Welcome Home

Today, we brought Haley home from the hospital.  It was so nice to get back into our own house, surrounded by our familiar things.  Alex is getting used to Haley, and is very sweet with her.  He even kissed her goodnight before I put him to bed this evening.

When we got home, we were all sitting on the couch downstairs watching Blue’s Clue’s for Alex’s nighttime ritual and it was really amazing to see.  The 4 of us on the couch together, a family.  A few years ago that picture would have seemed like a dream, as we endured over 6 years of frustration in conceiving Alex.  My wife and I both have strong love for children and wanted to create a family in the worst way.  Yet it eluded us for so long.  Having our 2 children has been a blessing for us, and we are so thankful to have succeeded.

It’s already an amazing undertaking, juggling the new baby and a 2 year old.  I don’t see a whole lot of things getting done any time soon, as nearly every moment is taken up by either one of the kids or my wife who has many needs and little ability to walk up and down stairs, carry heavy things, etc.  My job at the moment is being the Dad and husband, ensuring that our family works and everyone feels connected, loved and is cared for.   Alex needs to learn just how fragile the baby is, and tone himself down when he’s around her.  He also needs a lot of attention from us, which is hard for my wife as she is responsible for feeding baby Haley every 2 hours around the clock.  I spend my time taking care of Alex, holding, changing and consoling Haley, cleaning up the house, being the errand man for my wife and trying to get a little sleep myself.  Work will have to take a back seat for a while. 

We knew it would be tough with 2 little ones, but of course we also knew the rewards.  I am so happy to have my family.  Now the focus is on getting it to work well, then I will have to shift back into career mode for a while in order to provide for them.  Juggling a career and family is the number one problem expressed by Dads in America.  It is so hard to be the loving Dad who spends all the time with his kids and wife that he (and they) wants, while also being the breadwinner and providing for them.  A nearly impossible task.  Something has to give.  Either you make a little less money, or you spend a little less time with your family… not an easy choice.

Right now, we are as happy as can be.  Sleep deprived and a little run down, but very happy.  Welcome home Haley.

Tags: blues clues, dad, dadsworld, family, mom, parenting, sleep