I anticipate that he will have demands of you that are, shall we say, not always convenient. He was born at 4:20 in the morning after keeping you up the whole night, sending signals that it was time for him to come out and say hello. Maybe a sign of things to come.
Just a reminder that babies don’t think of anyone other than themselves for a while, regardless of what time of day they were born.
It is spring and more than a few people have already pointed out that this is a wonderful time of year to have a newborn bouncing on your knee as there is loads of good weather ahead. Think of the confining space of the indoors during winter and you understand the advantage.
Ben, you might find yourself having an urgent need to cut the grass or pull some weeds more often than usual. To get outside.
This is normal.
In fact, what felt normal before this, like quiet time to read a book or choosing your own time to go for a walk is not normal anymore. Chaos is normal. Being overtired and not communicating with your spouse for stretches that are longer than a professional baseball game will seem normal.
All of this is for the good, because on balance you will focus on the high points.
Not to be too corny, but raising a child is a bit like growing a garden.
It is fraught with ups and downs: weather that does not cooperate, competition from weeds, attention to details like watering and feeding. They add up and in the end you get a harvest. Or you get to smell the roses.
Either way, you win.
And we are delighted for you and wife Sam.
And for us too.
Happy spring. Happy life Peter.
Somewhere out there is a rabbit looking for a playmate who shares your name.
With love and affection to you, Sam and baby Peter.
Dad
