My New Life as a Dad.

There are the little things now, as a new dad, that make my day. Last night my 15-month-old son spoke his first phrase. What were these words?   “All Done!” As most of us know or have heard, children’s early words and actions mimic those of the adults they’re close to. So what does my boy hear all the time, other than “NO” (and it’s assorted variations)? He hears “No Touch” when he is CONSTANTLY touching things he shouldn’t be, and “All Done” when he is finished eating or playing with a particular toy. A nice little extra to the “All Done” is a little gesture that mommy taught him where he waves his hands together and smiles as big as the day itself!  Too Cool! Hearing these two simple words gave me the feeling of true elation. I never thought two little words could produce such a poignant reaction in me. The three of us were engulfed in brief but powerful laughter; that was truly a special moment.

I used to scoff or smile without any real understanding or interest when hearing these stories from others, though I’d always try my best to be polite. But now experiencing them for myself is something I wouldn’t change for the world.

If you are a parent and reading this, I don’t blame you for a scoff or half hearted smile. I’m not even sure that you’ve made it this far in the article. However, I do know that even if you are not feeling MY joy, if you think about a positively surprising experience with your child, you may be able to re-capture it in your mind even if only for a second. I hope it makes you smile.

And now to coin an old phrase that now has a new significance, “All Done!”