This consolidation of notes is a record of days from my experience as a stay-at-home dad. The original idea for me to stay at home was mine. After much discussion, it was decided that it was our best option for the initial rearing of our (first) child. I positioned the idea as the husband’s pregnancy – she carried him for the first 9 months and-now I will carry him the next 9 months. The idea to keep a journal was that of my mother-in-law (Oma Mamu)– a retired stay at home mother of two. She suggested I write down my daily experiences, presumably for her own personal future entertainment and ultimately as a keepsake of our experience as new parents.

The professional position I left was as a technical sales representative with a biotechnology company – I supported the use of and sold antibodies, gene silencers and chemicals to labs performing research on various diseases and biological topics. My wife is a fashion designer for a clothing company – she has designed a wide range of products for children and adults. Our current plan is to have myself return to the workforce after his 1^st birthday, after he has time to grow some and enter the social world as a better prepared ‘new’ human participant. 

We are following a Parent Directed Feeding schedule, with feedings occurring at regular 3-hour intervals. The schedule has worked well for our needs and seemingly the baby as well. Currently (at 3-months-old) he still needs a regular feeding at each expected time slot however, he is beginning to make it longer through the nights without the scheduled feedings. We are fortunate that there are no known health issues and that he has been developing as expected.

Today was my first day with our 3-month-old son, all by my self. To be honest, this new ‘job’ is not really that intimidating. While I do know it will be difficult, the idea is simple and the successful execution of it rests in my hands.

So, day one –

The day had been preplanned, by myself, giving respect to our newborn’s timelines of expected feedings and diaper changes…we were going to go to Home Depot. The day started as planned, waking up mom for the 6:00 a.m. feeding, making coffee and seeing her off on her first day back to work. A bit later, I noticed an ambulance and fire truck across the street and watched to see what was happening. It appeared that there was some sort of accident or unfortunate event. Cars began to line the street and people lined the doorways of the house. I texted my wife that all was okay but that something was amiss in our neighborhood. Afterwards, I cut up a fresh Danish (that my mother had prepared) into nice, bite sized pieces. Snacking a bit, I decided I would use the remaining Danish as fuel for my day. After the 9:00 a.m. feeding, the car I use needed a good cleaning before I felt comfortable putting our son in it, having been used for hauling lumber and home repair items. So, I set out in the garage, baby monitor in hand and began vacuuming out the car. I started to hear noises from the (attached) kitchen and looked to find our dog, Gordo, had reached up on to the counter and devoured my, freshly prepared, Danish. I was really looking forward to that Danish - not a great start. I returned to cleaning the car, performed the 12:00 a.m. feeding and immediately loaded the car with our son to head out on our adventure. We got to our destination, without incident. Some complaining from the back seat reminded me that this could go badly. We entered the store and were met with some friendly admirers, who commented on how perfect our son’s head was – how nice. After picking up part of our needed items, a storm began to grow from the shopping cart passenger. A quick look showed the pacifier had not been included in the cargo, uh oh! Fortunately, I was able to calm him and we finished out our trip in relative calm. On our return to the safety of home, I noticed a growing line of cars across the street and more people coming and going from the house – it appears that our elderly neighbor had passed away. The cars stayed all day and through the night. I was able to work in some needed home repair and landscaping work in my down time, before the next feeding. The baby was fed at 3:00, as prescribed, and a fresh (cotton) diaper applied. For a new experiment, I decided to try out cotton diapers, something we had discussed before he was born. The first diapering was successful, after some considerations on how to actually use the diaper and shell. The 4:00 diaper change went well, a poop. I set the diaper in a bathroom sink to finish the change. When going back to clean the diaper I found it missing. On my search, I found our dog, Gordo, in the living room with the diaper between his paws, enjoying another snack - the shell had made its way outside and rested in the yard. Mom returned just in time for the 6:00 p.m. feeding and dinner; a light pasta and chicken was prepared. By 9:00 p.m., I was finished and fell asleep immediately. Mom tucked me in and kissed me good night. Not a bad first day.