The Apparent.

     It's apparent that I'm slowly becoming a parent. I'm starting to realize that having a child only proves two fertile people got together. Creating a new life doesn't make me a parent any more than a bad toupee makes someone not bald. Membership into the parent club happens in tiny increments, one diaper at a time. Each time I pick her up when she cries, give her a bath, make a bottle at three A.M, I'm taking one step closer to being a parent. At least I think so. It's not like driving, I don't know if I'm half way, or even when I get there. What's weird about parenting is if I do it right, I'll work myself out of a job. I will always be Evy's dad, even after I die; but I won't always be her parent. And I guess that's the point, isn't it? I spend the first year of her life just trying to keep her alive. The rest of my life is spent trying to keep her safe and myself sane. There's parts of this job that really tax my patience and even my relationship with Catie; but I wouldn't trade it for anything.