I didn’t see myself with kids either. But life has a way to throw you things. Before I met my wife at 18, I wasn’t looking for a relationship either. Then years later, she started talking about kids, and… the idea didn’t seem that crazy, somehow. I didn’t feel that rush to have kids, but I wasn’t opposed to the very idea like I used to. I didn’t want kids so much as I wanted kids with her.

Not gonna lie, I had my doubts, before and after my son was born. I had many near-meltdowns when he was a baby. There were a lot times I doubted I made the right decision ever having kids. My energy levels never got as low - given, that was before I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and got my CPAP, which changed my sleep forever. I was convinced I couldn’t be a good parent, that I did the biggest mistake in my life bringing that child in this world, that I couldn’t take care of him like he deserved. Now? He finished kindergarten a month ago, is turning 6 in September and is going to begin 1st grade. We’ve also got another kid on the way, due late September/early October. As hard as it ever got, as difficult it ever was for me, the joy he brought us since he was born trumps literally everything else. I’m so proud of him for the little human he’s becoming. He has such a big heart. His creativity blows my mind every single day. He’ll be a great big brother.

If you let it, being a parent is one of the biggest opportunities you’ll ever get to grow as a human being. It changed my in so many ways. I learned about my own biases, the things my parents did that I did or didn’t want to recreate. I’m much less emotional/impulsive, learned that you can deal with hardship without getting angry and screaming. I got more patient and became more responsible across the board. I absolutely wasn’t ready for that first child, but I wonder, who really is? 🤷