First time Father

I can’t believe that I am now a father. If anyone knows me then you know I love children. When Shelly and I decided that we should have at least one of our own, I mean what could I say other than ‘let’s go right now!’

Fatherhood

That was about a year ago and now we have this little person that is always staring and smiling back at us. I can’t say having a child and being a first-time father is hard because I find it fascinating to see Xavi grow.  From the moment Shelly told me it was happening I was excited. I read books and forums, I looked at pictures of other pregnant women and I spoke to a few fathers and mothers. I was going to be a father. So for a few months I watched as Shelly’s belly changed from the size of a plum to a beach ball. At one point, I took some photos and it did look like a beach ball. I felt him move, heard his heartbeat, and gave him his name (yes I was 100% sure he was a boy).

Photo shoot at Crocus Bay

In July, we had the opportunity to welcome Xavi into the world and he is here now and has become so much a part of us. Don’t get me wrong when I say everything is perfect for there have been challenges. We even had to spend a night with him at the hospital at one point (hopefully his last). However, Xavi is an awesome little guy. He loves to laugh and smile with me, we drive around the house in his stroller because he is getting too big to walk around with for long periods and we love to lie down and stare at the ceiling fan. He loves walks outside. I know he doesn’t understand me just quite yet, but I know he knows our faces and the big smile on his tells me that I am doing a good job as a new father.

Selfie with Xavi

My little Family

There are quite a few young persons that have become first-time parents this year, especially in Anguilla. I do hope you share the same sentiments that I do when I say being a parent is a gift. I will cherish it and the moments I have with my little person. There are others that I know who are now second and third-time parents and I congratulate and commend you as well.

One of the biggest things for new parents is to know when to accept help. It comes in different forms from persons who will babysit so you can go out and have dinner, wash your baby’s clothes, offer you gifts, and other advice. Yes we should be careful with our little ones and the things we accept but don’t alienate those who really care and don’t worry as you will be able to tell. I for one believe that children are raised not just by their parents but by the community around them.

Tami

I don’t know what came over me to write this but right now I am home with Xavi and he is asleep at the moment so I have a little free time. Nevermind, he is up.

Baby Xavi

So before I go I want to say two last things.

The first is as parents let us be the best parents we can be for our children. We have to show them through our actions that we should care for all persons, remove our biases, take care of ourselves and our surroundings, volunteer without pay or simply smile when we can, especially us fathers.
And the second is there are few other things more satisfactory than putting a tired and frustrated baby to sleep. That feeling alone is worth being a father.

Before I run to my father duties I would love to hear from you and do read some more about our new adventure:

Shelly’s belly painting.

Xavi’s baby shower.

Working mother.

And Xavi’s first day at the beach.

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