This week brings an important milestone for Ninja Baby. We are through the first trimester! Thankfully, our recent doctor’s visit was good; everything looks normal and we even got to see Ninja Baby again. This time around the baby looked less like a turtle and has promoted to looking like a baby chicken. These first 12 weeks have been very exciting. The transition into the second trimester gives me an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve been through. Here’s what I’ve noticed…..
Note: These “tips” are intended mostly for the purpose of sharing my experiences. I am in no way trained as a physician, therapist, psychologist, etc………. but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn……………..
Enjoy your pregnancy- There are a million things to worry about when you find out that you’re going to have a baby. While it is important to plan ahead and get things done, try to find a balance. There are too many exciting and happy things about expecting a baby to spend your time stressing out; you’ve got at least 18 years ahead for stressing. As the fathers, we hold the great responsibility of supporting the mommys, and when you’re happy, it’ll help her be happy. Happy parents = happy Ninja Baby!
She must feast- Now my wife hasn’t been hit with any weird cravings; no pickles and chocolate syrup, yet. But she is eating in a way that I’ve never seen. She eats more frequently. She gets cranky when she doesn’t eat. Like Godzilla rising from the sea, it’s best not to get in her way. She’s made comments such as “I had a dream I was eating a sandwich.” Or “my mom is making tamales…..I hope she saves some for me…..(eyes glaze over).” The awesome things is that while she is eating more, she is eating better! Soda is gone. Veggies are in. Snacks consist of fruits and crackers; she just does it 50 times a day. Be helpful and supportive. I always tell my wife how proud I am of how well she’s eating. As long as the fridge is stocked, I shouldn’t be in any danger.
Hormones? Nah- This one may be better or worse for some. I find myself confused at times. One minute, I’m the greatest man that ever lived. Later that same day, I’m a bas…..um….product of an illegitimate union. You just gotta take these instances in stride. My solution is humor. Lighten the mood and listen to what’s bugging her. Most of the time my wife goes through this cycle: gets emotional about something, asks if I love her, wants a hug while crying, laughs at herself, and then tells me she needs some space. I know, I don’t get it either. But it’s a small price to pay for Ninja Baby. Just be ready with the tissues.
Pregnancy=Popularity- I’m not advising anyone to go out and have a baby to make friends. However, my Facebook has never had so many “Likes,” I’ve never gotten so many happy texts, and packages are delivered randomly to my house with gifts from people. Everybody loves babies. Anyone who doesn’t just scares me. Enjoy the happiness and always take a moment to appreciate what you have. Share your photos, your stories (thanks Life of Dad!), get psyched about baby clothes!
These are my experiences so far. Hopefully some of this can help any dads-to-be. I can’t wait to be a dad! I look at my wife and smile; she looks different, in a good way. Maybe it’s the “glow,” maybe it’s the fear she instilled in me at dinner time, maybe it’s the crying during commercials. Whatever Ninja Baby is doing to us, I love it, and can’t wait for what the second trimester brings.