Another little person has turned one month old and two parents have started on an awesome journey. 

My friends Devon and Jake welcomed baby boy Gabriel back at the start of November and he is so sweet!! (We got to meet Gabe the other night at a Christmas party and he is all gooey adorableness.)

I haven’t had the chance to have a dad answer our “The First Month” questions yet and I am so happy to say that Jake has!! And it is so beautiful to hear from both parents.

Jake’s answers are first, followed by Devon’s.

Thank you two so much for sharing!

And to our readers – Happy Holidays!! What a nice post to have before Christmas – a beautiful, new, little family to get to know.

xo

K

The First Month

1. Can you write five to 10 words – either separate descriptive words or a short sentence – that describe the first month of being a new dad?

Learning how to love in a completely new way. Being protective.

2. What is one thing that you can tell us that you weren’t sure you would tell anybody about what you are feeling or have felt this past month? 

How much I miss Gabe when I am at work.

3. What is the one thing that took you off-guard, that surprised you the most?

I had no idea I could just stare at my baby for hours and not get bored but rather be fascinated. And the absurd number of diapers we use in a day. 

4. What are the moments and experiences that you have enjoyed the most this past month?

Watching his eyes light up as he explores his surroundings. I also enjoy watching Devon evolve into such a wonderful, caring mother. I knew she would be, but seeing it is an entirely different experience altogether.  

5. What do you wish was different?

I wish I could communicate with him. It is dumb, I know, but I want to know what he is thinking and answer all of the questions he must have. 

6. A couple is about to give birth – they ask you for one piece of advice, and you say: 

It is all worth it. That is easy for me to say as the father. For an expecting father or partner who is about to assist their spouse or loved one, I would tell them to be the calming and loving presence in the room. Your partner needs to be aware of your support.

7. What is a question that you have for other parents?

How do you manage your time?

8. How has this changed you?

Too many ways to count. Bad answer I know. 

9. What do you look forward to?

Seeing him smile, hearing him laugh, watching him scoot around.

10. When you are gazing at your baby snoozing, what are you thinking about?

How did I get so lucky? I also envision myself sitting at little league games, and attending school awards assemblies, and eventually graduations. I look forward to the future, but know it is simply going to fly by, so I am attempting to savor each day.

1. Can you write five to 10 words ­ either separate descriptive words or a short sentence ­ that describe the first month of being a new mom?

Everything I feel is over the top for my son. The love I have for him is so overwhelming and wonderful. I feel so incredibly blessed every single day for him and our little family.

2. What is one thing that you can tell us that you weren’t sure you would tell anybody about what you are feeling or have felt this past month?

How scared I was when we first got home from the hospital. We were no longer in the hospital where everyone is there to help you. We were at home, now, and it was just us. A ton of questions and fears flew through my mind: Would the dogs be OK with Gabe? Would Gabe latch as well at home than he did in the hospital? Would I be a good mom? Was I really ready? How is this going to change my relationship with my husband?… and so on…

3. What is the one thing that took you off-guard, that surprised you the most?

How much he would change in the first month – right in front of my eyes!

4. What are the moments and experiences that you have enjoyed the most this past month?

I really enjoy the times when Gabe is looking at me. And I mean really looking at me. Something I will never forget was this one morning I had Gabe in the bed with me and Jake and Gabe and I were looking at each other. The both of us were taking each other in and it felt so powerful that it brought tears to my eyes.

5. What do you wish was different?

The recovery time! I like being an active person. Mentally I am ready to be on the go and do things with Gabe. However you really need to take the time to allow your body to heal.

6. Someone is about to give birth – she asks you for one piece of advice, and you say:

Realize some things are out of your control. Jake and I had a birth plan. Being induced was not a part of our birth plan but some things are out of your control and I ended up being induced. Everything else did go to our plan and ultimately what matters most is the health and well-being of the mom and the baby. We had a wonderful labor and delivery and it was everything and more I could have ever hoped for.

7. What is a question that you have for other moms?

My questions would be about sleeping habits and setting a sleeping schedule. 

8. How has this changed you?

This life is no longer just mine. You have months preparing for it but as soon as your baby arrives it hits you that everything you do, you do for your baby. Your life now revolves around this little baby.

9. What do you look forward to?

All of the firsts and creating memories as a family.

10. When you are gazing at your baby snoozing, what are you thinking about?

How amazing and perfect this little baby is.