On this day 7 years ago, my life began. I can’t remember what I did yesterday, but I remember the morning my son was born just like it was yesterday. Up to that day, I literally had never held a baby in my arms. I never really liked babies, I was always afraid I would break them or would make them cry. But when I held Chase for the first time, I lost all those nerves, it just felt natural. I can vividly remember thinking to myself as I held him for the first time was “Well this is it, little man, we are in this together until death do us part. There is no turning back!”.
Throughout his infancy, I made sure I was involved in everything baby. I changed diapers, I got up when it was my turn to feed him, I changed and bathed him. I did everything mommy did and tried to give her as much as a break as possible. It sure wasn’t easy, but I really enjoyed it. Remember, I had never even held a baby up till the day he was born. I was certainly learning on the job and of course, I made mistakes along the way. I sure learned how to securely attach a diaper in a hurry.
During his toddler years, I was amazed at how much he would learn in terms of his vocabulary, his dexterity and his sponge-like learning. Chase was a talker, it did not take him long to string together sentences of what he wanted. He always wanted to be apart of the conversation. It wasn’t long before I believed he would one day have a job in politics or be a lawyer. The kid was a great talker and had very sharp negotiation skills. I always enjoyed spending evenings before his bedtime reading him books, mostly Curious George and Tonka books. He would sit on my lap on the couch and follow along with the words in the book. I absolutely loved those times.
As Chase grew into his pre-school days, he became even more of a social creature. We decided when he was 4 to enroll him in a structured daycare environment to prepare him for life as a kindergartner. I was simply amazed at how quickly he was learning his letters and numbers. He also learned the ability to share and gain friendships. I noticed during these 2 years that he became more social and wanted to be around other kids more. I can still remember the fear I had in letting “strangers” take care of my little man, as much as he was learning to trust others, I had to learn to trust others to lead my son. It was tough.
As Chase began his new journey as a student, I loved to see him grow as a human being. He had his ups and downs including bouts of self-doubt that other kids didn’t like him. I wanted to cry with him, but I knew I had to be strong and help guide him through. His ups far outweighed his downs as he is a respected student among his classmates (as is evident by the number of birthday parties he is invited to). I am reminded every day at just how smart this kid when he comes home with new ideas and of course new habits that he has observed from other kids. I am amazed at how everything is starting to come together. He is reading to learn now, he is starting to see how numbers relate, he is now being more self-sufficient in learning about his own world. I am also amazed and also petrified at how fast time seems to be passing by. My little boy is growing up!
I couldn’t imagine not being this boy’s daddy. Every day has a purpose because of what he brings to my life. While I still have a lot of growing up to do, I am honoured that I get to share this experience with my best little buddy. His presence in my life drives me to be a better person and to take better care of myself. I also love witnessing the love he and his mother share, it inspires me to no end.
At the end of the day, I don’t care if Chase grows up to be a farmer or a lawyer. All I want him to be is a happy, respectable and self loving human being. When the last thing he tells me before he falls asleep at night is “I love you Daddy” then I know he is well on his way.
Happy Birthday, Chase!!