Dad Mode: 2.0

BREAKING NEWS.

I am a dad again.

Pretty exciting stuff really when you break it all down. But I have to be honest. I was much more overwhelmed with emotion on this go around than in 2013 when my wife and I brought our little Eli into the world. The overwhelming part of this came from facing the reality of having the responsibility of raising two boys. I have spoken to many parents with multiple children about this. The adjustment of having one kid is big but manageable. You're invested into one single human. Adding a second child -- boy or girl -- adds an additional swift kick in the ass. It shakes the dynamic of the entire household. That does not apply solely for the parents either. The elder sibling gets hit with the bigger adjustment.

To curve that going in, one of the things my wife and I prioritized during this last pregnancy was making sure Eli, who turns four today (Happy Birthday little guy) was heavily involved in this entire process. He is the one ultimately who will have the biggest challenge in adjusting to sharing time with his little brother.

Having two boys also comes with a huge responsibility personally for me. I now have the unbridled task of having to raise two upstanding citizens and gentlemen into a world already littered with a negative backdrop. I do not try to get all religious on here but a simple "be kind to your neighbor" and a little bit of compassion goes a long way. Even if you put out 20% effort. As pathetic as that sounds, show it. It'll be worth it in the end. Be the positive change you want to see in this world.

That is some of the values I plan on instilling in both my sons Eli and Logan. This week has yet been a humbling experience for myself on the value of life. 


Also, one quick thought.

Nurses are under-appreciated. Being stuck in a hospital for three days and seeing the environment in which they thrive, it's easy to notice right away. Doctors get the glory, the money, the fame. Deservedly so. I just wish nurses got more credit for the grind they do for their patients. If you are ever in the hospital for whatever reason, please be kind to them. They are true grinders in the tallest order. The nurses that took care of my wife and son the three days we spent this week in Bethesda East were amazing to us. Totally grateful.  

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