Fatherhood 2.0

Hey Gusby,

About 12 years ago, you decided in your ultimate wisdom to gift me with a child to raise, and for that, I thank you. I'd be lying if I said it has been easy, but I'd also be lying if I said it wasn't worth it.

Being a father has been the single-most rewarding thing I've ever done. Especially when my child asks me to do something that I have absolutely no idea how to do. It's moments like those when I realize that he thinks the world of me, that I'm his own personal Superman. I know it's not going to last forever, but with my beautiful wife carrying my second child, I can certainly extend the process.

And that's what this is really about, child 2.0.

Though words are feeble, and entirely incapable of accurately expressing my feelings on the matter, they are the only medium in which I feel qualified working. So here goes:

I am in love. In love with my charming and sexy wife, who expends as much effort on a daily basis as a professional weight-lifter, to grow this new little person. In love with the endless possibilities who this new person is and might become. In love with the situation that has developed to allow me to stay home with the latest Luopa addition.

In all of my years, nothing in my life has been as rewarding as what I am currently doing. The white-collar work, the blue-collar work, even the education I have (which I value quite highly)... None of it can compare to the feeling of complete rightness I experience every day now.

I still find it incredibly difficult to believe that I have again participated in the miracle of creating human life, even when I walk into what will be her room and see the little crib, and purple walls, hand-made quilt and books and toys. I know she's coming, but how is it possible that I had something to do with it?

With this child, things will be very different from the first time. I will be in her life in a major way, on a daily basis; able to play with her, teach her, grow with her. I will be there to laugh every time she falls down, before picking her up and surrounding her with warmth and safety. I will be there to see her first steps, hear her first words, see her reaction when she tastes a lemon for the first time. I will see her first tooth, and be there for her first haircut.

I am excited to perfect my pony-tail-making skills, to learn how to put hair in curlers (because apparently that's important), to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with the crusts cut off and made into smiley faces. I am eager to attend dance recitals, and gymnastics classes, and science fairs. I cannot wait to re-experience the world through the eyes of one of it's youngest participants, when a walk in the park becomes an introduction to something never previously seen.

Thank you, Gusby, for everything.