Credit: istockphoto.com
A few days ago, I became a first-time father. Ask me to describe the feeling. Honestly, I can't. I am not indifferent but I know I am happy. It's not written over my face like a patterned Adire and it's ok. (Adire is a resist-dyed cloth produced and worn by the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria in West Africa).
I find it thrilling that a baby lived in my wife's body for 9 months. At one point, he was like a dot, then he grew bigger and now I can see and hold him. I think he looks like my wife, but I might have to pay him to look like me. We'll see.
Labour experience was something. I wasn't there in the room but I heard and saw my wife in pain. I don't claim to understand but this is the part where I celebrate my wife. God bless you, sweetheart.
We have been receiving gifts from friends and family and I am still trying to understand why people give gifts to new babies. It's usually labelled ‘for the baby’. And I always giggle. What about the big babies? The father and the mother. Don't we deserve something light, too?
Fast forward to when we got home, visitors thronged our apartment. It was a major disruption, at least for both of us, considering that we like to keep things private and calm. I guess we are learning to deal with this.
I am grateful for both mothers, mine and my wife's, for their immense sacrifice. How are we supposed to bath the tiny boy? Many things we were ignorant of ...and many more we will still be ignorant of. At least, their wisdom provides support for us. Our fathers have equally been amazing.
This bundle of joy comes with significant disruptions. I know we will learn to cope with this. Lest I forget, the vigils have begun. Our cute son wakes up intermittently and wants to eat immediately.
This is the part where we need to support each other. We will surmount this too. I am noticing a few things about my wife. But reading Babyproofing your Marriage by Stacie Cockrell and co. puts things in perspective for me.
Her protective instinct is now way over. At least now I know why. I am also learning the things I need to get better at. Books are my thing. Good books help us overcome unnecessary problems and Babyproofing your Marriage is really helpful for me. I am not recommending this book as you may not find it interesting as I have.
Well, it’s only a few days and I am grateful to God for the helpful people he has put around me. The Pops Trip is my way of documenting my journey. Hopefully, someone gets to learn from it.
I am now a father. I have never been one before but I know I will win at this too. So help me God.
Welcome to The Pops Trip. The diary of a young father. By a father and for the fathers.
Wish me well.
#thepopstrip
Congratulations Daddy ......
Many more blessings to the family.
This is amazing Sir. I am learning. I look forward to more Sir.