If I Could Only Hold You Forever.

I'm a dad. Daddy, currently is my title. It's actually my favorite title. Of course my other titles are Husband, Unemployed Man, and Former Texas Notary. So, there isn't much competition in that regard. Unfortunately, like most titles my reign of daddy is soon coming to an end. Eventually I will just be known as...dad.

In fact as a former child myself, I can't remember when I stopped calling my Dad, Daddy. I guess I could start again, of course the social repercussions of calling my father Daddy in my 30's could be catastrophic. Also as a man, I don't want to call my father Daddy. I feel like it is not as masculine of as term. I pride myself on my toughness...I also play Dungeons and Dragons.

Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with dad. But, there is just a warm feeling a father gets when their children ask daddy for help. Daddy is a hero, Daddy can do anything, and Daddy is the strongest man in the world. Dad on the other hand? Dad is a advice giver, a teacher, maybe even a comedian. Dad is a necessity, but Daddy is an honor. It is the pinnacle of fatherhood.

Unfortunately, the end is in sight. My oldest, my daughter, my sweet little girl has spent the night at an auntie's house. For the first time she didn't need her parents to go to bed. Soon my friends, Daddy will turn to Dad. My little girl will quickly become my little lady, my little preteen and eventually my little woman. Of course, I look forward to watching her grow and I am thankful for each day I have, but it is a bit...bittersweet to say that least.

Now, some of you might be asking..."What of your son Liam?" (I mean you probably won't ask like that, because you aren't a medieval knight or fantastical creature). He...might call me Daddy for a while. Something about him seems a little more independent. Liam never had to be cuddled to sleep, Liam also has already spent the night at an auntie's house before, and sometimes it seems like Liam can entertain himself.

Down the road we might have more children and I will have more time to be a Daddy instead evolving into Dad...Is that a reason to have more kids? To maintain the fun titles that little kids say? I don't think so. I have noticed on TV a teenage daughter will occasionally call the dad on the show Daddy; that seems to be only when the child wants something. If so, I am in trouble. I might not be able to overcome the temptation to allow bad behavior if I am call Daddy when asked. Now, I simply can never allow my kids to read this.

My advice? Hug your children. Be the monster in the game. Hold on to them tight while you can. Take advantage of every perk you can while you are Daddy. My daughter isn't quite out of the Daddy phase, but the end is near. I'm not ready for it. I don't think any parent would be. I would ask my wife if she feels the mommy phase is coming to an end, but I don't think it is. I think for some reason the mommy phase can last forever.

When you become a new parent, old parents will tell you to embrace the moments while they are little, because it goes so fast. When I first heard this I would roll my eyes (not while they were looking) or just smile and nod. But, they are right. Enjoy the Daddy moments, I know I have.