Brilliant dad feature week 25
I’m Caleb, I blog over at Work Dad Balance. I left my career as an Army Engineer Officer after six and a half years when I realised that I needed to change careers to be a father to my son. I was alienated from him and had to pursue custody through the courts to be with him, he goes by Bruce on my blog. Since then, many incredible things have happened. I fell in love with an amazing woman, moved back to my home state of Tennessee, found my first legal job, was accepted to law school, and had another beautiful baby boy, he goes by Wayne on my blog (see what I did there?).
1. Have you always wanted to be a Dad?
Yes, I wasn’t in a rush to have kids, but being a Dad was something I’ve always wanted to experience.
2. How did you feel when your children were born ?
In all honesty, the first time was mostly anxiety. It was a 2am text message and then a few weeks wait on a court order and paternity test. When I found out he was mine, I had a mix of dread and excitement. I was a Dad! But was also tied to my ex for the next two decades. The second time was absolutely amazing, albeit anti-climatic. I wrote a lengthy post about the experience.
3. What have been your most rewarding experiences so far as a Dad?
My oldest is two, so I’m still really new to this. Just watching him start to get some independence and want to do things for himself is very rewarding.
4. What are some of the funniest moments to have happened to you as a Dad?
Wow, a question like that makes me try to reach for a grand story but none come to mind. It’s really the small every day stuff that keeps you laughing. Like how my toddler whispers and grins if he really wants something, or how beating any of his toys with his plastic hammer “ixes” them if they are “oke.” Or discovering that a two month old boy can shoot urine six feet across the living room during a diaper change. There’s always something.
5. Have there been any situations with your children that you have found difficult to cope with?
The blended family dynamic is difficult, especially with a challenging ex. I’ll leave it at that for politeness.
6. What are your dreams and hopes for your children?
Like any parent, I hope they follow their own hopes and dreams. Still being in my twenties myself, I will also add that I hope they are able to discover what exactly what their hopes and dreams are at an early age! If there’s anything I wish to really impart on them, it’s that they value and keep their integrity.
Thank you to Caleb for taking part in Brilliant Dad Feature.
