Sunday, October 12, 2008

A New Chapter...

Just three short weeks before my fifth birthday I became an uncle for the first time. That nephew, just celebrated a birthday and now has two little boys of his own. His younger sister (who, incidentally, was born the day after my 9th birthday) is expecting her first child this coming January (she's already learned it's going to be a little boy).

I remember when I was in Day Care I always enjoyed playing house. I really liked playing the husband/father. And it's funny to think that long before I figured out what I wanted to do with my life professionally, I KNEW I wanted to be a father. I don't know whether it was looking after and playing with my various nieces and nephews and watching them grow up, or the fact that I was the youngest of six, but I had the overwhelming desire to be the big brother, not the little brother.

A few weeks ago, my wife & I found out that we're going to be parents. It was no big surprise that this news was met with pure tears of joy from me. I've even started reading to the little one even though I know he/she can't hear me yet... I figure, I can get plenty of practice between now and then.

We've been stocking up for awhile now, clothes, childrens books, stuffed animals-- things like that. We haven't started with the large purchases yet. Yesterday as we were looking at cribs and bedding I felt myself tearing up a bit again as I turned on a small mobile they had on display with little koalas and kangaroos on it. The thought that in less than a year I'll be winding up a little mobile for a little son or daughter totally floored me.

The thought of being a father, to put it mildly, is completely overwhelming but in the best possible way. Never before in my life has there been a day I've looked forward to more than the birth of my little one.

9 comments:

dantallion said...

Well that is extraordinary, beautiful, life-changing news indeed. I really couldn't be happier for you. My sincerest congrats to you and to the Mrs. I suspect you're going to make a fantastic Dad.

Unknown said...

No greater fear - no greater joy. Congrats, my man. It's a long road ahead, but the best journey you'll ever have.

BeckEye said...

Aw, congratulations!

BeckEye said...

Aw, congratulations!!

Susan as Herself said...

WOW!!! That's huge! Congratulations! I raise a glass to you and your wife, and toast your little family!

Snooze said...

That child is lucky to already be so loved. Congratulations!!!!

Jeff said...

Congratulations, that's great news. The best of luck to ya!

awareness said...

Darrin, that's wonderful news. My husband and I felt exactly the same way.

Paul said it best....no greater fear, no greater joy.

It runs the gamut of emotions every single day! :) But, honestly the most predominant one? You will know what a melting heart feels like. It's bliss.

Jay Noel said...

Good for you, buddy! This is fantastic news. If you want some practice, I've got three little ones you can borrow.

I look forward to all the posts leading up to the big day.