The hardest adjustment, for me, has been waking up. I'm used to waking up and finding that there's a baby in my apartment every morning (see Day Two -- it took a couple days for it to really sink in). My bigger problem is that I am not now nor have I ever been a … Continue reading Day 14
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Day 13
Today, Jaclyn went out for lunch and a bridal expo with her stepmother and soon-to-be married sister, leaving me at home with Miles for several hours. In addition to looking forward to some quality "guy time" with my newly-minted son, I was also happy to get some otherwise quiet time to read, work out, and … Continue reading Day 13
Day 11
Yesterday, we took Miles on his first leisurely excursion -- a walk in the park. This was quite a production, involving a number of wardrobe changes and quality time spent figuring out how to use his stroller, but eventually we landed on the right combination. Emboldened (and unwilling to let a trivia night focused entirely … Continue reading Day 11
Day 10
I've told people repeatedly this week that it's not the baby keeping us up at night, but rather the other way around. And while that continues to be true, it does seem that nights have become needlessly complicated and directionless. Our burgeoning system of mutual assistance all but completely corrodes at night, when both of … Continue reading Day 10
Day Nine
I've been a father for one week, and my descent into "bumbling idiot" could not have happened at a more alarming pace. Jaclyn woke me (or attempted to, anyway) last night to have me check Miles's diaper. I soon called out that I couldn't find him. Jaclyn asked what I was doing, and I said, … Continue reading Day Nine
Day Eight
The unbound Diaper Genie™️ bag lay coiled on the floor like the monstrous component of some Lovecraftian dark god, its cyan appendage packed densely with the primal, mustard-like waste of my son's bowels. Clearly, Jaclyn had not known when to widening the receptacle's expanse...when enough would in fact be enough. Now, its tendril threatened to overwhelm the bathroom, … Continue reading Day Eight
Day Seven
It took a few days to get primed, but OH MAN. This morning, Miles erupted in a series of poos the color of which could best be described as "tangy barbeque." It was honestly breathtaking to wake up to. Jaclyn said she could smell it from the living room, but I was sleeping right next … Continue reading Day Seven
Day Six
The grandparents (on my side) have arrived. Mom hasn't been able to put Miles down, and even stood by while I changed his diaper (and the most remarkable part? She said NOTHING. No advice, no interjections...she was just awestruck by my changing skills). I felt so empowered that I even changed my brother's diaper that … Continue reading Day Six
Day Five: The Discovery of Arms
One of the coolest things to watch so far has been Miles's discovery of his hands and arms. He barely moved them after birth, preferring to be swaddled and restrained. Once he started feeding however, it became a whole different ball game. While he still sleeps well when swaddled beneath the shoulders, he begins to … Continue reading Day Five: The Discovery of Arms
Day Four
Being needed. At virtually any point in your life, it feels good to be needed. Knowing that someone specifically needs your help gives us a sense of belonging and purpose, but also a sense, however big or small, of authority and wisdom. Now, the rub is that this feeling is often just a facade. At … Continue reading Day Four
The Perils (& Pride) of Paternity 