Why I Love Being A Dad

I’ve officially been a dad to this little munchkin for five months now and it’s been the most amazing treat!

Truth be told, I’ve been so busy experiencing parenthood that I’ve had little time to reflect on the deep joys of the parenting journey. This blog is an attempt to reconcile that. What follows are a few of the things that I love about being a dad.

1) I love that she loves.

I know I’ve mentioned something like this before, but I just can’t get over how delightful Naemi’s smile is. Judy and I sneak into her bedroom each morning just so we can catch her joyful face as she coos in her crib. The instant she spots us, she lights up with a cheek-to-cheek grin and you can tell in those moments that (however much it’s possible for her) she loves.

I don’t know how that’s possible, but it’s true.

2) I love that she grows.

I remember back to when Naemi was only weeks old and couldn’t do a single thing for herself – save voiding her bowels. Now she sits up, plays with toys, rolls back and forth, babbles, etc. While these advancements make me a little bit sad, I also can’t help but feel so much love for her. What an amazing process! Growth and development is a beautiful reality to watch unfold.

3) I love that she relates.

While Naemi’s social life is understandably limited, Judy still makes sure that Naemi gets time with other little munchkins. It’s the coolest thing to watch her stare at her little friends and try with all her might to “talk” to them. What’s going on inside her little mind? What does she want to talk with her little peeps about? Breastfeeding? Bright colors? Dad’s dorky faces? Whatever it is, her spark of interest in others and desire to communicate always warms my heart.

4) I love that she sleeps.

I know a lot of moms might read this one and hate me, but give me a chance to explain! J While Naemi does sleep “reasonably” well (I’m afraid to jinx it!), I’m referring more to the manner in which she sleeps: peacefully. There’s nothing like a cute little munchkin sleeping in her crib. Soft cheeks. Serene expression. Relaxed arms and legs. I love it! Judy and I both actually do. So much so, in fact, that we often sneak into her bedroom before we go to bed just so we can look at her.

I’m so grateful to be a dad. It feels simultaneously like the hardest and easiest thing in the world. Perhaps some of you dads know what I mean when I say that.

Here’s to the future and all the memories to come!