austin-moms-blog-stepping-into-fatherhood

This is my first Father’s Day as a dad. My daughter, Tiffany, is two and a half going on three. Her mother, Mariah, and I met a little over a year ago. We may not be married yet, but we are partners. And together, the three of us make a family.

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I met Tiffany when she was a little older than a year and a half. The very first time that Mariah left us alone together was memorable. We played outside, we went swimming in the pool, we talked and laughed a lot. I tuckered her out so she’d be ready for a nap. I also took photos throughout the whole thing and sent them to mama so that she knew everything was okay. The last photo I sent that day was of Tiffany all tucked in and smiling just before naptime. I shut the door, went to the couch, and got comfortable for a nap of my own.

The next thing I knew I was groggily waking up from a deep sleep to the sound of a toddler screaming in the next room. “What time is it? What is that screaming? Tiffany??!” I ran to the bedroom to see what happened and as I opened the door the smell hit me. Tiffany was screaming at the top of her lungs and there was poop EVERYWHERE.

I repeat: POOP WAS EVERYWHERE.

It was like some kind of hazy-filmed horror scene. Poop hand-prints on the sheets. Bloodshot crying eyes. The shrill scream of terror as she sat unable to clean her inexplicably poop covered hands.

That day, our first day together, I knew what I was in for.

Before Mariah and Tiffany came into my life I was single and self-employed. My days were always work, whiskey, and outdoor time. I biked to work downtown, stayed as many hours as I needed to in order to get the job done, and then promptly headed home so that I could enjoy the day playing disc golf, going swimming, or just generally acting on my whim. I did what I want when I wanted. In a word, I was free. After Mariah and Tiffany there changes. Poopie diapers as previously mentioned, bedtimes, crying, refusing food, or heaven forbid a thorn from a rose bush (“Rosegate 2014”). So why give up “being free” for an instant family?

2014 09 12Stepping into fatherhood means a lot of added responsibility, but it comes with some of the best life-changing perks available in the human experience.

Tiffany has changed my life. In turn, I get to change hers. I have the opportunity to teach her everything I’ve learned. We talk about her day, we go for family hikes, we beatbox and sing together, we dance and we swim together. I get to watch this beautiful little miracle child grow up! I taught her how to say her own name and I’ll never forget her sitting on my shoulders on a walk to Zilker repeating after me, “I am Tiffany.” She blows my mind. Even better? I’ll get to know her for the rest of my life.

I know parents get sentimental when talking about their children as young kids. I’m sure I will, too. I don’t care who you are, when your toddler hugs you and says “I love you, Daddy” in her sweet little toddler voice it’s game over. Honestly, though, I’m looking forward to all of it. This little human and I will continue to grow closer and we will get to make memories for decades to come.

I love my family. I love being a dad. Stepping into fatherhood may have been my best decision yet.

So here’s to my first Father’s Day. I’m excited for many more.

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1 COMMENT

  1. Robert,
    You are truely the best Daddy a Sugamama (aka grandma) could ever ask for! Thank you for the laughs. Thank you for being a Protector. And thank you for providing for them.
    One relieved Mom and Sugamama.

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