Today’s featured father in theĀ #40Days40Dads projectĀ is my friendĀ Kevin, who spends his days working with Students For Life of Illinois, to ensure the maximum possible number of babies are entering the world. When he’s not working, he’s chasing around his adorable son and dropping fatherhood knowledge.Ā Thanks for your thoughts, Kevin!
#34:Ā Kevin Grillot
KevinĀ is the father of Thomas, “a one-year-old little man.”
What was the moment when you first felt like a father?
When I heard Thomas’ heartbeat, I was sent to a whole new world.Ā Also, I felt like a Dad upon my first wearing of my “Baby Daddy” t-shirt.
What’s your favorite part about being a father?
My favorite part is coming home and Thomas toddles on over to me. There is also when I tickle him and he giggles. And then, there is giving him bacon when his mother is not looking. Of course, he loves it. However, with all 8 of his teeth up front, he takes it down more like beef jerky.
There are the moments, many, where I am moved far beyond myself. I recognize the significance of my life is dramatically greater than ever before, for now I care for a child.
Then, he waves to the stranger walking by with all the confidence in the world and a little grunt, “uh!”
What joy he brings.
What’s the hardest part about being a father?
Fatherhood humbles me. I am more deeply aware of who I am and my weaknesses. Each day I am challenged to grow to be a better father and I am very aware of when I am not growing.
What’s the dumbest/funniest thing that your kid has cried about or fought with you over?
Last night, I took the spatula from him while he was on the changing table before reading to him, and then putting him down to sleep.
He was pissed.
What are you most proud of having taught/shared with your kids or what are you most looking forward to teaching/sharing with them?
Right now, Thomas can say “Shee-shush.” He knows when “Shee-shush” is coming up in the Hail Mary that we pray with him every night at bedtime and points to Him on the wall in his room. Thomas knows where to find Jesus in our home.Ā I hope that I always lead him to Shee-shus.
What’s your favorite thing about your kids?
His infectious smile.Ā Plus, often I make great jokes, I laugh, and Becca rolls her eyes. Just when I think no one appreciates good humor, then Thomas laughs. That’s the best.
If you could go back in time and give yourself a piece of advice when you first became a father, what would you say?
Patience. You won’t be perfect and that’s okay, just try a few things to figure out what works. Parenting is a lot more trial and error than I thought.
Oh and…when your son comes home from the hospital and is crying like crazy, won’t eat, and doesn’t sleep, you’re not terrible parents. You just need to check if he’s constipated. Sometimes all it takes is dropping a deuce to feel comfortable at home.
Click here to scroll through all of the #40Days40Dads entries!
