Guest Post: Ant's Thoughts On Fatherhood

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.