Learning on the Job

Dominic Ryan: 12 Days old

Well it doesn't matter how many books you read, or classes you take there are just some things about fatherhood and newborns you learn on the job. So twelve days in, here are the five things I've learned so far...

Daddy & his little tearcher

1. In the line of Dootie

In twelve days, I’ve been wetted on, peed on (there’s a difference, one is a leak, one is a spray), pooped on, puked on, spit on, and then peed on some more. This kid seems to think daddy is a walking, talking port-a-potty.

(Special note: Shortly after writing this, Dominic did two of these things on me at once. I'll let you guess which ones.)

2. Diaper “Not-So-Dandy”

While we’re on the subject, I’d like to give the makers of “Huggies” a very tight “hug”… right around the neck. We have “newborn-sized” diapers… only Dominic is creating some “man-sized” messes. Why? Because the diapers just don’t fit. We’ve gone so far as doubling up… to no avail. Where can I send my laundry bill?

3. Laundry List of… Laundry

Speaking of laundry. You get a lot of advice when people find out you’re having a baby. So why didn’t anyone tell us to start stocking up on laundry detergent? Since Dominic came home the washer and dryer run continuously. Our home has turned into a 24-hour Laundromat.

4. Waiting to “inhale”

We already made our first unscheduled trip to the doctor. Nothing serious, Dominic was just having some serious eye-crust. Anyway, here’s what I learned… there’s really nothing worse than sitting in a waiting room full of sick children. NOTHING! Call Guinness… I may have broken a record for holding my breath.

(At least, we got to hear some strange woman’s tale of pregnancy, appendectomy, and C-section all while teetering precariously close to dropping her daughter on her head. Got to love Kaiser.)

5. Sleepless in West Sacramento

And finally, no new daddy blog would be complete without a second to complain about lack of sleep. Honestly, it’s not been that bad… at least not for me. Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depending on how you look it) I can’t help Dominic at night much at this point. He only wakes up to eat and daddy don’t have the goods.