It's Tough Being a Daddy

Parenthood is an amazing thing...hard to even imagine until you experience it.  But as we've experienced the many joys of Willa I have decided that at this stage of the game it's much different for mom and dad.

My first realization came in the hospital.  We actually had our only parental breakdown (thus far) during the first full night at the hospital when Willa cried and cried and just couldn't be consoled.  We were holding her and loving her but we soon realized all she wanted was to be snuggled next to her mamma.  It makes complete sense.  But I also needed rest so I would nurse and then when she was asleep try to hand her off to dad.  I also thought it was really really important for her to bond with him as early as possible.  He is the most loving father a little girl could ever have.  His love language is touch and he was so ready to just be able to hold and love her.  But instead he got stuck with all the meconium diaper changes...and even got peed on regularly (much better being peed on by a girl than a boy).

Willa hated to have her diaper changed at first.  So mom would get to feed and snuggle her then hand her off to dad so he could make her scream.  

When she's crying he has some tricks up his sleeve now, like climbing up and down the steps and even putting her in a sling and walking around the house with her.  

But it's much easier for me.  I just sit down and stick a boob in her mouth.  It works every time!

The good news is I tell him it will be so much different when she's older.  I'm already noticing changes.  She knows his voice and I've even caught her watching him when I'm holding her. She also loves it when he gives her a bath.

Plus, I told him she'll probably hate me when she's a teenager :)