Life as a Dad

One of my many thousands of questions that I solicited clarity on before Mayes arrived last Saturday was 'What, specifically, does the dad do during Week 1?'. So, today, as I mourn the end of what's been the most magnificent vacation of my life, here are my thoughts and captured experiences. 

In many ways, Mayes' triumphant entry into the world was similar to the experience of getting married and being a newlywed. The anxiety of caring for another life, the contemplation of minor details, the "extreme close-up" and attention paid to you as an individual/couple (thankfully there are no diamonds associated with this event!), and the mystery of how life will converge into one coherent stronghold were all identical thoughts and emotions I experienced over the last couple months. As with both, there's usually ample time to plan and prepare...to gather the stuff and organize the "what-if's" that naturally exist with such a drastic life change. But, just in like marriage, there remains a need to make the relationship and experience your own; incomparable and intimate.

I had a number of concerns; how would I know if this was the right time to head to the hospital, how many red lights can I actually speed through, how much was too much to see during the birthing process, would I pass out, and how would I react to a healthy/unhealthy child...and this was all during the hospital visit stage! While at home, I wondered if he was breathing correctly or trying to signal that something was wrong? Will my fingers always smell like the tar-like poo substance? What am I doing wrong that's making him cry, even after the major three are finished (feeding, burping, changing)? And finally, and maybe most importantly, will the gallons of pee that bursts out at random-yet-perfectly timed situations really stain the new chair I bought mommy?

And somehow I've made it to Day 10. 

Throughout the first week, I took it upon myself to make sure Mag was as comfortable as possible. I wanted to limit her to the main three and sequester her to the friendly confines of our clean, linen sheets. When Mayes would cry or awake from a nap, I would reach for him in the crib/pack-n-play and transport him to mom.  I also took on diaper duty, and while Mag fed Mayes in his room, I would catch a couple quick minutes of sleep until the job was complete. I also (voluntarily) took on the role of Mr. Clean; I used the nasty laundry facility in our basement, washed the dishes that were even breathed upon, dusted every nook and cranny, scrubbed the bathtub, and made sure our apt. smelled fresh and new. Throw in a couple cooking responsibilities and shoulder rubs, and you have a full week. 

It was a complete pleasure, and my actions were from a deeper motivation than simply "being a nice husband". Seeing firsthand what Mag has been through for the last nine months, and watching her nurse and care for Mayes in the gentle, loving way that she does, I would do anything for her (and I remind her of that).  I certainly have a new perspective and appreciation for women; the toll, constant sacrifice and care that loving mom's must put out is absolutely awe-inspiring. What an amazing week of witnessing the heart of a mother come to full bloom. Thank you, Lord.