What’s it like being a father?

Well, I can certainly share my experience of it over the last two weeks.

I KNEW what it was going to be like... you know, people told me all about it; sleepless nights, dirty diapers (nappies), crying, smiling, hugs, love and joy.

However, KNOWING THIS was no preparation for actually BEING a parent. It's different.

So, what's it like for me?

First, there are the diapers. And boy there are lots of them to do!

But, you know what? It is actually a PLEASURE to change Devon's nappies because he's such a delightful child. (I suppose it's also easy when the dirty diaper belongs to your own child!)

Also, there is AMAZEMENT.

I’m in constant amazement about the way our bodies are made.

Devon’s feet are so small, his little hands so tiny!

It really is amazing how only a few weeks ago (and really a few months ago) he WASN'T.

And now he IS.

Not only that, but he's made so perfectly. Two gorgeous bright eyes, a cute little nose...

I'm awestruck.

Sleeplessness is the most challenging thing.

Actually it's not the sleeplessness that is difficult, but I find that my brain is less atuned to being 'calm' when I'm sleepy, and I think 'my god, maybe I'm doing something wrong,' or 'what is he trying to tell me?!?!!?!'

There is something about a baby's cry that DOES NOT ALLOW me to simply ignore it.

It goes straight to a subconscious, evolutionary part of my brain that says, "You must do something NOW!"

That is the challenge.Though, writing this almost three weeks into it, I notice that Devon has several different types of cries.

The 'I don't want to have my diaper changed' cry is now quite humourous (only because I know he means, 'oh, come on already, get this thing off me and put me in something dry! Really, do you NEED to wipe my bottom every time!'

Albeit challenging, the one thing that I did not KNOW, was that parenthood is a beautiful feeling.

Yes, people have TOLD me what it was going to be like, but actually BEING a parent makes a difference.

It is one of deep love and understanding… and gratitude.

As I’d been told, my life will never be the same. I now know why my father laughed when he thought of me and Lisa being parents.

It DOES alter life.

Irrevocably.

Wonderfully, though. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

I want to thank my parents, their parents, and all those who came before them for choosing to embark on this adventure, the adventure of parenthood.

Without you, I would never have lived, let alone share this wonderful experience.

The End