48 Hours....now what?

Yes, this is a blog about being a stay at home dad, and for the most part, it will discuss stories that pertain to my experiences with Gracie when I am with her during the day but......I feel as though I need to provide some critical information regarding the first few days of Gracie's life. 

Rewind back to March 25, 2011...All the excitement, anticipation, preperation......then she's born!....Now what?  As a father, you feel a little out of place...at least I did.  My wife just went through the most amazing, difficult, and tramatic experience of her life....she freaking gave birth!  Now, she is in a ton of pain and the entire hospital staff is tending to her and my baby.  I felt helpless, out of place, and just plain scared!  The first night in that hospital room was busy to say the least.  Nurses visiting every few hours so even when the baby is sleeping, you're not, Cold air blowing from the vents no matter how high you turn the thermostat, and when you are able to catch those seldom few moments of shut-eye.....bang.....dreams or should I say nightmares about little Baby Grace.  For about the first 2 weeks of her life I was unable to sleep at all.  Every noise would wake me up, silence was even worse.....is she breathing?  I think I asked Maggie that question at least 5 times a night.  It was all different, it was all scary, and I never thought I would get over those feelings from the first few days.  My advice to any dads out there....Change all the diapers, help your wife or partner, and read those pamphlets and books they give you like you are studying for the MCATS!  I think I new everything there is to know about baby poop!  There is black tar, green, yellow, yellow seeded...I was a poop expert.  Why, because I had to be. I had no idea about how to take care of a baby, so at least I was able to chart the poops and pee's and act like I was doing something important. 

For 48 hours I was the poopologist on duty, we had nurses taking care of the Gracie and Maggie, I just changed the diapers and helped Maggie while she recovered.  Then that moment comes when they tell you that you're going home!  Yes, I get to sleep in my own bed!    O wait, ........it's not just my wife and me anymore.....there's this baby thing?  What the hell am I supposed to do now?  Are you sure we don't need to stay another day?  The reality of the situation sets in, take it one day at a time....make the little accomplishments seem big, and learn everything there is to about baby poop!