Whenever anyone asks about the baby for the first time, I feel compelled to not simply tell them that he's doing well, but also that Jaclyn is doing well. And then I tell them about how smoothly the entire birthing process went for her. Maybe I'm speaking a little out of turn when I talk … Continue reading Day 19
Tag: newborn
Day 18
Jaclyn: "I don't know how he's eating so much." Brian: "He's just a growing all-consuming elder of the universe, Jaclyn."
Day 17
Miles added a new sound to his repertoire today -- the cry-sneeze. He has, up to this point, not cried very much. He might fuss a little when he feels hungry, but he quiets down quickly. Today though, his fussing became a bit more pronounced, then swelled to a crescendo as he drew a breath … Continue reading Day 17
Day 16
Today was my first day back at work since Miles entered our lives. Do dads look forward to this normally? Because I sure as hell wasn't. In all honesty I felt pretty guilty leaving this morning, especially thinking that THIS would be the norm. How much of my son's life am I going to miss … Continue reading Day 16
Day 15
Not to be all self-congratulatory, but I've found that so far there are very few parts of parenting that I was unprepared for or not anticipating. But there is, beyond a doubt, one aspect I didn't realize would become so time-consuming...LAUNDRY. This kid goes through wardrobes like Beyonce on tour. Every hour or so … Continue reading Day 15
Day 14
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
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 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 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 