T minus 3 weeks

Today, I want to share some quick thoughts as the anticipation builds for the arrival of our baby. We’re heading down the homestretch. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The eleventh hour of the pregnancy is upon us. This is the final countdown. The nursery is furnished, and the closet is stocked with diapers, wipes, and onesies. A kitchen cabinet is line three different types of bottles. We have prepared as much as we can.

We’ve received a lot of advice lately from friends, family, and medical professionals. It seems that when you have a baby, everyone has an opinion to give you about what to do or not do. They might offer suggestions of a favorite product that was a “game changer” or how tell stories about how babies poop a lot (no doubt this is true). However, in my experience, the most talked about and sensationalized aspect of new parenthood is sleep. “Get sleep however and whenever you can.” “You’re going to be exhausted.” “The first few days are going to be hell.”

Now, I’m all for knowing what to expect, but this is a case where preparation can do little to help future parents. I can’t buy some magical product or watch YouTube videos to help me sleep in the first few days of the baby’s arrival. I can’t bank sleep now to deplete later when nights are interrupted with feedings, changings, and restless baby episodes.

The best guidance I’ve heard is to have a plan for family or friends to help provide respites of relief and to outline this ahead of time. It’s heartening to know that there’s someone on the bench ready to pinch hit when irritibility sets in (preferably before actually). I’ll take comfort in the fact that this period of exhaustion will be temporary and that my wife and I will look out for each other’s well-being. I guess I’ll find out firsthand in a few short weeks (or less)!

So long for now.

-Felix