This past April, Christina and I had our first child, a sweet baby girl named Finley. Our lives now look quite a bit different, and I’ve learned a lot. Below are just a few of the things I’ve learned.

1. The love you have for your child is different than anything else.

Everyone who is a parent knows this, and anyone who isn’t has probably heard. I wasn’t surprised by it as I expected it to be somewhat unique from everything I had heard. But it really is special. It’s like the quote by Elizabeth Stone,

“Making the decision to have a child – it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”

2. I’m still not a kid person

Before we had Finely, just being honest here, I didn’t care much for other people’s kids. I don’t mind kids, but they just aren’t my thing. After having Finley, that still hasn’t changed!

Now, before you think I’m a terrible father, this is not how I feel towards our daughter! I do enjoy spending time with her and being her dad, but when it comes to other kids, not much has changed.

3. My wife is amazing

So this isn’t really anything new I have learned, just reemphasized. My wife is God’s greatest gift to me and Finley is beyond blessed to have her as her mom. She is selfless, caring, and loving. Christina being a great mom isn’t a surprise to anyone.

4. I’m selfish

Unfortunately, this isn’t that new either. But like getting married, having a kid exposes your selfishness even more.

5. Living in the present is so important

I’m the type of person who likes to think of and dream about the future. But we all can attest that looking for what’s next leaves you empty, we always want the next thing.

I’m excited for when Finley can talk and run around and play, but she is at such a sweet age right now that we will never get back. I’ve been really intentional to enjoy the season she is in now.

6. I’m so thankful for the example my parents were to me

Being a first time parent, or really being a parent in general, can be hard. You aren’t sure what you should do in certain situations. Many people come from difficult situations and only know what they don’t want to do, but not what to actually do.

By God’s grace, I was blessed with great parents who gave me a wonderful blueprint on what to do because they did parenting so well.

7. I really wanted to have boy

I feel like every dad wants to have a son. But as every parent would say, they wouldn’t trade their kids for anything. As much as I would still like to have a son one day, Finley is wonderful and I wouldn’t trade her for anything.

Plus, I could learn to be a bit sweeter at times, and having a daughter will certainly help!

8. Our daughter is adorable

Obviously I am not biased or anything. Here she is dressed as a cat for Halloween!