This year has been one of the most joyful and life-changing of my entire life. My son was born this year in October. Val and I spent so long reading books, preparing the house, and going on adventures until the day of delivery. This post describes some of these adventures and how I have felt being a dad so far.
Early in the year we got a positive pregnancy test and decided to go on tons of adventures as a “baby-moon”. We went to Zion National Park and then stayed at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. I really would not have taken myself as someone who takes “outdoor national park” vacations, but since we went to Acadia last year, we got the itch. We hiked up Angel’s Landing and saw some of the most beautiful geography. The Overlook Pass was also a fantastic experience to look over the small town of Springdale. We had such amazing food at the King’s Landing Bistro after a long day of hiking. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend a Memorial Day weekend.
The next adventure for me was flying to Oshkosh with my dad for the weekend. We had some special moments sitting under the wing of the airplane drinking coffee and reflecting on life. At 78, he’s slower than he used to be, but boy did he have a blast just being there. It feels like a great gift from God that we got to go there together. We got to park next to 50 other short-wing Pipers! We had a grand time and a safe flight with beautiful weather. What more could you ask for? We went on a few more trips during the summer, including Florida (to fail to watch a rocket launch), and to Michigan for an Urbanik family vacation. We had all the adventure we could ask for prior to the adventure of bring a baby boy home.
I remember when our son was born, I was in tears. It was so miraculous to witness, I can barely put it into words. I was so happy to finally meet him. I was happy that he was healthy, and mom was healthy. Whew! I love him so much. I remember sitting in the hospital room cuddling him on my chest and just talking, saying whatever was on my mind. I am a different person having gone through this. I feel more able to be raw with my true feelings and want to share my whole self in love for my son. I’ve been learning some really interesting things about God as well. I love my son so much with a deep burning love. God loves me that much and more. I understand that in a tangible way that I haven’t before.
He’s 9 weeks old now and we’re about to start many more adventures in the coming year. I can’t wait to see how it plays out.