We’re all set for the induction tomorrow; we’ve got the bags packed (”Car seats set up?” “Check.” “DVD’s for Kimberly?” “Check.” “Book for me?” “Check.”), Lily’s being taken care of, and I just got finished dusting everything, vacuuming the house, and cleaning the bathrooms. whew… and you know how I feel about cleaning!
One thing that won’t be happening is the pictures of the, um, er… “privates”, as the baby comes out. We hate that; so all the pictures taken will be of the baby after he’s out. What? You think I’m running a porn site or something?
So I’m excited, Kimberly’s nervous, and we’re both a bit antsy. I guess that’s to be expected. Since we’re having a boy, I’m thinking about playing catch, gaming, and teaching him how to fish… you know: man stuff. Kimberly, of course, is coming to grips with the fact that a living object the size of a watermelon will soon be coming out of something of hers that is not the size of a watermelon; hence her nervousness. You know, the usual things people go through before a child is born. Honestly though; even if the ultrasound was wrong and we’re having a girl; I could care less… as long as the baby is safe, healthy, and in my arms. Of course, we’ll have to do some returns/exchanges (heh) for some of the baby clothes we got at the shower(s); but at least we already have a girls name picked out: “Jasmine Christine”.
So yeah… I’m about to be a father. It’s sort of surreal. Not “Salvador Dali” surreal; but more like dreamy/fantasy surreal. I was really nervous for years about taking this step, but at long last I think I’m ready for it. I didn’t want to just fall into being a father. I had such a great example of what a father should be in my own dad that, I wanted to make sure I was in a place in my life and in myself that I could give my own child the love, patience, and nurturing I had growing up. And not from just my father… I had great parents; truly great parents. I am a hell of a lucky guy to not only have parents who loved each other and loved me, but who were so very tolerant and understanding of my every dream, goal, and fantasy, no matter how ridiculous and/or faddish, and who would let me explore as much or as little of life as I wanted. Everything from guitar lessons at 5, soccer (1 whole game!), drum and bugle corps, games, books… everything. Of course, I didn’t realize how lucky I was back then, but I certainly do now. And I hope I can give Evan what I had growing up.