From Lad to Dad

Me: "So do you want to have kids some day?"
Him: "Yeah"
Me: "Me too. One to start with but I'd rather not have an only child"
Him: "Sounds good"


That's probably how our first do-you-want-kids conversation went. We were perhaps kids ourselves, being in our very early 20's. But that was how we rolled. Some years later (although not enough according to most people) we got married. Ah wedded bliss. Life was good. We were a united front facing the world with a drink in hand, still in our early 20's.


Me: "Do you think it's time we started trying to have a baby?"
Him: "Nah we don't want to rush it, let's wait a few more years"

Me: "Nope, I really feel like we should start trying now. Who knows how long it'll take? I'd rather start now than put it off in case there is any problems."

Him: "I really think we should wait a few years"

Me: "Ok, here's the deal. Because we can't decide and I want to start and you don't, I'm going off the pill now. Any protection is up to you. Deal? Ok.

That was probably our second (and most important do-you-want-kids conversation. It was about 2 months later that I was pregnant with Ava,  and Patrick was on the fast track from Lad to Dad.

Now almost 6 years on from that conversation, Patrick is daddy to Ava and Lily and has adapted to his new role brilliantly. He is an expert tea party host, wonderful pack horse for piggy back rides, general funny man at kids birthday parties, (un)willing victim recipient of makeovers and manicures, story teller, chief swing pusher, the most sparkly queen of the princess fairies and biggest bear hugger.

And even though both girls just covered a bedroom in baby lotion, smearing it on every available surface, and I just lost my shit big time, Patrick still manages to be the calm voice of reason offering cuddles to all, discipline to those who require it, and assistance cleaning up. On Father's Day. Whatta guy!

So Happy Father's Day to you, Patrick, and to all the other dads, step-dads, adopted dads, dad fill-ins, grandads and father figures in our lives.



Happy Father's Day!