After two miscarriages in 2 years we thought that having a child just was not in the cards for us. We even (briefly) made the decisions to stop trying. So when Jack entered the world it was a blessing several years in the making. The transition was scary but we were confident we would be great dads! We had not taken hours of parenting classes, we did not read dozens of parenting books, which just parented with our “hearts and our heads” (a piece of advice I attribute to my mother). The overnight shift of priorities was astounding but welcomed. Things I prioritized days ago, had much less value now. Getting a work out in, getting a good night sleep, cooking a healthy meal, meeting up with friends, all were pale in comparison to the new sole priority in my life, Jack.

After two miscarriages in 2 years we thought that having a child just was not in the cards for us. We even (briefly) made the decisions to stop trying. So when Jack entered the world it was a blessing several years in the making. The transition was scary but we were confident we would be great dads! We had not taken hours of parenting classes, we did not read dozens of parenting books, which just parented with our “hearts and our heads” (a piece of advice I attribute to my mother). The overnight shift of priorities was astounding but welcomed. Things I prioritized days ago, had much less value now. Getting a work out in, getting a good night sleep, cooking a healthy meal, meeting up with friends, all were pale in comparison to the new sole priority in my life, Jack.

As someone who has defined themselves by accomplishments in my career, when Jack arrived I was able to so clearly cut that cord that tethered me and my worth to my job. I now self-define as a dad and husband first and a businessman a distant runner up. A very healthy and overdue acknowledgement that I am glad Jack helped me see.

It can be a little lonely the first couple years. As someone who was pretty social leading up to Jack’s birth the contrast can be a challenge. You are swarmed with attention right after the baby is born, but that wears off quickly as others get back into their routines. We did not have a lot of friends with babies, or babies the same age as Jack so we found ourselves a party of three a lot of the time. The exhausting home routines make it a struggle to ‘get out’ and proactively socialize. I know there is light ahead as Jack nears two years old. As Jack gets older the 6 month difference with other friends’ babies does not seem as daunting and the age of play-dates and finding parents with similar interests is around the corner.

We’ve been waiting for a place the The Den to open! The cold winter months hamper what you can do with a 19-month-old, and the toys in our playroom get old real quick (for both Jack and us). I look forward to getting out for a couple hours to let Jack play, meet new kids and socialize. We’re looking forward to having a warm and welcoming place to meet other parents, learn from other parents and build out community!