Learning All Kinds of New Things

by steve

Even though the court proceeding did not accomplish (yet) what we had hoped yesterday, through a series of circumstances, Hope Giver has ended up staying with us for a few days. She came over Sunday afternoon to spend the night and be here during court on Monday, but has ended up staying for several days.

In the midst of the disappointment yesterday, it has been a blessing. Of course, having a toddler in the home changes a lot of things! (I know parents reading this are nodding very knowingly.) But I’m learning all of this for the first time.

You see, I’ve never been a parent to a toddler before. Even though we have a 15-year-old son, he did not come into my life until he was 10. So, obviously, I have no recollection of his toddler years! ;) (I did adopt him over a year and a half ago.)

So what have I learned so far?

  • When changing a diaper, it is very helpful to have the next diaper ready to go and get it in place very soon. This can prevent having to change the toddler’s clothes and wash the sheets she was laying on when you realize she wasn’t done wetting her diaper when you removed it! Yes, I learned that one the hard way. ;)
  • After finally having a chance to get showered and dressed for the day (once she finally lays down to take a nap), don’t worry too much about what clothes you put on. They may not stay dry if a diaper soaks through while the toddler is sitting on your lap. (The clothes I have on this evening are not the ones I started my day wearing!)
  • If a toddler drinks an enormous amount of beverage, chances are the diaper will not contain it all and will soak through. (See the lesson learned immediately preceding this one!)
  • If a toddler wakes up in the middle of the night crying, but holds tightly to you and falls asleep in your arms when you pick her up, it’s worth losing those three hours of sleep.
  • Watching a toddler enthusiastically eat corn on the cob is highly entertaining and amusing.
  • Watching your son spend time with said toddler is very precious.
  • Watching your wife spend time with said toddler is very, very precious.
  • Perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned today: The more a toddler spends time with you, the more you fall in love with her.

Hope Giver, I know you are not legally or officially ours yet. But in my heart, you are. For however long we get to share that, thank you, sweet girl. And while I selfishly want it to be 17+ years of having you in our home, I’m thankful for today. And each day that we have with you.

Heavenly Father, thank you especially for this pleasure and privilege. I believe the desires that I have come from you, and I thank you for letting me grow in those. Thank you for allowing me to be a father to the fatherless, even if it’s temporary. And may I always be a reflection of you, Father. When our son looks at me, may he see you and your love. When Hope Giver is in my arms, may it be your embrace that she feels. And Father, thank you so much for the partner you have given me in this journey. Thank you for giving me a wife who loves these children with your love.

December 18th, 2007

8 Responses to “Learning All Kinds of New Things”

  1. christy Says:
    December 18th, 2007 at 10:12 pm

    Steve,

    I knew you were writing a post while being entertained by the most adorable child, but I didn’t know how much your words would touch me.

    Thank you for your heart Steve, I can’t imagine a more perfect partner to be sharing this journey of life together. Your love for me and for our family is apparent in all that you do.

    I’m so glad to be able to share the love of Christ alongside you. I don’t know who will come into our home on a permanent basis or temporarily, but I do know that God will guide us in all that we do—and will carry us through each step of our journey.

    In Christ with you,
    Christy

  2. Laura Says:
    December 19th, 2007 at 7:09 am

    How beautiful! Thank you for sharing and, by your words, encouraging. You and Christy are such wonderful examples of believers. I’m tickled pink to be your cyberfriend.

    Christmas Blessings to you both,
    Laura

  3. Heidi Says:
    December 19th, 2007 at 10:17 am

    Steve~
    That was a beautiful (and fun) post. I’ve been waiting and watching for an update and I’m sorry to hear that the results weren’t exactly as you had hoped, but I’m still keeping my fingers crossed and praying for you!
    One of the things we’ve learned with our most recent toddler (20 months) is that you absolutely cannot skimp on things like diapers~ only the best for this little guy (otherwise, we get those lovely leaks too!)
    Enjoy her!
    Heidi

  4. Tony Sisk Says:
    December 19th, 2007 at 3:00 pm

    OK, first let me get this out of the way.

    Christy, I think I am going to be just a lit-tle bit sick. :)

    Steve,

    Well, I said you couldn’t outdo me on my anniversary post, but wow, you did it. I am throwing away my claim I tucked away in my “file” yesterday. No worries!

    I have learned a lot of new lessons taking care of a boy. I thought I had the baby thing figured out; I mean, four girls, what can be so much different??

    Heh. A LOT! I learned that with boys, it can run out of the top/front of the diaper. That was a new one on me. Plus fountains are common occurrences whereas it all just used to run everywhere. He has been much more temperamental than the other four combined. That has been a real challenge, though I cannot say for certain it is because of maleness. At least I hope not!!

    I am thankful you are having these experiences. There is nothing like them in the world. Many blessings upon you your family, bro!

  5. christy Says:
    December 19th, 2007 at 9:27 pm

    Well Tony, I just have to call it like I see it…
    Although, from what I have read, I’m not sure you have a say in this. If you can devote an entire post to your wife, I think I can get by with a few well deserved comments for my husband :)
    All kidding aside (and I hope you know I am kidding)…I enjoyed reading your thoughts about your wife–I’m sure reading that post was quite a blessing to her.

  6. Tony Sisk Says:
    December 20th, 2007 at 8:13 am

    Christy,

    I’ll let you get by just this once. ;)

    You guys are blessed indeed.

  7. Nancy Says:
    January 3rd, 2008 at 12:47 pm

    I’ve got to say that I got a bit teary reading this entry. We had a little one live with us for 2 years and experienced that whole “for whatever time she’s with us” thing.

    It’s been almost 6 years ago since she’s been gone and sometimes I still have to remind myself that time invested in someone’s life is never in vain. We loved her with the Father’s love and pray that somewhere deep down it made a difference.

    Thanks for this reminder and I encourage you all to just keep loving and keep hoping. I’d love to hear that you all get to spend 17 more years loving and raising Hope Giver.

  8. Mary Grace Says:
    January 3rd, 2008 at 10:44 pm

    Praying that God’s plans for Hope Giver will bring her into your lives for a very long time indeed! :-)

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