There are many things
that I have enjoyed writing about over the past few years. Cleveland
sports and music are usually my go-to topics - especially when I’m in a writing
rut, which is pretty much every time I try to write. Now, I have a
new, thrilling part of my life to be able to share with those who are bored
enough to be reading these ramblings. I'm pretty sure that I won't find myself in writing ruts much longer.
I’m going to be a dad.
Those
six words have been floating in my head ever since the evening of February 20th,
when Eileen came rushing into our house holding a baby onesie to share her
news. It was hands-down the most exhilarating moment of my life.
I'm going to be a dad.
I just keep repeating those short and simple,
yet extremely challenging words over and over in my head.
Before I share my
thoughts on being a dad (a pretty kick-ass dad, by the way), I need to write
about the Byner to my Mack, the Springsteen to my E-Street, the Bertman’s
Stadium Mustard to my brat – okay, too far? Well, you know what I
mean and who I’m talking about. It’s impossible not to talk about
Eileen and how amazing she has been through her entire pregnancy; not to
mention the events that she stood extremely tall through (all five feet of her)
even before getting pregnant. If I’m going to be a great dad, it’s
going to be because I have a great mom right by my side.
As a first-time parent, I admittedly know very little about the journey that I am about to embark upon. I think I know how it's going to play out, but I don't truly know what parenting means until I'm in the trenches. What I am 100% sure of though, is that I have one of the best by my sides. Together, Eileen and I are going to be undisputed Tag-Team champs. We're going to rock this - and I can't wait to hit the ground running with her.
We do not know the sex
of the baby, we're going old school and want to be surprised. Does the
sex of the baby matter in my plans on being a kick-ass dad? Not at all.
I'm a pretty versatile guy. I know that a baby boy brings a
lifetime of rooting for Cleveland sports, golfing, burps, fart jokes,
Playstation and whatever else comes with living the life of a boy. I've
got that covered. At the age of 30, I am still well-versed in all that
was listed.
On the flip side, I understand that a baby girl brings a lifetime of princesses, glitter, dance recitals, bubblegum pop music, and Easy-Bake ovens. Not a problem at all, I've got that covered as well. I won't say that I'm equally as versed in those topics, but compared to the average male, I definitely rate high in understanding these categories. I'll just chalk up the last 5 years of obsessively listening to Taylor Swift songs as "practice" for having a daughter. At least that's what I'll keep telling myself to still be a card-carrying male.
Oh yeah, I'm forgetting one thing....In addition to having
a fantastic mother and father, Baby Simcox is going to have one-hell of a best
friend. Well, hopefully Baby likes our dog Clancy. If I had an old
lady with smelly hair and horrendous breath in my face, I might think otherwise
of calling them my friend, let alone slapping the Besties tag in front.
I know that on or near
October 31st (Eileen's due date), I will be forever changed for the better. I will give this kid my entire heart. Being a dad is kind of a
big deal. It's going to be the hardest thing I've ever done, but also the
most rewarding. Like I said, Eileen and I are going to rock this. Only 2 more months - bring it on!
