It's a kid's world, now.

An older friend, Katie, has told me on multiple occasions that Joanna and I make parenting look fun.  Katie, who has no kids of her own, has at least begun to think about having children.  Her hesitation, which I imagine is shared by many, is that children could limit her.  She, like many, enjoys traveling the globe, staying out late and sleeping in on weekends. 

The other day I was remarking to some friends about how long it's been since I've left for work with Joanna still asleep.  The odd part, most mornings, when she wasn't working and before we had kids, Joanna would typically be asleep when I'd walk out the door.  Now, she and I are up anytime between 5:30 and 6:30 with one or both boys.  Needless to say, I have not needed to set an alarm in over three years.

There are other areas which have also changed.  We go to bed much earlier, drink a lot less alcohol and watch a lot more Yo Gabba Gabba (which isn't all that bad).  But, these changes don't seem taxing to us in the least.  They are what they are: part of life.  While life today might be different from our previous ones, it is not without its charm.

The early wake-ups aren't always welcomed, but the little smiling faces typically are.  Buying a mini-van for a growing brood is expensive, however, packing my most prized possessions at the end of a trip in one is always priceless.  And, while I haven't seen the ninth inning at a Saturday night ballgame this year, running the bases with Peter and Thomas on Sunday afternoons is a victory for me.

Parenting is not always fun.  I'd be lying if I said otherwise.  But there are few things in life that remain in a constant state of "fun."  And, there may be people who have much more fun than me and Joanna, but I doubt they're more satisfied.