15 Insights From My First Year as a Dad

home insemination Kit

As my daughter approaches her first birthday, my wife and I can proudly say we’ve managed to keep a tiny human alive for an entire year. This is nothing short of a miracle, especially since our track record with plants and pets has been less than stellar. To commemorate this significant milestone, I’d like to share some lessons I’ve picked up along the way as a new dad. Here they are, in no particular order:

1. I’ve mastered the art of the dramatic sigh. When stress hits, I let out a sigh that echoes through the room, as if I’ve just conquered a great challenge. It’s a physical release, reminiscent of running a marathon—though let’s be real, nothing compares to childbirth.
2. Fear becomes real in the delivery room. I didn’t experience childbirth firsthand, but I felt sheer terror while waiting for my wife to have her C-section. In that moment, I was overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty, praying for everything to go smoothly.
3. Wipes are the MVPs of parenting. Forget about valuables or even dignity; it’s all about those essential poop wipes.
4. Single parents deserve a standing ovation. I’ve only had to solo-parent for a few days, but I gained a newfound respect for single parents everywhere. The challenges they face are nothing short of heroic.
5. I can hold my bladder longer than I thought. When the baby finally sleeps, I find myself delaying bathroom breaks—it’s a small price to pay for peace and quiet.
6. Color matters—at least to strangers. Dress your baby in anything but pink, and prepare for confusion from the public. Apparently, your parenting choices are up for debate.
7. Fatigue has a new meaning. I thought I was tired before, but nothing compares to the exhaustion of those first ten months.
8. Trimming baby nails is a nail-biting task. The anxiety of cutting those tiny, delicate nails is real. Even tough guys hesitate at this task.
9. Beauty can be found in the simple moments. Watching my daughter play in the sand for the first time was a breathtaking experience that words can’t fully capture.
10. Coffee is my lifeblood. While my wife can function without caffeine, I rely on it to survive the day.
11. Balancing work and parenting is no easy feat. The struggle between job obligations and parenting duties can lead to resentment toward work, even if you love it. But the joy of your child’s smile makes it all worthwhile.
12. Find joy in the little things. A slip into a birthday cake can turn a bad day around.
13. Teaching a baby to sleep is a learning curve. We initially resisted “sleep training” but soon discovered it was essential for both our well-being and our daughter’s. After following guidance from a helpful book, we realized we had much to learn.
14. Beauty is subjective. Watching my daughter devour a chicken wing is far more mesmerizing than any scenic view.
15. Time flies. Other parents’ warnings about how quickly kids grow up are true. One moment they’re a baby, and the next, they’re mastering new skills and exploring the world.

If you’re interested in more parenting insights or information about home insemination, check out this post on our other blog. For those looking to enhance fertility, Make a Mom offers valuable supplements. If you’re navigating the journey of donor insemination, American Pregnancy is an excellent resource.

In summary, the first year of parenthood is filled with challenges and revelations that shape you into a new person, and while every moment can feel overwhelming, it’s all part of the incredible journey of being a dad.