Congratulations on becoming a father, Scott! It’s a sacred duty and honor and I get the feeling from your writing that you will do an incredible job.
There’s something indescribable about the love between parents and children. It’s one of life’s miracles and also one of the greatest responsibilities to carry.
If its if any help, I wrote a bit about parenting and some of the philosophies I’ve adopted over time. “Take what’s useful and discard the rest” - excellent advice! 😉
Scott - This is such a beautiful and honest reflection. As my three trot off, two back to college and my “baby” to her senior year in high school, I am reminded of those precious first weeks and how much I grew as a person back then ... and how my kids are my best teachers. Your daughter is lucky to have such a wise and ever-curious dad! What a gift. 💕
Thanks Dr. Mcbride! If there's one thing I've heard time and time again, it's how fast time goes and how precious this time is. I'm really during my best to savor it while I can! So appreciative of your support
Yesss! I’ve been anticipating a post like this for a while now. Great to see you channeling and sharing all of this wisdom through fatherhood. So many beautiful reflections 🙏
Congratulations! I resonate with a lot of what you’ve said. I’m two weeks behind you, our son Noah is 1 week old :) I always wondered why some people didn’t like babies. I thought that it was because they can be loud, smelly and demanding. Fair enough. But what you said about the hollow bone and them being a sort of blank slate, that makes me wonder if that essence of pureness of spirit is another reason people can be uncomfortable around little ones.
Thanks man and congrats to you. I feel like whether its a baby or a partner, usually our problems with the relationship, are our problems : ) Atleast that's where I like to start!
Congrats Scott!!! We're also expecting our first - also a baby girl - in the next 3 weeks. Encouraging to read at the end that the first few weeks aren't always as crazy as people say they are.
Definitely man. I think we might have gotten lucky, but I imagine perspective and expectations also play a big role here! Wishing you a healthy and easeful birth
When my wife was expecting our first, we took an infant CPR class and the ER nurse that led the class ended with this piece of wisdom, "never discuss your parenting choices with anyone". And it turned out to be the best advice. For whatever reason, people will adopt positions over things like whether fruit or veg or something else should be an infant's "first" solid food. But rather than taking the "that's interesting" non-position when they hear something contrary to what they're doing they'll get militant about why they're right. And the truth of the matter is it doesn't matter as much as people like to think and everyone's experience will be different. No two cultures are identical when it comes to raising children and yet we're all here and most of us are thriving. Another example: people where we live now would freak out about sleeping with the baby in their bed but in our culture it was standard practice. After a couple of nights of getting up to feed we both agreed "f* it" and just placed her between us and that was that. I went from being a notorious toss and turn sleeper to being an immovable object. But not talking about it also stopped me from judging others who firmly believed letting theirs cry was good for them. Three of them later, we often reflect on how much that advice saved us from putting too much stock in the relevance of other people's experiences and remaining grounded that the most important thing for us was to be in harmony that we were doing what worked for us and aligned with our own views. That's not to say we didn't trust experts (we have the same pediatrician today and rely on him for anything medical) but there are enough real worries out there without compounding them needlessly. Enjoy. And buy lots of life insurance. :)
Thanks for sharing your experience! I agree we all need to find our own way. I'm not at the point where I'm in a lot of convos with other parents, but for sure could see ppl getting defensive as it is likely seen as a reflection of the parent.
Congrats on the new baby Scott! I still remember the earth quaking moment I came across the idea that we might choose our family of origin. It helped me see many things in a new light and brought on waves of gratitude and acceptance that I hadn't thought about before. Our higher selves really know what they're doing! Wishing you all the best on your parenthood journey.
Congratulations, brother. Welcome to this side of the parenthood portal. Beautiful that you're reflecting like this; there's so much to learn! And I'm only 19 months past my son's birth myself.
Thanks man! Congrats to your as well. I know it's the ultimate learning journey and though I am sure there will be challenges, I am doing my best to welcom it all with open arms!
I enjoyed these first weeks and months immensely, and feel sad for people, who for whatever reason, aren't able to experience these magical moments with their children.
This is beautiful. My daughter is now 19, and your article reminds me that she has been one of my greatest teachers and mirrors in life. What an adventure, yeah? Can’t wait to see what happens next for all three of you.
Congrats, Scott! Fatherhood is by far the most meaningful and inspirational experience I have ever had. Enjoy the adventures with Anastacia!
Thanks buddy! I am excited for all the wonderful things that lay ahead : )
Congratulations on becoming a father, Scott! It’s a sacred duty and honor and I get the feeling from your writing that you will do an incredible job.
There’s something indescribable about the love between parents and children. It’s one of life’s miracles and also one of the greatest responsibilities to carry.
If its if any help, I wrote a bit about parenting and some of the philosophies I’ve adopted over time. “Take what’s useful and discard the rest” - excellent advice! 😉
https://poetx.substack.com/p/cultivating-the-childs-mind-the-power
Thanks Jeremy! It's a journey I'm thrilled to be on and appreciate you sharing your wisdom!
Scott - This is such a beautiful and honest reflection. As my three trot off, two back to college and my “baby” to her senior year in high school, I am reminded of those precious first weeks and how much I grew as a person back then ... and how my kids are my best teachers. Your daughter is lucky to have such a wise and ever-curious dad! What a gift. 💕
Thanks Dr. Mcbride! If there's one thing I've heard time and time again, it's how fast time goes and how precious this time is. I'm really during my best to savor it while I can! So appreciative of your support
I have a newborn as well, he’s 8 weeks now and he also calms down when I walk outside onto our porch, it’s fascinating.
Yesss! I’ve been anticipating a post like this for a while now. Great to see you channeling and sharing all of this wisdom through fatherhood. So many beautiful reflections 🙏
Thanks brother! It's been such a great experience so far. Hoping you are well my friend and excited to connect soon
Congratulations! I resonate with a lot of what you’ve said. I’m two weeks behind you, our son Noah is 1 week old :) I always wondered why some people didn’t like babies. I thought that it was because they can be loud, smelly and demanding. Fair enough. But what you said about the hollow bone and them being a sort of blank slate, that makes me wonder if that essence of pureness of spirit is another reason people can be uncomfortable around little ones.
Thanks man and congrats to you. I feel like whether its a baby or a partner, usually our problems with the relationship, are our problems : ) Atleast that's where I like to start!
Congrats Scott!!! We're also expecting our first - also a baby girl - in the next 3 weeks. Encouraging to read at the end that the first few weeks aren't always as crazy as people say they are.
Definitely man. I think we might have gotten lucky, but I imagine perspective and expectations also play a big role here! Wishing you a healthy and easeful birth
Sweet. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Sharon!
When my wife was expecting our first, we took an infant CPR class and the ER nurse that led the class ended with this piece of wisdom, "never discuss your parenting choices with anyone". And it turned out to be the best advice. For whatever reason, people will adopt positions over things like whether fruit or veg or something else should be an infant's "first" solid food. But rather than taking the "that's interesting" non-position when they hear something contrary to what they're doing they'll get militant about why they're right. And the truth of the matter is it doesn't matter as much as people like to think and everyone's experience will be different. No two cultures are identical when it comes to raising children and yet we're all here and most of us are thriving. Another example: people where we live now would freak out about sleeping with the baby in their bed but in our culture it was standard practice. After a couple of nights of getting up to feed we both agreed "f* it" and just placed her between us and that was that. I went from being a notorious toss and turn sleeper to being an immovable object. But not talking about it also stopped me from judging others who firmly believed letting theirs cry was good for them. Three of them later, we often reflect on how much that advice saved us from putting too much stock in the relevance of other people's experiences and remaining grounded that the most important thing for us was to be in harmony that we were doing what worked for us and aligned with our own views. That's not to say we didn't trust experts (we have the same pediatrician today and rely on him for anything medical) but there are enough real worries out there without compounding them needlessly. Enjoy. And buy lots of life insurance. :)
Thanks for sharing your experience! I agree we all need to find our own way. I'm not at the point where I'm in a lot of convos with other parents, but for sure could see ppl getting defensive as it is likely seen as a reflection of the parent.
So happy you’re enjoying the first month. It just gets better too!
Thanks man! That's what everyone keeps saying : )
Congrats on the new baby Scott! I still remember the earth quaking moment I came across the idea that we might choose our family of origin. It helped me see many things in a new light and brought on waves of gratitude and acceptance that I hadn't thought about before. Our higher selves really know what they're doing! Wishing you all the best on your parenthood journey.
Thank you Renee! It's a tremendously empowering concept!
Congratulations, brother. Welcome to this side of the parenthood portal. Beautiful that you're reflecting like this; there's so much to learn! And I'm only 19 months past my son's birth myself.
Thanks man! Congrats to your as well. I know it's the ultimate learning journey and though I am sure there will be challenges, I am doing my best to welcom it all with open arms!
Scott, I have never heard parenting stated so beautifully - to be a steward to that journey. D
Thanks Dave! Hoping to live up to the power of the words : )
Beautiful article, Scott! Many congratulations on your growing family.
Thanks Mona! Hope you are doing amazing and all is well with you : )
I enjoyed these first weeks and months immensely, and feel sad for people, who for whatever reason, aren't able to experience these magical moments with their children.
A lovely read. Took me back.
Thanks man! Trying to soak it all in the best I can
This is beautiful. My daughter is now 19, and your article reminds me that she has been one of my greatest teachers and mirrors in life. What an adventure, yeah? Can’t wait to see what happens next for all three of you.
Thanks buddy! I can't wait for all the adventures that lie ahead for both our families : )