My SAHD Journey:Installment One

I am now a believer in the theory that parents suffer from a genetic amnesia disorder that makes you forget all the horrendous days and nights we experienced as parents…to insure survival of the species. Otherwise would anyone have a second child? Come on now, dig deep into the memory bank, invoke images of the smelly diapers, sleepless, puke filled, nights with endless shrieking and tears… and then tell me it ain’t so! 

Clearly I suffer from this disorder, having recently embarked on my latest adventure as a “stay at home dad” (SAHD) with our newest addition to the family … a little sweetheart, a 10 month old little girl!

This time around is a little different, she is a girl, and because we have adopted her, we missed the first 10 months of care.  And with that we missed many sleepless nights filled with new born noises and needs including the 2 a.m. feedings. I’m grateful she had such terrific care from a wonderful foster Mother, we now reap the benefits in a well-adjusted, happy, 10 month old toddler.

Now 3 weeks into my adventure as a SAHD the reality and gravity of it all is sinking in. I feel the stress of the last few weeks of work leaving me.  The uncertainty of the final days leading up to the adoption is now over, and a daily routine is beginning to take shape.  And my son appears to be abundantly pleased to finally be a big brother.

I am amazed at how much I have forgotten in the six and a half years since my son came onto the scene…how to load the refills into the diaper genie, how difficult it is to install a car seat, how much food a 10 month old eats, the significant expensive of diapers and formula, and more. And I’m equally amazed how quickly it all comes back.  

I have noticed a big difference on how we have handled a new baby in the home compared to the first time around. When my son came home I contemplated asking for a police escort to protect us from the hooligans on the 401, I measured the water and formula powder with the precision of a chemist. Every sound and new behaviour invoked fear that we had done something wrong. This time around the confidence is certainly higher.  And there is a realisation that kids need love and care, but are also resilient. And perfection is not a prerequisite to parenthood (thank god).

In the days ahead I hope to share my new journey as a stay at home dad. I know the days will not all be sunshine and lollipops…until of course the amnesia kicks in again….