Balance
Pop culture has a way of depicting life for new dads thusly: Male childless friend: "So, you just do this now instead of [insert relevant dude stuff; i.e. football, drunkenness, strip clubs] New dad: [Looking frazzled and red-eyed, yet smiling wisely] "Yeah dude." MCF: Uhhh cool I guess? Ok I'm gonna go and do [relevant dude stuff]. ND: [More wise smiling] Oh, dear friend. You'll understand...some day. [Solitary dad happiness tear, audience "awwwws".] _______________ Before Mina was born, I promised myself several things. I promised that although having a child must change so much in your life, I wouldn't let it change who I am at my core. I promised that I wouldn't let it change my relationship with my wife. Or my relationship with my family. Or with my friends. I promised I would still care about work, love the outdoors, love baseball, keep working on my writing, find time for my hobbies, keep my sense of humor, and