Lukas is 3 years old now and still so much fun to be around. The pure joy he demonstrates each day as he sets out with enthusiasm to face a world largely unknown to him is amazingly infectious. It's a large part of his personal magnetism and the allure of nearly all kids this age.
It makes me happy. It gives me reason to smile and laugh several times a day. I can see why some people keep having child after child. They're like junkies.
Let's face it. By the time we have hit our 40's we have for the most part seen it all before. Experienced it all before. There is little new to stimulate our imagination. But kids? They encounter new stuff on a daily basis and are thrilled at much of what they experience. As an adult and as a father this is an incredible process to watch unfold. To see my son experience something for the first time.
Firsts. I often think about them when they are happening for Lukas but most often forget about them as life quickly moves along its relentless timeline. It seems that nearly every day there is another first for my son. Some of them these I have chronicled here. Such as his first word, his first straw, his first stand, his first steps, his first ice cream cone, his first pedaling, and most recently his first camping trip and his first movie.
Others I think about mentioning but never get around to it, while still others are mere happy memories. These are the little things that most people probably take for granted. But certainly not when witnessed through the ecstatic eyes of a small child. Some recent examples for Lukas are his first parade, his first water balloon, his first hard candy, his first lollipop, and of course his first electric toothbrush.
Of course, there will be many many more firsts for my little guy. I know him, and I know that he will greet each one with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a zest for the experience that I would probably be jealous of, if I didn't feel so overwhelmingly privileged to watch take place.
Even if you are new to my blog you've probably figured it out by now that, yes, even though I'm in in my 40's I can still find joy and wonderment in a first of my own.
My first child.
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13 comments:
Well I'm not in my 40's yet...Can't even really imagine that! I mean, I'm still a young 36! However, I know what you mean! How can we not notice these things?? Why even be here if we're not going to notice? These "firsts" are so important and they'll never happen again. They're small little moments in time that pave the way for all future experiences you will share with them.
After just celebrating the first bithday of our youngest this week I find it very funny that we're both writing about "firsts" on the same day! Seems like us fathers can have firsts too and I'm lucky to share those with great dads like yourself!
Our kids have so many firsts that it is hard to keep track. It is very satisfying watching my little man treat each new experience like the greatest thing ever. That is, until the next one comes along.
Nicely said. And the coolest part is, as you say, the firsts never stop.
That was lovely but. right now, I am struggling mightily with the on-rushing first day of school
Nicely said my friend. Amidst all the work and challenges are these moments where you as a parent get to live again. It's pretty darn cool.
It's true that it doesn't end, because now I'm on my 3rd child and I still have all his firsts to look forward too.
Well said, sir. It is a lot of fun to watch them with their firsts.
Very well put.
When I called my original blog "Life Begins..." I had no idea how true it would be, not only in the sense of a new life emerging but in the sense that it rejuvenated me way beyond my pre-fatherhood understanding and expectations.
Well, I'm not quite 40, but I'm with you. I experience firsts through the eyes of my kids. We recently experience the first girlfriend (he's only 7! Yikes). Some of them are scary, but they're all fascinating!
What about his first temper tantrum? Has he had one?
I'll bet there will be many more of your son's firsts that bring you joy. I look forward to reading about them.
What a great post...and it IS so wonderful experiencing all these firsts via our kids eyes.
wait until his first cavity...Hah.
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