As a dad you get a new perspective on life. There are things that you become familiar with due to having a child (or children). Here's a list of things that I know now (or know more about) due to my kids.
1.
There are more than 5 types of dinosaurs. My oldest son, Jackson, is (according to himself) a "dino-expert." He loves dinosaurs and knows a lot about them...even how to pronounce their names.
2.
Getting up at 6:30 can be considered sleeping in. Unfortunately ALL my kids are early risers. Generally they are awake in the 5 o'clock hour. Sometimes we are lucky in that our youngest will "sleep in" while the older two will get up and watch TV, as Jackson is very proficient in using the DVR remote.
3.
My list of shows recorded are mostly kid shows. Every parent gets familiar with popular kid shows. My kids love Backyardigans, Curious George, Wild Kratts, The Penguins of Madagascar, and Dino Dan to name a few.
4.
Formula is crazy expensive and doesn't last very long. My wife breast fed all of our children, except a few weeks towards the end with our oldest. Couldn't believe how much money we spent for just a few weeks.
5.
You can get sick of going to McDonald's. I remember my dad telling me he hated going to McDonald's because we went there so often growing up. I thought back then, "How can going to eat at McDonald's get old?" I now know it is possible.
6.
A dinner with just my wife seems foreign. Every now and again my wife and I will go out to eat, just the two of us. We are so use to being preoccupied by our children, that without them we are just sitting there...looking at each other...thinking, "Oh yeah, this is what it was like!" We love our kids, but it is nice to have a break.
7.
Nap time is GOLDEN! Especially with 3 kids, one being a baby. Usually they all start their naps at the same time. On a good day, they all sleep for 2+ hours. A little peace of mind...especially when you've lost half of it in the morning.
8.
Coming home from work is my favorite part of my day. For the last few years, when I get home from work I am greeted with, "DADDY'S HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" They run to me and give me hugs. Will is now old enough to where he, too, will walk over and want me to hold him and he'll give me hugs or pats on the back. I know this stage will end at some point, but I'm loving it now.
9.
You really can love all your kids the same. Growing up you ask your parents, "Who do you love the most?" thinking, of course, you already know the answer. Then they tell you, "I love you all the same." Now as a parent, I understand. I can't imagine life without one of them. I would miss them all the same. I love them equally. I love them unconditionally.
10.
God's love is unconditional. It's hard to grasp the concept of unconditional love, until you love someone unconditionally. God made us and wants a relationship with us, and loves us...He is our Father. Kind of like how I love my kids and want a relationship with them. And all they have to do for me to love them is...breathe.
