Being a parent

is the coolest thing in the world. If you can't have kids, choose not to have them, or just haven't yet, living for someone else who relies completely on you can be daunting... but so worth it. I thought I had a pretty good existence before kids came into the picture, but not until my oldest, Jake, showed up, I didn't realize how awesome life can be.

I have always wanted kids so it wasn't a big ordeal when it happened even if it wasn't quite planned. And like some of you who are childless often hear from parents, "It's the best thing ever, blah, blah"... I was in the same boat at one time thinking, "Yeah, yeah, great."

Well, it is.

I had lived for myself for so long that I never imagined what it would be like living for someone else. The nine months during pregnancy cannot prepare you for the lifetime you will have with them. Your priorities change the instant you hear him start crying. Trust me, that moment hits you like a ton of bricks. With each child that load lessens and the shock and awe tilts more towards awe. You simply pray that you have a healthy child.

We have three boys, but I will always consider myself a first-time parent. I'm always going to be surprised and wondering if I'm doing this right. There is no manual on how to do this. No book for dummies on parenting is going to help. This is OJT (on the job training). But the greatest thing about being a parent is that it comes natural. And if you ever wonder what kind of a person you are, you'll see your reflection in each of your kids. They just won't look like you... they'll act like you... they'll talk like you... they'll laugh like you... so if you give them your best, they'll take the best from you.

Now some people really shouldn't have kids for that very reason. Unfortunately there's too many that do. And I don't want to make it seem like parenting is easy... it's the hardest job in the world. It is your choice especially now-a-days with adoption and other ways to have kids (I have strong, athletic swimmers if you're wondering). But believe me and other parents can attest to this too, you start life when you give life.

I'm not the greatest parent in the world and I know I make mistakes. I know that I could do more. But if I ever had to give up my life to save one of them, I would smile knowing that if they had to, they would do the same for theirs.