My wife started talking about having children on maybe our second date (I guess that was a big red flag), but I knew eventually that I wanted to have a family. Before becoming a father, I had no experience with children, especially babies. So when we found out we would be having a baby, I was terrified and had no idea what to expect.
The only thing I knew was that I would never sleep again. Four years and three kids later, I’m still tired, but our mornings are what I look forward to most.
I don’t think I have had the chance to wake up on my own or to a set alarm in years. My oldest son typically bursts into our bedroom bright and early, demanding to get into mommy’s bed (even though I’m sleeping in it too) and watch TV. I shouldn’t give in, but every morning I do – he watches kids’ shows, and I get 15 more minutes of interrupted sleep while my wife sneaks off to work. Soon enough, the ants-in-the-pants kick in, and he flips around like a fish out of water. That’s my cue to get up and get the day rolling.
The action starts when I need to get my 2-year-old twins up and ready. I slowly open the door to their bedroom, and without fail, the smell and sound are the same. Two children repeatedly scream, “Hey Daddy,” while jumping up and down. It smells like someone has air-pumped nuclear waste into the environment.
Every morning, these two go crazy as if they haven’t seen me for months. Maybe they are excited to see me or happy that Daddy is here to change some total pee and poo-inflated diapers.
After all three kids are changed, primped, and brushed, the Sanford family conga line reaches the kitchen. Doing endless laps around our kitchen island, dumping toys, smashing crayons, and harassing the dog is the norm. I soon buckle the twins into their high chairs and ask my big boy what he wants for his “big breakfast.” The coffee machine is kicked on, and I turn on some Bob Marley or Jack Johnson to set the mood. The twins laugh and watch Daddy dance around.
My big boy stands on a chair beside me and watches me wash and cut fresh fruit, letting me know which pieces he wants. On weekdays, I quickly prepare breakfast, and the kids chow down. This is the one time of day, just about every day, that I have the kids’ undivided attention.
There is no crying for Mommy, there is no fighting, no complaining, no distractions – in short, it is the most perfect 30 minutes of the day we can share together. My big boy talks to me about anything that comes to mind (usually Ninja Turtles), and the twins smile, laugh, play peek-a-boo, and ultimately steal each other’s food.
Strangely, this part of my day has become my favorite (mainly because all I want to do is sleep!). If I could stretch out breakfast all day, I would. On Sundays, I make it bigger and better to keep that controlled, relaxed moment a little longer, and Mommy is included, too.
This weekend I hope you can enjoy your morning routine like we do, Happy Father’s Day – make it a great one!
