Monday, February 13, 2006

Expanding

My wife and I found out that we're pregnant again, this time with child # 2. We're excited and not sure what to expect with having an additional kid to manage. Our first, Zoe, has been alot of fun. Sure, there are those times when you're pushed to the brink and you're re-thinking your life, but all in all, Zoe brings alot of joy, laughter, and wonder to our lives. I'm excited as a Dad to get another blessing. It's amazing how, when you're young and living in a pre-marital state, you have your life planned out and you're pretty sure about what values are. Then, when you get married, that's life-changer NUMBER ONE; priorities shift and you take hard-core classes in the school of selflessness. You can't imagine how, but when you have kids, that's life-changer NUMBER TWO (and THREE, FOUR, FIVE, etc. as far as you can go). Your joint priorities shift yet again and your world changes course to where everything revolves around the kid(s). I would have never thought that I could be living for another person to such a degree, but it's happening. It's my reality each and every day. I love it. I never knew I could have as much energy, putting forth as much effort as I do, with everything motivated by my family. They're my engine.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm gonna try to comment again. We couldn't be happier with ya'll's good news!! And yes you have entered the parent zone - one from which you never return. But who would want to???!!! It is the greatest, scariest job on earth and with the biggest rewards. Just look at the two Dad and I got! Grand Prizes!!!
Love,
MOM

Dustin said...

Congrats fellow 2nd-timer. I know how you feel.

Ryan said...

Dude! Congrats from the Breny's. Good thoughts on Selflessness. As a "pre-married", I often thought that I would be automatically selfless when I became a dad - like something they issued you at the hospital. Now I realize that even our parents acted in selfless ways while inside they were saying, "man, I really just want to sit down right now"! Maybe selflessness is a trait that forms over time, with each individual denial. Whether by design or not, it has served as a great spiritual "primer" for seeking selflessness in other relationships. Now that Andrew is about to turn 2 (www.breneblog.blogspot.com), I get to start teaching him selflessness. Try explaining why we should put others first to a 2 year old! There is no reason outside of the cross of Christ. At least, I can't think of one. That is a big idea for a little guy, which makes me realize that the only way he'll learn it is if he sees it modeled. So who is teaching who!?