We are in the process of selling our house and buying a new house.  As I am sure most people can testify, it is a very stressful time with some days being more stressful than others.  Last night and today was one of those days in the Keenan household.  Andrea and I had a tough time getting to sleep last night and then the boys woke up a couple of times during the night, with Benjamin ending up in our bed and me on the couch (he’s got the jimmy-legs).

Getting up this morning was tough and the overhanging stress felt like a huge weight on us.  As I struggled to keep my patience (successfully) this morning as we got the boys ready, I kept pondering how difficult being a parent is when there is outside stress and pressure.  Honestly, I was feeling a bit sorry for myself.

As the day went on, the stress didn’t let up much as I worked and the closer it got to 5:00, the more I was pondering having to “deal” with picking up the boys.  However, as I drove to get them at daycare, the more I realized that I couldn’t wait to see them.  I found some of the stress melting away as I thought about the little guys.  And when I got there and they were so happy to see me, I was so relieved.

I came to the realization that when outside stress and pressure are there, thats when it is the best time to be a parent.  Their energy and innocence and how things don’t bother them for long is so refreshing and helps me deal with my own stress.  They are two little bits of comic relief that so easily and effortlessly bring a smile to their Papa’s face.  They are a reminder of why we make certain sacrifices and why those things causing the stress are nothing when put into perspective of them.

I think it is in hard times that I am happiest to have these two little guys in my life.