When people find out you are having a baby, especially your first, people are very willing to share with you things you will be. Exhausted, unable to go out when you want. Things will never be the same blah blah blah...

What no one seems to tell you is what you will not be. It turns out the things you will not be are pretty darn cool. I wonder why it is that everyone seems to focus on the other side of the coin. Before you have your child you and your spouse will spend countless hours (days, months) thinking about what it is going to be like. You will probably read some books about becoming a parent. If you are hear reading I can be pretty sure that probably did a little (lots) of research on the internet.

It turns out, we didn't have to, but we did...

The first thing that you will not be afraid of is making the wrong choices. Oh, you will second guess yourself quite often but what I have found is that becoming a parent gives you a certain clarity about what to do. Maybe it is just that I have always been able to decide and move along but that doesn't feel quite right. What it seems like is that when it comes to your child your brain kicks into some previously unused state that allows for thinking, "What is best for the kid." Lists start scrolling down and possible choices highlight. Options are pared down until there is a clear path.

It only takes moments and you might not realize you even did this...

Going hand in hand with this is the concern that you will not know what to do. The speed at which you start to understand the different signals that a child gives you is simple amazing. At first you wonder, "Will I know what my child wants when they cry?" This vanishes with amazing speed until you know inside that it is a new diaper, or food, or just to be held for a bit so that the little one can feel you near.

To hear the sound of your voice as you soothe them. To feel your heart beating against their ear as they curl up on your chest and rest with eyes open. To see you when you are not looking at them. You just feel these things.

They don't tell you that when your baby is looking at you suddenly you look down and your eyes lock...

You know, the more I think of these things the more I realize a very simple truth. It is not that people don't tell you, it is that they cannot tell you. There are things that you just have to feel for yourself.

Such is parenthood.
Such is life.

Enjoy yours...