Part2 : Flow with the tide of time

Hubby's story: Adapting to being a parent...

I asked my Hubby to recalls his first time being a parent. This is his story...

He was quite nervous as we were in Tawau and far from my home in KL. He was worried on who is going to take care of me during confinement as his mother in Tawau was busy taking care of his sister who gave birth a month before me. But it helped that my mother came all the way from KL to take care of me during my confinement period. We read up a lot on parenting and could rely on the help of relatives.

Our son was born on the same date as his daddy 4th May 2007, and that was a day before our 2nd anniversary. He admits, there were definately severals adjustments we had to make.

1. For one thing, we had to move to a bigger place.
2. Our shopping trips included several stops at baby stores.
3. The house had to be child-proofed and clean all the time.
4. ETC....ETC....ETC....ETC.... and the list goes on...

Leaving the house used to be an easy and quick affair but with the Rayhan's arrival, an extra half hour was needed, he says, to exit the house - making sure all the things the baby required took time and effort. Everything was centered around the baby. The odd hours we had to get up to feed Rayhan.

When going out, he would assess whether the places were child-friendly. During holidays, a hotel's child policy would be examined. The itinerary must include - if not dominated by - visits to kiddy places. He was upset when characters on TV started swearing. We ended up watching more Barney&Friends and singing nursery rhymes than we were growing up.

He slowly adapted to the new routines and accepted the new responsiblities. Hubby and I took all this in our stride and turned them into many unforgettable, priceless moments. Managing and handling many household chores were, and still are, divided equally which helped.

Looking back, the life changing transition was a positive experience once he accepted the responsibility and turned it into something joyful and fun, he concludes. He celebrated the possibilities of a new life rather than dwell on the things he couldn't do anymore...

coming soon... Part3: Flow with the tide of time...