A number of changes have occured since my last post. Most notably, my son was born on February 15th. He and mom are healthy and doing great. We've been home since the 17th and have adapted well. At this point in time, the only "tough" part about being a father is the late night feedings. Since we're not using formula, I don't have much direct responsibilities during the feedings other than burping and changing diapers. I'm not complaining about that because I truly want to be as helpful as I can. The worst part is actually the "late night" feedings. The first few days/week it wasn't that bad. Melinda and I would both be fairly wide awake during each of the feedings (averaging every 2-3 hours), however, probably starting with the second week we started to feel the lack of sleep.
My favorite example of our sleep deprivation is that one night while Mel was feeding Evan, I was laying in bed waiting to help with burping and the diaper change. Mel said "ok, he's ready for a change", I think I said "ok" and just like that (snap your finger), I was out like a light. Melinda quickly realized I fell asleep and had to wake me up again. I can't remember ever answering a question and then falling asleep in the next instance but there is a first time for everything.
Evan is an awesome son. So far he pretty much sticks to the pattern of eating, sleeping, and yes, pooping. But even changing his diapers isn't as bad as I thought it would be. [For future fathers out there, let's just say that you get used to changing diapers. Yes, there can be some gooey surprises in varying quantities but since you expect it, it's not that bad. Two hints, get a diaper wipe warmer and a diaper genie. Evan does not cry as much when we use "warm" wipes, so we ended up getting a second diaper wipe warmer for downstairs. The diaper genie... a friend gave us a genie and we love it so much we bought a second one also.] Whether Evan is asleep or awake, we have fun staring at him; looking at the funny faces, smiles and listening to the funny sounds he makes. When looking at pictures I realized that in just a 2 1/2 week period he has already changed. Thank goodness for digital cameras.
Another change that has occured is that I recently turned 30. When my grandfather asked the standard "how does it feel being 30" question, my answer was pretty much as follows: I don't feel any different due to my "age", but I do feel a greater sense of responsibility due to being a father.
I think that is a pretty powerful realization and am glad I realized it so early on.
Other changes worth a quick mention, 1) my new job now starts on March 13th, and 2) we had the carpet in our house replaced (after Evan was born).
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