When it didn't however, he resorted (with enthusiasm) to blowing on a cow horn. Think of the people of Israel surrounding Jericho blowing their horns! Ya get the idea? :o)
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