My Father's Day weekend was packed. I'm just now getting a little free time to sit down and write about it. First of all, I'm so humbled to be invited back to Allie's blog. It's a treat to put my thoughts out there for the internet to look on and judge. Anyway, as I was saying, my weekend was packed. On Friday night, we had reservations on a pub crawler. On Saturday morning, I had a paintballing trip with friends from work. Saturday night, we got invited to a party at our friends' house. On Sunday morning, I couldn't wait to celebrate Father's Day by going nuts at Magnolia Cafe and eating some pancakes that would make me blush and probably make me question the actual versus perceived size of my stomach. We just finished eating some pizza for dinner, which I've been jonesin' for about a month now. And now, my watch begins... well, in about two-and-a-half hours... my Game of Thrones finale watch begins. I shall take no wives and father no children... or one of each, and I shall shovel ice cream down my throat.
Well, I'd like to say that's how my weekend went down. About twenty percent of it is true. I just ate some pizza, and I'll definitely be simultaneously watching Game of Thrones and spooning out embarrassing amounts of ice cream into my gullet. In actuality, a large portion of my Father's Day weekend was spent like this:
Ah, the joys of parenting -- finer moments, not displayed
Apologies for the incoming rant in stream-of-consciousness format.
On Friday morning, Grace had a runny nose. Nothing to speak of, really. The day rolled on, and Grace developed a fever. My mid-afternoon, it was decided that Allie would get a night out since I'd have a Saturday morning to myself. When it came time for Allie to actually leave the house, Grace was screaming inconsolably with a 103+ temperature. I guess she's not going out either. We spent Friday night at the pediatrician's office (we were told that she looked fine and it was probably the beginnings of a simple cold).
The following morning, I made the decision (with much resistance from Allie) to stay at home and help out with Grace since the fever wasn't getting much better. I wasn't feeling too hot, either. However, Allie and I did get a chance to run a marathon session of the second season of Orange is the New Black in between Grace's random crying fits. Saturday night rolled around, and Grace finally gave in to actual sleep. Her on-and-off "sleep" throughout the day was being passed between Allie and me huddled between a blanket and a chest or stomach. We were relieved that she found some comfort in her own, slightly-elevated bed.
On Sunday morning, we did get a little bit of relief. I still felt pretty crappy, BUT Grace slept until about 5 a.m. in her bed, and she managed to sleep in our bed until a little after 6. After that, Allie's parents brought bagels and Starbucks over to the house. I'll never complain about that. The rest of the day was spent trying to keep Grace entertained and/or not crying while watching a DVR'd Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony or World Cup coverage.
Now, I know a lot of people are thinking, "Suck it up, you got yourself into this, and [so-and-so] has it much worse." You're right. I'd like to say it's super easy being a dad all the time, and the joys of being a father always outweighs the relatively mild sacrifices you'll have to make along the way. Well, the scales don't always tip in your favor. Sometimes, your kid will get sick... and then get you sick... all while splatting a dirty diaper on your previously-perceived jam-packed and exciting weekend plans. That happens.
HOWEVER (thank God he got to the "HOWEVER", right?), I spent the entire weekend feeling worried about someone that I love so much and couldn't possibly imagine my life without now. I spent half of my day on Saturday with Grace draped across my chest, a place that she hasn't used for rest in probably a year. It gave me a chance to reflect on the wild journey fatherhood has been and how much I've changed in the past 16-17 months. I have a world of fear and hurt ahead of me, but I have even more love and pride and joy awaiting me in Grace's coming lifespan. And I can't wait for it. I'm so proud to be Grace's father on this day.
Somewhat finer moment in parenting history
Now, I hear Grace crying downstairs with Allie during mealtime. She's still not 100%, but she's getting better.
I love reading your blog posts!
ReplyDeleteFeel better grace!