Bonding time!

So, being a new father is pretty HECTIC as most first timers can agree. After my wife had our baby, we made the decision for me to take my "paternity" leave after my wife goes back to work. It just made sense to use my vacation wisely since we had plenty of help during the first couple months. So I took a week off at my daughter's three month mark, also cause my parents went out of the country (one half of my baby sitting crew... lol).

I thought it was going to be a drag basically confined at home on baby duty and a waste of vacation time that could be used sitting in the Bahamas somewhere. Daddy daycare not only was a success for the most part, but also has been an awesome time to bond with the newest addition of my family. Since life has become so busy, just to have a week and free up 8 hours from each day allowed me to experience how quickly my baby is growing. Most of all learning her likes, dislikes, and it made me an expert at putting her to sleep. :) Fortunately for me, I got to spend time with her at a good stage. Allie was on a routine of feedings, she was almost ready to roll-over (got to be the first person to see that) an she was speaking jibberish now. At this phase, they also react to your facial expression which is awesome.

Cool as a Cucumber!

I never thought anything about taking time alone with a new baby, but I highly recommend any new father or mother for that matter, just to connect (Preferably after a couple months and the newborn stage has passed).  Even if it is just changing diapers, feeding, tending to a crying baby there's a lot to be learned. The first few weeks of beginning parenthood is just filled with anxiety, excitement and being busy with handling the newborn that a "connection" is hard to attain. When I mean 'connection', for me it was having the patience for handling a baby and part of that is understanding why they cry. It was hard for me to realize but my wife told me they are crying for a reason and are telling you something (that's the only way they know how: by crying). The time you get to spend alone also increases the love you have for your son/daughter on top of what's already there. There's no feeling like having your own daughter/son return a genuine smile when you smile at them.


My baby is truly a blessing, but I am also ready to go back to work. LOL. Time well spent!

HodgePodge.