a poignant list. maybe the most poignant list I've read. I could chime in about the "enjoy every fleeting moment," I look at my man-size, roughly man-age, hairy sons and wonder how I can go back and chat with them age 2, 3, 4, 5 [...] up to current-age-minus-one. chat with them and be present and curious, I mean, not rushing to get food on the table or clean up the last mess. if you pause and breathe with that baby in your arms, your daughter will feel your presence. and there'll be more time to write when she's in school.
Oh hello, it seems you ended up writing something that sings even though (or precisely because?) you abandoned the essay form and embraced a very honest list. This is one of the most relatable things I've read in a while about being a parent-writer. Grateful you got these thoughts and observations down in writing and shared, grateful I came across it! (Thanks @stephaniemurray, your shares are always stellar!)
Everything about this list is gold -- so funny and honest. ("I guess accomplishments expire" and the bit about the wrong underwear!)
I have two little kids and also find myself hiding from them so I can write about parenting instead of actually parenting. I chant "the only way out is through" one second and then cry over Google Photos memories the next.
It's refreshing to get a dad's perspective and I look forward to reading more!
Thanks so much for the comment! I'm glad I'm not the only one that does this. The best I can figure is that having children is supposed to be disorienting so I guess just take it a day at a time and don't be too hard on yourself? I'll let you know when I start actually doing this
a poignant list. maybe the most poignant list I've read. I could chime in about the "enjoy every fleeting moment," I look at my man-size, roughly man-age, hairy sons and wonder how I can go back and chat with them age 2, 3, 4, 5 [...] up to current-age-minus-one. chat with them and be present and curious, I mean, not rushing to get food on the table or clean up the last mess. if you pause and breathe with that baby in your arms, your daughter will feel your presence. and there'll be more time to write when she's in school.
Thanks for the kind words and the perspective!
Oh hello, it seems you ended up writing something that sings even though (or precisely because?) you abandoned the essay form and embraced a very honest list. This is one of the most relatable things I've read in a while about being a parent-writer. Grateful you got these thoughts and observations down in writing and shared, grateful I came across it! (Thanks @stephaniemurray, your shares are always stellar!)
Sophie thank you! I'm glad to hear this resonated because this one had me feeling very out on a limb.
this was really good
Everything about this list is gold -- so funny and honest. ("I guess accomplishments expire" and the bit about the wrong underwear!)
I have two little kids and also find myself hiding from them so I can write about parenting instead of actually parenting. I chant "the only way out is through" one second and then cry over Google Photos memories the next.
It's refreshing to get a dad's perspective and I look forward to reading more!
P.S. Congrats on the newborn :)
Thanks so much for the comment! I'm glad I'm not the only one that does this. The best I can figure is that having children is supposed to be disorienting so I guess just take it a day at a time and don't be too hard on yourself? I'll let you know when I start actually doing this
Thanks Alex, I really appreciate it.