An update on being a father
Submitted by Michael on Wed, 10/15/2008 - 02:41.
My son, Dylan, turned 11 weeks old on Monday. Wow! I can't believe it! I'm flabbergasted at how quickly he's growing and changing.
He's moved into the stage where he's very awake and wide-eyed, taking everything in. He's has a smile that melts my heart and makes us giggle. Of course, I'll do anything to get a smile out of him, including la-la-la-ing, bo-bo-bop-ing, and dancing a jig. It usually works. I get a huge grin and a coo out of him and I'm satisfied for at least 5 minutes.
Being a father is such a joy!
I always knew I wanted to be a father. Cancer put a bit of a damper on things in my 20's. There was a possibility that the chemo would make me sterile, a challenge many young men face when they decide to go for chemo or radiation.
I remember after being diagnosed, I decided to make a deposit at the sperm bank. Wow, that was fun!
BTW (gentlemen) - don't let your mom take you to the sperm bank! Ask ANYONE else to take you! NOT your mother. My two cents.
In my 20's I thought preserving my sperm was a pretty stupid idea. I'd figure something out later, I thought to myself. Plus I had to pay $200 a year to store my stash, a lot of money for a student.
In hindsite, even though I never had to use it, the deposit was money well spent.
I try to spend some quality time with Dylan everyday. He brings us more joy than I ever thought possible. I used to think parenthood was a burden.... and a lot of hard work. Well, it is a lot of work, but most people forget to tell you how much fun and rewarding it is.
If you're a young adult with cancer, I hope you get to have kids. It makes the battle worth while.
Namaste,
Michael
Oh, he's so precious. . . and no matter what you never tire of it. . . Noah went from laying flat on his back to sitting and then standing on his kness yesterday. . . and I just sat and watched, those many firsts are so amazing. Hugs and kisses to Dylan.
the Vander Hout's
He's a cutie for sure! I'm glad you can be present and in the 'now' with Dylan. They do grow and change pretty quickly. I look at my own son's pictures when he was a toddler ~ SO cute and energetic. But I feel a little wistful, like sometimes I wish I could go back to that time and do it over again. Wrestle and cuddle even more.
We still do that sometimes, but he'll be 7 in a couple of weeks, 4' 6" and close to 70 lbs, and I know those days are becoming fewer and far between. But I definitely feel more appreciative when I'm with him.
Thanks for the Dylan Update!
nice selection of pictures - i may be biased, but i think he's the most adorable boy in the world :) I'm enjoying your blogs, keep them coming!
Michael,
What a beautiful baby. Congratulations, I am so happy that you are here and have this little boy in your life. He is a true gift, as I can see you know. Hug him up a bit for me.
Post new comment