Fatherhood Diary

When I was driving to the ultrasound place on Wednesday night, I was picturing how we’re going to see the baby on the screen as a flickering spec of DNA, but that wasn’t how went at all.  As it turns out, we’re far enough along that we distinctly saw the baby’s nubs for arms and legs, and the overall shape of the face. He/she was moving around a lot, kicking the legs, and waving the arms.  It was very surprising and adorable…if I can use that word without getting beat up.

Our doctor hasn’t gotten back to us yet, but the ultrasound tech said that everything looks good from what she can see; a huge relief.

Rachelle’s stomach is starting to pop out now to the point where people will start wondering “Either she’s been drinking a lot of beer, or she’s pregnant…but hopefully not both.”

Today is Rachelle’s first ultrasound to have a look at the new baby.  It’s a little bit unnerving because it’s the first check to make sure everything is “ok”.  It’s also the one that will probably have the most impact for me because it slams home the fact that it’s really happening, again.  Before the ultrasound it’s all heresay “I accidentally slept upside down last night” “Oh I missed my period” “This test has a plus on it” “The doctor says my blood is coming back as pregnant”…but when you get to see it for yourself it hits you like a cow prod…a beautiful, magical cow prod.

So far it’s been interesting to see the look of sympathy and concern that I’ve been getting from people who have heard the news…which I’d appreciate more if I were a 16 year-old high school football standout who just found out he knocked up his girlfriend on prom night.   “Wow they are going to be so close in age!  Two children under 2….I don’t know…”  Thanks for the vote of confidence people.  Believe it or not I enjoy my setup at home and feel very comfortable bringing up another through the ranks.  This baby wasn’t an accident (aka: surprise).

When Rachelle was pregnant the first time I can’t count the amount of times people commented on how hard it’s going to be, and how much work it is, and how my “life is going to change”…and to be honest it’s been pretty damn easy.  I understand that we have a rare case on our hands in that Layla has slept through the night since she was 2 months old but all-in-all it’s been a fairly straight forward experience.

My guidelines:

• Play with the baby.  When I’m home I’m constantly on the floor chasing Layla around, throwing balls around the house with her, banging pots together….pretty much stuff I was doing before she was born.  A lot of times if she’s crying she’s just bored and wants somebody to hang out with her.
• Feed the baby.  Straightforward…just keep the kid fed.
• Change the baby (or entertain the baby while your wife changes her)
• Put the baby to sleep

I don’t see how any of that could be considered difficult or a challenge.  In fact most of my challenges come from Rachelle bossing me around the house.  Layla and I secretly vent to each other about mommy’s tyranny.

I’m not saying that parenting isn’t work, and I know it’s only going to get more complicated from here.  The thought of ages 12-16 scares the hell out of me.  But right now I can’t see how this could more simple than what it is.

Edit: I wanted to go back and mention that part of the reason why we’ve had a relatively easy time was because of the amazing people around us. Our parents, brothers/sisters, and friends have been such a big help…not to mention the mythological goddess of patience, Nanny Jill.  We appreciate everything you guys do.

Oh and last night I was sitting against the couch on the floor throwing the ball in the air while Layla was pushing buttons on our home phone.  Suddenly she saw what I was doing, wound up, and threw the home phone at my face from point blank range.  Everything went black for a minute.  The icing on the cake was probably the sound of my wife’s hysterical laugh while I tried figuring out what the hell just happened.