I have read in the parenting books we got that some dads feel neglected when the baby arrives and it can cause jelousy between father and child. That, in no way whatsoever, is what has happened to me. I don't feel neglected. I feel like I am not helping enough. Ash wakes up crying and there are only three things he needs right now - changing of diaper, eating or cuddling. I can do two of the three, but more often than not it is food he needs and there is nothing I can do to help out there. As a result, Johanna is double tired compared to me and I feel really bad about that.
Good news is I can change the diaper like a Nascar driver. I can also swaddle him like no ones business. When I go back to work, this weekend, at least my dad and stepmom will be here to help out because I would worry the entire time I am at work otherwise. That will come next weekend. I am so glad she gets 5 weeks maternity leave because I am definitely not energetic enough to go back to work tomorrow and I know for a fact she is in worse shape than me.
As a filmmaker, I wanted more than anything to whip out the camera and start to video my son doing whatever it is kids do. I know, I know, he's only 6 days old but every time we lay him down to let him do whatever he wants he cries until we pick him back up. Is that normal? I don't know. He can't be put down unless he is asleep or he throws the biggest tantrums.
We are learning as we go and Steve and Nancy get here tonight, so that will be his next new experience.
You know that people will give you more parenting advice than you care to listen to without asking someone 'if it's normal' regarding anything your child does...lol! I say it's normal, cause he's been in a nice warm, dark and quiet womb for 10 months, and now he's thrust into this big open world. So unless you want to hold him until he walks, I would 'personally' suggest to let him cry as much as you can tolerate and stay sane. They cry because naturally that is their defense to get your attention. And it doesn't take long (there are statistics on this) for hinm to pick up the behavior to cry anytime he wants something and mom and dad will do it. SO, BEST OF LUCK! I don't miss being tired from having a little one. Sounds like you're doing an amazing job at helping. Johanna is lucky to have you. You're a pretty good guy if I must say so myself!
ReplyDeleteCongrats by the way, haven't talked to either of you since Ash was born. I can't wait to meet him in person! YOu guys did a great job!
He'll grow out of the crying as soon as he starts to get used to this new, big, noisy, cold, world... it takes a week or two, and they get better. (Well, not ALL of the crying, but a lot of it.) Did you guys get a swing? Those are wonderful little gadgets to get a little hands free time.
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