Random Thoughts on Fatherhood, Part I
My paternity leave is quickly coming to its end. It’s amazing how almost fifteens have just flown by. I’ve been meaning to document and share my thoughts and reflections on fatherhood since January, but I’m just now actually getting around to it. Here are some to start with:
- I’m definitely going to miss not seeing him constantly once I start working. I am and will forever be grateful that the University provided this opportunity for me to get to know my son. I will definitely do it again for the next one. (I believe the cap for family leaves is two children!)
- You need to be a good assembler and generally be handy to have a baby. Lots of things to assemble and install—stroller, crib, changing table, swings (if you get any), high chair, baby safety gates, etc. I’m generally handy but it’s a lot to the extent that I wonder what parents who are not handy—either of them—do with all the assembling/installing.
- It’s not an exaggeration or simply a cliché—they grow up really fast. The rapid development in cognition, physical movement, and general appearance has been amazing. I expect he will be going off to college in no time….
- Two large things necessary to have a baby: laundry machines at home (running to a laundromat every other hour is unrealistic) and a station wagon (to carry all the baby stuff).
