It’s been an experience like no other, but three weeks after Rikuto’s birth, I’m slowly adapting to fatherhood.
Here are 10 observations from a new father:
- Rikuto loves his dummy (or pacifier for my American readers), but when I can’t find it, I let him suck on my knuckles! He doesn’t notice the difference.
- Rikuto is very aware of sounds, particularly ice cubes and the sound effect from my camera when I take a photo. When he won’t stop crying, I take him for a walk around the house. He likes that.
- Daddy doesn’t have boobs.
- When Rikuto passes wind, it’s really loud… like an adult!
- Apparently, babies gain 30 grams a day, which really adds up. Rikuto’s face has really filled out and his legs just keep getting longer. He may be cute, but he’s a kicker!
- He poos, he poos, and he poos. Okay, so I expected that, but what I didn’t imagine was him thrashing his legs around in the poo-covered nappy (sorry, diaper) when you try and change it.
- Babies are fragile. You’ve got to hold all their body parts together until their bones get stronger.
- Why do diapers have cute pictures on them? They’re only cute the first time you see them. When you’re changing them 15 times a day, you’d wish they’d leave off the pictures and lower the price.
- Rikuto is oblivious to almost everything. He doesn’t even know those hands and feet waving in the air around him are his own!
- Babies won’t let you sleep. Ever.
Bear with me while I come to grips with the feeding, nappy-changing routine. The physical changes in Rikuto over the last three weeks are astounding. It won’t be long until I can get started with some real parenting!
