Some random reflections on birth
01 March 2009
- I don't think anything can prepare you for the birth of your own child. In spite of all the gruesome videos and books and parenting classes. Having a kid changes everything.
- Everyone is an expert when it come to raising children. "Sleep for 3 hours feed for 1... you must get routine." "I can't believe you let other people hold her." "I can't believe..," the list goes on.
- Everyone has their own little bit of advice about what to do. Very often most of the advice is contradictory other advice you will receive. I've tried to pick what I reckon is right. Trying to weigh it up make a wise choice.
- Listening to your own child cry really chills you to the bone in a way that listening to to other people's kids crying doesn't.
- I have a new appreciation and respect for women especially those who go through child birth.
- You don't always do things the way your parents did. You can set your mind to do stuff differently... and succeed.
- Don't be afraid to break conventions. There seem to heaps of unwritten rules when it come to child rearing. It always feels like someone is judging you for the decisions you make, push on they are your child.
- In the parenting DVD I watched, men were made to look pretty useless when it came to helping Mums out. I was disappointed. I'm trying hard to be the bathing and nappy changing ninja. I am not some useless male oaf.
- I've found the need to be confident and strong even when I don't feel it. I need to do this to support my wife and child. They are both vulnerable at the moment.
- I'm glad I haven't got a job yet as it's meant I've been able to spend heaps of quality time with Olivia and Christine.
- It's been nice having people drop by and give presents. It's much appreciated.
- I promise I will not use a picture of just Olivia as my profile picture... anywhere. Just as I promised I wouldn't use my wedding photos as profile pictures. To be honest I find this practice a little lame*.
- It's not possible to spend too much on a pram.
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Yeah. I'm with you on the profile pictures thing, Mike.
"In the parenting DVD I watched, men were made to look pretty useless when it came to helping Mums out. I was disappointed. I'm trying hard to be the bathing and nappy changing ninja. I am not some useless male oaf."
Good onya. I've already heard you do it one handed or something.
"I have a new appreciation and respect for women especially those who go through child birth."
Aaaamen.
Great list. Thanks.
Awesome reflections, Mike. :)
Very good, dude...
way to go!
good you're willing to do all jobs - well the ones you can do.
Good list bro.
Having said that, I don't think there's anything wrong with being proud of new additions to the family. Who cares what people put on their profile pic?
I guess my point is that your list is very helpful and encouraging, but who is helped or encouraged by the point about profile pics?
Mike, great list! Sounds like you are an awesome dad and husband -- the world needs to see more of that! And I for one appreciate people whose Christmas cards (profile pics, etc.) include the whole family, not just the children.
Olivia is gorgeous and we are so happy for you and Christine!
All great EXCEPT the last comment. Anything more than $150 is materialistic gluttony!
any guess on what we spent? :)
Jason I'm proud of my child I'm just not putting them as my profile picture. If it's you and the child in frame that's cool.
My identity/profile isn't wrapped up with my child or any other particular event or thing or toy in life.
Note: I in no way wished to imply that you weren't a proud father. I've seen the way you look at Olivia :)
I'm encouraged by the comments about the profile pics, because I hate those ones, too. Especially the wedding ones (although y'all have a right to put whatever photo you want as your profile pic.)
I echo Jason's comments, I don't see a need to mention the point about profile pics - it's not loving, but if you must bring it up is there anything less lame about posing for a profile pic?
Maybe leaving an anonymous comment...
"Maybe leaving an anonymous comment..."
hehe. cheeky boy.
i don't think mike's comment is even in the sphere of loving/edifying or not. it's just a taste issue. is it unloving to say 'to be honest i think listening to the Corrs is a bit lame'? that's all it is - a taste issue.
Hey I like the Corrs... ;)
Ha ha, I'm sure the reason that comment was anonymous was because, if they'd logged-in we would be viewing a picture of their wedding!
My profile picture is an ASCII-art drawing of my mum... is that lame? ;)
I may use Olivia as my profile pic sometime soon.
Lol you should totally do that.