What Nobody Tells You About Becoming a Dad

home insemination Kit

Let’s chat about what nobody really tells you about becoming a dad.

First off, we all hear the usual stuff about welcoming a new baby into your life:

• You’ll be drowning in baby powder while possibly getting peed on.
• Your social life? Say goodbye to friends and casual games, along with those R-rated movies—unless they’re something classy, like Titanic.
• Your own needs? They’ll take a back seat for a while.
• Sure, you can be a “cool dad,” taking your kid to the park or painting nails with your daughter. It’ll all seem like fun and games.
• And, well, let’s just say your love life might take a nosedive.

But honestly, most of that is just a mix of exaggeration and half-truths. You might feel overwhelmed at first, but you’ll settle into a groove. Yes, your priorities will shift, but if you plan ahead a bit, you can still squeeze in time for friends or catch the latest episode of your favorite show. Your needs still matter—it’s all about timing. And that “cool dad” image? You’ll find you care more about your child’s happiness than fitting into that mold. Plus, those adorable dad moments you see? They often come right before a kiddo meltdown. And trust me, you will see your partner in a more intimate light again!

A Profound Experience

Now, let me share something truly profound that I recently experienced, which encapsulates the essence of fatherhood. It’s not a measure of masculinity if you’re not a dad—those old-school ideas are nonsense. You don’t need to have kids to live a fulfilling life.

Here’s my story: My twin daughters, Lily and Ava, were born in April, making me a dad of three kids all under two. They were technically supposed to arrive a little later, which led to a six-week stay in the NICU while they gained strength. Lily came home first, and a week later, Ava joined us, marking the first time all three of my kids were finally under one roof. What a relief after that NICU experience!

But then, a week and a half later, just as my wife and I were winding down for the night, we noticed Ava looked alarmingly pale and lethargic. Within an hour, she was receiving CPR in the emergency room after having stopped breathing. Soon after, she was intubated and whisked away to a top pediatric hospital via helicopter. The doctors told us she had pneumonia, which can be dangerous for a baby her size. Meanwhile, Lily had the same cold and was perfectly fine.

We spent countless hours at Ava’s bedside, watching her tiny body surrounded by tubes and wires. It was in those moments—when you see a tear slip down your baby’s cheek during intubation, when you hear her muffled cries, or when you grapple with a life-or-death situation with a child you’ve only cradled for a short time—that you genuinely realize being a dad is so much more than a title or a social media post. It’s an experience that profoundly alters your purpose in life.

Fatherhood brings a new sense of meaning that surpasses anything you’ve known before. You learn that the sacrifices you thought would be hard to make are insignificant compared to the love you have for your child. You don’t even need a crisis to feel this way; it can be in the simple moment your daughter beams a smile at you or when your son reaches for your hand in fear. It’s a feeling you’ll want to cherish because it signals a shift in your life: you’re a dad, and that’s an incredible journey.

Embrace the Journey

So, as Father’s Day approaches, take a moment to reflect on this new chapter, no matter where you are on the fatherhood spectrum. Embrace the fact that you’re a dad—it’s pretty amazing. Oh, and Ava? She’s back home now, and all three kids are under one roof. Happy Father’s Day to me!

If you’re interested in more insights about parenting and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination here. You can also gain more knowledge about artificial insemination kits here. And for more tips on the subject, take a look at our other blog post here.

Summary

Becoming a dad is a transformative experience that goes beyond clichés. While you may feel overwhelmed at first, you’ll find your groove and discover a deeper purpose in life. Through challenges and simple moments, fatherhood will redefine your priorities, revealing the profound joy and love that comes with being a parent.