When I first
found out I was going to be a dad, I was extremely excited. Then, as things started to settle in, I realized that this is
going to be a lot of hard work. As we started buying baby items and
clothes, I knew I needed to learn as much as I could about babies. I looked up a few
things online and Lindsey bought me a book for dads-to-be. It had a lot of good
advice and insight, but the ultimate message was to learn as you go
because every baby is different. Honestly, I didn’t really buy that at first. I
mean, babies are babies. They cry, sleep, poop and repeat for the first few
months. I was wrong.
Harry
Desmond was born on November 7, 2011. Almost immediately I realized that things were
going to be different than anything I’d heard or read. He was premature and needed
to stay in the NICU for six days. It was tough, but it helped fortify the bond I
have with him. But then he came home.
Harry has
been the best baby a parent could ask for. Sleeping full nights starting at
four weeks old, staying calm through most circumstances and growing at an
exceptional rate. He’s no longer considered by the doctor to be hindered by his
premature birth. In less than four months, Harry has grown six and a half inches. That’s nuts. However,
the moment that made me really feel like a dad was a few weeks ago. Lindsey took Harry out to a friend's and was gone a couple of hours. When they got home I went to say hello to my son and he looked up and gave me a big
smile like he missed me. As sappy as it sounds, that moment warmed my heart.
Harry recognized me as his father and was happy to see me. Ever since then, Harry
and I spend a lot of time in deep “conversations.”
Every day
with my son is automatically a great day, and that streak will continue on for
the rest of my days. I want to thank my wife for being a total rock star during childbirth and for being such an amazing mom to Harry. And I would like to thank Harry for
being the best baby imaginable. I can’t wait to see what you grow up to be.
So sweet... tear! A+ Ant!
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