If you're anything like me then you would have noticed there are a tonne of books for women about having babies, pregnancy and birth (you know.... the 'what to expect when you're expecting' book series. Thicker than a phone book!) but little for us blokes on how to deal with the curve ball you're about to (if not already) have tossed your way. If you're about to become a dad... hang on for the ride. It's fun!
So, rather than making the trip to the book store to buy a book or two you'll probably only read half of anyway, I figured the best way for guys to get the low down on what to expect, is to tell my story. Some will agree with what I have to say, and others may not. That's the joy of the web... you can say what you like!
Before you begin exploring, let me start by saying that I am not an adviser, psychologist or therapist of any kind. I'm just a regular guy sharing a few experiences along the road of fatherhood.
I'll share with you the ups, the downs and everything in-between, and do my best to put it into plain and simple "bloke" language I know you'll understand.
My Journey Begins
Well... A few years back (2008) I became a Dad for the first time and again in January 2011. Yep... I have two beautiful kids now. A boy (Cooper) and a girl (Olivia). I feel incredibly blessed but...
Like many guys who venture into the unknown abyss we call fatherhood, I was not as prepared as I thought.
I remember the day I heard those words "Honey we're having a baby!"
At that very moment my instant thought was...
"Wow, I have to get serious now, I have to grow up. It's not just about me anymore. This is for real. This is it... Ok... Do I have enough money in the bank? What about my car? Is it going to be big enough for a stroller? Should I buy a larger one? Oh no.... No more sleeping in on a Saturday mornings."
It was all about to change.
Those thoughts lasted for what seemed like a minute or so. I stood there frozen like a deer in the head lights, convinced someone hit the 'slow motion' button (Matrix style). Thankfully those thoughts raced through my mind faster than Micheal Schumackers F1 Ferrari. It's amazing that my mind could compute all that is a millisecond so my wife was none the wiser.
Naturally of course what immediately followed was a wave of joy that shot through me like a lightening bolt. The thrill and joy of knowing that I was becoming a Dad.
Wow... A 'mini-me' coming into the world. My own flesh and blood. It's truly an amazing feeling when it all eventually sinks in.
So... if you're becoming a Dad or already on the fatherhood journey like me, and heading blindly into the wilderness with no compass or map (like most of us), then it is my prayer and hope that you find your feet and direction here. Please share your experiences here so we can share them with other Dads. We can all learn something from someone. Pay it forward.
