My son is 5 years old. I have been daddy for many years now, but it wasn't until last night, that I truly became a parent. How? Glad you asked? Who witnessed? Glad you asked? Will it change my life? Glad you asked!
It was the first quarter of the Bengals and Steelers game. The Bengals had just scored and were ahead 7-0. Several folks had gathered at the "Richard Estate" to watch the game. There was a lot of food and beverages. It was toasty warm in my house. EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT! Then, it happened....
Caleb yelled from upstairs, MOMMY, I AM SICK! Jen and I rounded the corner to see him launching is dinner from his mouth. It was everywhere. He covered so much of our kitchen floor. Where does it all come from? NO! Not tonight! I told everyone to stay downstairs and jen and I began to clean it! YES, I gagged! I thought I was going to loose it. Does that make me a parent? Nope, although, to clean it without actually making more, does make you close to a parent.
Once all was clean, Jen sat with Caleb in his room and I went down to join my company for some FOOTBALL! It was not more than a couple moments when Lauren showed up and laid down on my lap. How sweet. Then she got off my lap and laid on the floor right in front of the TV. Suddenly I hear, "baby puke". No, say it isn't so? Yes, Lauren threw up all over the carpet. I have never seen friends leave a party as quickly as all did from my house last evening. It was now time to clean Lauren up. Oh yeah, my son puked again by now. THIS IS GOING TO BE A FUN NIGHT!
I held Lauren in my arms for a few moments when without warning, I became a parent! It still plays in my mind in slow motion. She cried out and then it came out. I didn't want the carpet to take any more hits, so I did it, I CAUGHT IT ALL IN MY HANDS! Warm, chunky and dinner reborn. In my hands! I looked down and I...didn't pass out. I didn't cry. I didn't gross out. I saw my poor scared daughter (at 2 years of age, they have no clue what is going on) and I just wanted to take it away. I was cool with holding it. I just needed to hug her.
Well, the night went on until around 4 am when the throwing up finally stopped. The kids have been great all day long. Thank you God! I pray it is past. It was not fun. I am so tired. BUT, I will never forget the night of Sunday, December 2nd, because I became a real parent!
Oh yeah, in case you wondered or CARE, the Bengals lost again!
B Out!!