Becoming a First Time Parent – A Year in Review

Published by ahayesmmi at May 25, 2015

Raising Violet – The Daddy Diaries

By: Anthony Hayes

I know nothing about “Parenting” as it were. What I do know is I’ve spent the past 365 days learning to eventually become a Parent. Like anything else in life being a Dad is an ever-evolving process.

The second we stop learning, adapting, “thinking” we are some expert or know it all, we stop growing. The late Bruce Lee; iconic Martial Artist, and actor put it like this:

“If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.” -Bruce Lee (1940-1973)

Embracing the continual growth of being a ‘Parent’ is the only way to truly understand the act of ‘Parenting.’ If I stop stretching to the next level, I cease the gaining of knowledge to pass on to Violet.

Overall

This year has been a whirlwind of emotion, but not the kind I was used to. But despite the odds we overcame every obstacle. With each passing day it gets easier. When it came to getting a new car I narrowed it down to two. My Father suggested something like a 2-door Toyota Scion. An economical choice.

Taking into consideration Violet would soon be here, not the most practical one. Violet’s arrival was something very few people were aware about at this point. I opted for a BMW. I know cars, however German engineering I did not. While there is a misnomer that these vehicles are insanely expensive own and repair that is only half-true. I did hours of research and joined online forums to make this informed decision.

Routine

I rely on routine to keep myself and my emotions in check. Keep focused. I have a hard enough time analyzing my own feelings, let alone those of another. Especially when that person can’t express themselves.I’d like to think I have good time management skills. My daily sequence of events has changed so dramatically I’ve had to kick my old routine to the curb. I do not say this to scare you, rather prepare you.

The Daddy Diaries

Just as Raising Violet is an evolving process so is “The Daddy Diaries.”

At first it was a way I sought to help others. Unknowingly it was a way to help myself.

She has helped me to become a better human being. I have a tendency to think more before I act on the account that I know she is always watching me. I do my best to complete all the steps involved in a task verbalize them as I do so. I am not sure if this is a parental instinct or just common sense when dealing with children.

Nevertheless, I plan to teach Violet all I know and that for which I do not. What do I mean by that? Well one cannot really be certain. I guess you will just have to keep on reading as the next chapter of The Daddy Diaries unfolds!