Well folks believe it or not but I am going to be a Dad real, real soon. I know some of you have been down this road and others of you can't even imagine taking this path. I am excited, nervous, and scared, but as the due date - March 27 - creeps ever closer I find myself looking forward to this moment that will turn my life upside down more than ever. So 2.0 (this is what we have been calling the baby since we don't know if it is going to be a boy or a girl) I hope you inherit the best of what Mrs. Shife and I have to offer.
I can hardly wait for you to enter the world and see the joy you bring.
Sweet baby of mine, you're a magnificent gift.
Living proof of how your mother and I have shared our love.
I hope you have your mother’s eyes
Then you will go into the world able to look at all things wise.
I hope you inherit my ability to plan.
With that you will be able to face all things in life as a strong woman or man.
I hope you receive from your mother her selfless ways.
For this will bless you all of your days.
I hope you learn from me, spirit and let no one take it.
Believe me you will need it in life, and many will try to break it.
But with that spirit you must have your mother’s center.
With that you will be cautious of any door you enter.
I want you to have my curiosity. There’s nothing wrong with questions you may blurt!
But receive your mother’s discernment, so you'll know when to let go before getting hurt.
Have my big heart; know what emotions are and how to be real.
Share your mother’s strength so you can handle what you feel.
Share my sense of humor! Laugh a lot it helps you through life.
Share your mother’s sense of duty. Know how to be serious and take strife.
And most importantly please remember to be true to yourself and know that the day you are born you will inherit the greatest love your mother and I could ever offer anyone.
I can’t wait to meet you Baby Shifley.
I can hardly wait for you to enter the world and see the joy you bring.
Sweet baby of mine, you're a magnificent gift.
Living proof of how your mother and I have shared our love.
I hope you have your mother’s eyes
Then you will go into the world able to look at all things wise.
I hope you inherit my ability to plan.
With that you will be able to face all things in life as a strong woman or man.
I hope you receive from your mother her selfless ways.
For this will bless you all of your days.
I hope you learn from me, spirit and let no one take it.
Believe me you will need it in life, and many will try to break it.
But with that spirit you must have your mother’s center.
With that you will be cautious of any door you enter.
I want you to have my curiosity. There’s nothing wrong with questions you may blurt!
But receive your mother’s discernment, so you'll know when to let go before getting hurt.
Have my big heart; know what emotions are and how to be real.
Share your mother’s strength so you can handle what you feel.
Share my sense of humor! Laugh a lot it helps you through life.
Share your mother’s sense of duty. Know how to be serious and take strife.
And most importantly please remember to be true to yourself and know that the day you are born you will inherit the greatest love your mother and I could ever offer anyone.
I can’t wait to meet you Baby Shifley.
Enjoy the exciting ride my friend and ignore those who want to try and scare you with every kind of horrible sorry they can come up with.
ReplyDeleteBeing a dad isn't always easy but it is one of life's really great adventures.
I am certainly looking forward to it Travis, and thanks for the advice.
ReplyDeleteI'm officially on baby watch. What an absolutely beautiful note to your new son or daughter. Wishing the three of you a safe, amazing delivery. This is so exciting!!!
ReplyDeleteLots of hugs and love to you and Mrs. S.
P.S. HI TRAVIS!
I was lucky enough to be the first person in the world to make my daughter laugh. I'll never forget that sound and that moment, and it's high on my list of most cherished memories now. I'm excited for you that you're on the verge of creating your own set of memories like that. There's nothing like it Shife, seriously.
ReplyDeleteHa, I'm tearing up now thinking about it. I'd better publish this before somebody notices me...
Thank you Suzanne. You are awesome as usual.
ReplyDeleteThat was sublime. You are going to make a wonderful, happy family. I am so happy for all three of you!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great memory Duck and I look forward to making those kind of special moments with 2.0. And I got a little teared up thinking about it myself.
ReplyDeleteWe are pretty stoked too Ananda. I think the only one that is going to be upset is the fat basset but I am sure he will come around.
ReplyDeleteThat fat bassett is going to lick baby's toes and sniff baby up, and love it too... because he will know baby is yours and you are his.
ReplyDeleteBassetts have a good sense of perspective on the important things in life.
Mr. Shife- with that poem you proved that you're going to be the best daddy in the world.
ReplyDeleteWe're all so excited for you and Mrs. Shife.
I'm telling you- you have no idea how much love you have in that heart of yours. But you will soon.
you're a natural, it'll be a piece of cake.
ReplyDeletethink of the fun you'll have with birthday parties as all the parents try to outdo each other.
So exciting! I'm sure you will be an excellent labor coach. If you need any pointers let me know!
ReplyDeleteThat. Was. Awesome.
ReplyDeleteThat's really sweet. I'm incredibly happy for you guys. Don't worry, I'll be down that road soon enough.
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! excellent post man...
ReplyDeleteSomeone told me once to bring something, anything of the baby's home for your pet to smell before you introduce them. Like even just sticking a wash cloth or something in the swaddling or a pair of socks.
ReplyDeleteJust an idea.
Your post is a true testament of your character. You are going to be an amazing dad. I agree with Travis. Ignore people's horror stories. Stay positive and dote all over Mrs. Shife these final days because they go faster than ever at this stage. Rub her feet, leave her notes, give her the remote...whatever you can think of.
I've said it before, but it is just so true. What a lucky, LUCKY, blessed baby to have you as a father.
Hi sweetie. Thanks for your response. All the comments are so caring and thoughtful and I found Cher's really informative. I'm confident FB will be fine with a wee bit of extra love.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I realize I'm so excited about this birth, the year ahead for the 4 or you and the blogging experience for all of us!!! Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh the stories!
Okay, now for some exciting news of my own. I tagged ya! If you don't have time, don't worry you can always get to it AFTER the baby's born. *Buries head in lap and laughs hysterically.* Statistics reveal if you do it now you're baby will have a cherished memory when he/she opens the box at 18. Please visit my blog for the unofficial rules and Leah's or Megan's for the official. (You know how I suck at stuff!)
Love you dear,
Moi
P.S. Natural birth? C-Section? Epidural? Hosptial? Home? Inquiring minds would like to know.
That was a beautiful post! My best wishes to the three of you for a safe and healthy delivery. How exciting! Just wait you hold your little baby for the first time, I guarantee you'll remember that moment for the rest of your life!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'll be pulling for that March 27 due date, that's my birthday as well, lol! :D
What a beautiful tribute, I wish you all the best.
ReplyDeleteAwesome letter to 2.0
ReplyDeleteHope you printed and kept it, frame it or put it in a box for the new Shifely to see later.
I've never been a dad, but if it is anything like being a mother, then I'm sure it is awsome.
ReplyDeletebeautiful post!
ReplyDeleteenjoy every bit you can cause it doesnt last long
Shife,
ReplyDeleteI got all teary eyed on this. You are going to be an absolutely amazing father, and just dote on the Mrs. you will be amazed at your capacity to love the little one and after they get to talking..it's comic relief from there on out... Can't wait to hear the news on your baby.
You're going to be an incredible dad for sure! I can't wait for you guys to meet your new addition
ReplyDeleteExciting! Can't wait to see the lil shife clone :)
ReplyDeletehey shifester!
ReplyDeleteyou dont seem the type for awards but i gave you one anyway!
collect or not, i dont mind
cheers
k
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