I’m a dad and, subsequently, get to experience the perks of fatherhood.  One day a year, I am patted on the back for selflessly donating a gamete in the name of species propagation.  On Sunday, I was rewarded handsomely (in scallops and beer) for passing my torch of bad traits and other detriments to a future generation of human!

I thought the novelty of Dad Day would have worn off after my initiation into the club last year, but I must admit that this time has more magnitude than the previous.  In 2011, I spent the day contemplating how I was going to change Worm’s life.  Today, I reflect on how much Worm has changed me.

Having a kid is like a walk in the park.  Raising a kid is like a marathon.  Every single day.

Since this is my second Father’s Day, I’ll impart some of the things I’ve learned since last year:

  1. Keeping up with my little one requires the stamina of the Energizer bunny.  For comparison, I ran 6 miles in the mud on Saturday and at the end I realized it was nowhere close to the effort of a couple hours chasing the Worm.
  2. It’s possible for humans to survive on whipped cream and ranch dressing.  Worm could eat a tub of each.  Blech!
  3. One job of a dad is that of a human garbage disposal.  Whatever Worm doesn’t eat, I usually eat. Worm’s table scraps are not quite filet mignon, especially the partially chewed pieces.  Yes, I’m gagging as I write this.  But, it’s sadly true.  (I hate wasting food.)
  4. There are some things more disgusting than wearing my baby’s body fluids.  I’m not sure what they are, but repeating this phrase gets me through those rough days when I need more than just a wet wipe.
  5. Stubbornness runs in families.  I was hoping it would skip a generation and we would be spared.  Instead, Worm’s got two servings of it.

Let me leave you with a relevant quote for the Day of the Dad:

“My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” — Clarence Budington Kelland

To my own dad – Thanks!  You taught me a lot just by being there for me.  You’re the best!

I hope everyone had a Happy Father’s Day!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRM!!!