Getting through the pregnancy
I'm amazed at both how fast and slow the pregnancy has come and gone. 9 months isn't a short time. And yet, here we are, baby in hand.
My favorite parts of the pregnancy were:
The OBGYN visits and especially the ones with ultrasounds.
I think for the soon-to-be-dad, seeing the baby on the screen is reassurance that it's the real deal. Mom gets to feel the baby in her belly, but for us, it's just a big round tummy. The ultrasound is what I looked forward to each OBGYN visit, only to be disappointed since most of the visits don't include the ultrasound, only the heart beat listener. Definitely ask your OBGYN if she can print some pictures for you. She might even give you one of the 3D representations that (I'm sorry to say) are sort of scary looking. They look a bit like an alien baby. Still cool though.
Knowing that I'm brining a living and breathing being into the world.
Pretty awesome. One of the things I love about being a programmer is that I can create something that will do what I want. I think becoming a father taps into that same feeling in me. Of course, I have no delusions my child will do everything I want, but it's very very exciting to think that I get to have a huge part in shaping another human. It's a lot of pressure, but I think it's going to be really fun.
Some of the less fun parts:
Foot massages.
I'm not going to lie. These aren't my favorite thing to do, but it's a necessity to help pregnant mom (especially one that works on her feet a lot) get through the days. It does feel good to know that I'm helping in some small way, but there are other things I'd rather do :)
That's all for now. I might remember some more things later on.
Justin
