Recently I was talking with my friend Jim Burrows about how excited I was to become a dad this April. Jim has four grown children and has been “mentoring” me a bit on fatherhood. He said, “You realize this is the last Christmas and New Year’s Eve that you and Jenni will spend without having to worry about a baby?”. HOLY CRAP! He’s right! As of April 2016, there will be this little ankle-biter that will need fed, changed, rocked to sleep, calmed, dressed, bathed, and basically WATCHED AND CARED FOR 24/7! Jim said, “Get use to sleeping with one eye open, because your baby will most likely sleep for two hours and then wake up crying, either needing fed, changed or held”. And I thought our dogs were needy! Geesh! What Jim said really did make this whole parenthood thing a reality. I mean I think about it everyday, and am beyond excited…but the baby isn’t here yet, so I can go about my day doing what I want to do. During the holidays, I usually relax and enjoy a bourbon or two…or three. But thinking about next year, my son will be my top priority. Kinda changes things! I’ll feel like a member of the Secret Service, constantly on my toes, ready for anything! Hey, this could be cool though…I could get one of those ear buds and use walkie-talkies with my wife! Jenni has already teased me that, of the two of us, I’ll be the helicopter parent. She’s sort of right. When I’m around my family or friend’s children, I watch so closely when they’re playing in the yard or high a top the slide. My mind automatically asks, “Are they gonna fall?!” or “Too close to the street, move in and get them!” I know, I need to take a chill pill (or a shot of bourbon) and relax. Another Dad Mentor and longtime friend, Adam Ritz, reminded me, “Kids are pretty durable, don’t worry too much”. But I also remember that stupid stuff my older brother and I did when we were toddlers! (Tic-Tacs up my nose, my brother putting me in the dryer)…so I’m anticipating Baby Browning might pull the same bone headed stunts. Like father like son, huh? So yes, this will be my last “silent night” for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. With poop filled diapers and a fussy baby on the horizon, I will most likely tie one on next week…toasting to my beautiful wife, our son. I am blessed beyond measure~
