I just put Sophia to sleep and figured I would post a few photographs from my first Father’s Day. Three generations of the Chan family gathered to celebrate this joyous occasion. Sophia is a little over 5 weeks old today and her position as the newest baby would soon be replaced. My sister and brother-in-law announced their pregnancy today! What a fantastic way to announce the wonderful news of the family’s soon t0 be addition.
I could not help but ruminate about what it means for me to be father today. I knew I would have a family one day, but I never really gave much thought in what type of father I would be. With Sophia still an infant, my paternal experiences thus far consists of mostly trying to keeping this baby girl alive and content. In addition to the feedings, burping, and changing of diapers, I help out with the laundry and diapers.
So far, fatherhood has been a series of personal milestones I’m striving to meet. When late at night or early in the morning, I strive to maintain composer while feeding my colic daughter. I pray to get through to the next day.
When my daughter is bloated, has uncomfortable gas, and hasn’t pooped in 12 hours, I massage her belly and pump her legs; I do anything to see her poop.
What’s my next few milestones?
-Sophia’s neck to be strong enough to support her own head.
-Sophia’s stomach to be large enough to hold more milk to allow her to sleep through 4 hours straight. We wake up every 2-3 hours currently.
-For Sophia to giggle when Daddy kisses her tummy.
Sophia is holding Daddy’s stuffed monkey that Grandpa gave him when he was about 3 or 4 years old.
