January 12 2024. I became a father. After almost a year of build up, thinking about the gender (my wife and I chose to be surprised), doctor’s appointments, and wondering how it would be to actually be a dad, a 7lb 11oz little girl came into the world and punched me right in the gut.
It was the greatest day of my life.
Every corny and cliche thing you’ve ever heard about being a parent is true. And it all just feels so right. It really feels like I’ve known my daughter my whole life. Like she was away for a while and then she just showed back up as if to say “Hey I’m back. Let’s hangout.”
To be a bystander in the delivery room and witness the incredible strength and sacrifice my wife displayed was something so inspiring, emotional and beautiful. I am blessed to have her in my life. I try my best not to take her for granted. She makes me a better person and father every day of this new journey we are on. If i didn’t have her in my corner I would be lost.
For those of us with newborn babies we get to see innocence in its purest form and experience what true love feels like everyday. As I type this I am thinking about holding my daughter in my arms. Whether it be trying to comfort her, or just to look at her, it just feels so right. Watching her change everyday and thinking about the type of person she will become while also thinking about all the life she has yet to live brings me so much joy and excitement. It will be the greatest adventure I will ever be a part of. I can not wait to be a part of her journey.
3 months in and there are of course challenges. I’m doing my best to make sure she is comfortable, making sure she is eating enough and she is eating regularly. I am trying my best to be my best and to give my wife all that I have every day so that she is well rested and is able to take care of herself and our daughter. At times it feels like life handed me a puzzle. I am always trying to figure out what piece goes where. Yes, at times frantically or with some impatience.
Does she need to eat again? Does she need to be changed? Should I hold her or let her cry it out? When she smiles and is happy and content is worth any mental challenge I have to deal with.
I think people with children..it doesn’t matter how old you are or how old your children are..need to remind themselves just how amazing an experience it is to behold the birth of a child. Seriously. Just think about the whole day. For women..you can say endured something so mentally and physically draining. You were able to reach levels of perseverance you probably never thought you were capable of.
For us dads.. Being able to be so focused on your wife’s needs that you don’t question anything. True acts of selflessness become second nature. In those moments life comes and slaps you in the face. But the slap doesn’t hurt. It is the kind of slap that you might need. The kind of slap that says WAKE UP! LET’S DO THIS!. Then you do it! And you and your wife make it work. The two of you figure things out. You take each day as they come, and in those moments there is an incredible sense of pride you feel for yourself and your wife.
My life has become about taking care of my daughter. While also working even harder to work on myself. Everyday is a new opportunity to be the best version of myself for my family. Husband and father, I continue to learn and grow everyday.
Yes it is challenging, but a challenge I was born to able to handle. I will take it head on and not back down from anything no matter how much it might scare me. Whatever I need to do for my daughter I will do.
Henderiks, Thank you for changing my life. I love you
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