42 things I've learned through #DadLife

Today is my birthday. I always write one of these posts that list the things I’ve learned as a parent to two awesome young ladies and a husband to a woman who’s my wing lady in all sense of the term. 

Each year, as I write these posts, I learn more about myself. Some of it funny. Some of it sad. Some of it messed it. Some all three. 

So without further adieu: 

1. Being a parent is easy and hard at the same time. You’ll never figure it out. Just keep winging it. That’s all you can do.
2. Raising girls is easy…for now…so I’ve heard.
3. Despite being the one and only king in the household, I don’t rule the roost. I’m surrounding by ladies…even the dog.
4. My kids have no interest in watching Star Wars and I’m totally fine with that. Yea, I said it.
5. There’s always stuff I can do to be a better dad, better husband. I’m still working on that. Constantly.
6. Marriage isn’t hard when you have a wing lady like I do. She’s awesome and needs a vacation, a medal and probably an administrative assistant.
7. Protecting my family against the bat shit crazy people in this world is always on my mind and I hate it.
8. Having a dog is pretty cool and she is a member of our family, despite being a pain in the ass from time to time.
9. Getting compliments from friends, family, colleagues and other people about how awesome our family is pretty damn cool to be honest with you. 
10. And, as it relates to number 9, we aren’t trying to do anything special…just enjoy being with each other and having fun.
11. My kids are at the age where the birds and bees are something we can joke about and honestly, it’s pretty funny. 
12. I’m being proud of how my kids are doing in school... 
13. …and I hope they have successful careers to the point where they can take care of mom and dad.
14. I wish my pops was around to see how these young ladies are becoming young women who love unconditionally.
15. I miss that guy every day. Every. fucking. day.
16. I’m trying to be as good my pops, if not better than he was. That’s the only barometer I have...
17. …and being “good” has no real definition or playbook. You just have to figure the shit out.
18. I attribute all of our success as a family to my wife. Legit, she’s the rock... 
19. …and I’m pretty damn lucky she finally said yes after bugging her about having lunch with me while working at Suffolk University so many years ago. 
20. …and that I didn’t take her rudeness at the copy machine as a deterrent when I first met her.
21. …and my kids are so much like her it’s not funny and I’m totally fine with that. It’s work out so far. 
22. Just when you think you have it all figured out as a parent, the game changes. That’s life I guess.
23. No matter what you try to do to shelter your kids from all the craziness in the world, it never works. So, talk to your kids and talk to them often...
24. …and when you think it’s often, do it even more. It’s important. Trust me.
25. It’s amazing how close of a unit the four — or should I said five with #DaisyMartelli — we are. It’s like we’re the Patriots offensive line. No one is getting in. The pocket is safe for Brady to throw TDs.
26. Small things really matter, such as sharing a good laugh, every day with your kids.
27. Dinner, every night, together…without fail. This is also important. Do it, if you’re not. It’s the best time of the day.
28. Play games, play them often…no matter what they are. 
29. You’re not always going to be right, so admit it when you’re not. 
30. I remember when I turned 30…well, no I don’t. I’m getting old and my memory isn’t as sharp as it once was.
31. Neither do I remember 31.
32. or 32
33. or 33
34. Ok, enough. I’m just killing space here…sort of like talking to random parents at the school that I don’t want to talk to, but I do because my wife is the PTA Prez.
35. 35 was when things started to click with me professional and as a family guy. 
36. Then 36 came and it started all over again, once my oldest started hitting the tween phase. God help us.
37. As I’ve gotten older, I like things as simple as possible. An easy meal at home, a board game with the wife and kids or Sunday afternoon hanging on the deck is much better than any vacation, lavish dinner or any other obscene gesture of “making it” could be.
38. And I suspect, as I get older, “simpler” will get really simple. And, as long as I have my girls around me, I’m 100 percent fine with that.
39. The love my kids, wife and even dog shower me with each day is better than any gift, accolade or award I could ever receive. It’s priceless, as they say.
40. Despite the heavy use of technology in our home, being together, talking, having fun is all the “media” we’ll ever need.
41. There’s always room for improvement as a dad and husband. I can work harder. I can play harder. I can love harder. I can live the #DadLife harder...
42. …and I plan on it. Just wait until post #43.

[blows out candles]