"But Daddy....I WANT a pony!!!!" (Parenting in general)

Member Name: sparkymarky1973

Product:	Parenting in general
Date:	25/02/09 (66 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The best feeling in the world and the most rewarding experience you will ever have!

Disadvantages: It is hard when your child is ill and can't tell you whats wrong!

When people first asked me if I wanted to have kids, I always said I wasn't bothered either way. Not that I didn't want kids, just that I didn't have an opinion! If Mrs.Sparky didn't want to have children, then that was fine with me but if she said she did want to get pregnant, that would not have been a deal-breaker either. I was happy whatever the outcome.

As it was, she did want children and the news that she was pregnant filled me with joy. I could not contain myself from jumping on the ceiling. For 9 months however, none of it seemed real and it was not until we had to go to hospital for the wife to be induced that I started to understand the enormity of the situation. It was a long labour (and thankfully I had some books with me to read) but the hardest part for me was the sense helplessness. There was my wife in extreme pain and all I could do was sit and watch. I don't think I have ever felt so helpless in all my life! When it was all over though and I held our daughter Emilie for the first time, it was all made real and worthwhile. I felt like I was dreaming and could not believe this little baby was mine!! Ahem....Of course I meant ours.....!

The first weeks were tough; Emilie wouldn't feed easily and had to go back to hospital a week after she came home because she had lost a lot of weight, her saline levels had soared and she was very ill. She had to go in the neo-natal unit full of much younger and smaller babies and have a drip and a tube inserted down her throat to help her feed. Fortunately she was not in there long and when she came out, we gave up on breast-feeding and resorted to bottles so we could gage how much she was drinking! Now, 18 months later, you would never know she had been ill...

Every day is a new learning experience both for you and for her! Being a dad is the most rewarding feeling in the world and, holding her in my arms, I know I will love, cherish and protect her for the rest of my life. Or at least until she reaches those difficult teenage tears! We have been sooo lucky because Emilie is so well behaved- she only has a paddy when she is tired or under the weather and the only slepless nights we occassionally have are when she is teething. Even then, as soon as that tooth comes through she is back to her normal sleeping patterns. That said, I am dreading the terrible twos because she cannot stay this good forever!!

The best thing dads, is that you can now look in toy shops without looking like a retard with mental problems or a sicko paedophile. If anyone stares, you are now allowed by law to stare them back down and shout "It's okay- I'm allowed to look at toys now- I'm a dad!!! I'm just looking for something for my daughter!!" Even if you are currently in the boys section looking at action men!!!

If anyone is reading this now and wondering if they would make a good dad- worry no more! Being a dad is fairly easy- you just have to make sure your little one is fed, changed and watered regularly and it is the most natural thing in the world to care and nurture for your child, in fact it is instinct! I was worried that I would not make a good dad but have found it just comes naturally! Honestly- if I can do it, anyone can....

Trust me the rewards and benefits far outweigh the odd sleepless night and I wouldn't change my beautiful daughter for all the tea in China!!

Summary: Theres nothing quite like being a parent!