Court dropped a hard realization on me this week. Lady A turned two in August, and she's as smart as ever. Maybe too smart.
From her birth I've tried to be overly involved. I've always wanted to take on responsibility for raising her. I've taken her out to eat on my own, to sporting events on my own, shopping, the park, etc. I've also always tried to give Courtney time to herself by spending time with Lady A.
Courtney continues to manage so much on her plate with working and going to school. We are also very happy and proud to announce she is pregnant again.
So while Courtney takes on the "trifecta" of being pregnant, school and working ... Again ... I realize now it is time to go from "Daddy" to "Father." This hit home the other evening when Court was talking to me. I was slowly slipping into the land of million dollar dreams, but I heard every word she said.
Maybe I've been more lenient with our little girl. Maybe I'm ok with her getting away with this and that. Or at least, I have been. I'm also the guy who gets so irritated when someone else's child doesn't know how to act in public.
So it's my turn to be a "Father." Fathers love, but they also teach. Lady A is a wonderful child. We are so fortunate to have her in our lives. Her energy and enthusiasm for life is inspiring, and she's only two. I love my daughter, but I also realize her ability to adjust to the world can start now.
Fathers teach you about life. They may be stern, they may be loving, they may be harsh, but they mean the best for you.
I'm sure Court thought I was tuning her out the other night. Far from it. It hit me directly in the stomach, and I know she is right. My role as a parent has been pretty easy so far, but now it is time to grow up ... Again.
From Daddy to Father begins now. I'll always be both to my little girl, but I believe one might be more important than the other.