What is your name, your baby's name, and baby's age?
Denis Hurley; Sydney Pia Hurley; 6 months
How was your (or your partner's) pregnancy?
It was the end of chicken. Dana (my wife, life partner, and mother of aforementioned child) eats just about everything, but once she became pregnant, she stopped enjoying chicken. Odd. Besides that, I think it was pretty normal. She was tired, we were both excited and talked to the baby at night. She didn't answer vocally. She did kick (the baby, not Dana).
How did you prepare for childbirth?
I set our alarm clock on 'random.'
I started reading a number of different books, but I didn't finish any. I decided the best approach would be to use my instinct once she arrived. It's been working out well. The one book I refer to is The New Basics. It's handy and has a lot of practical advice - it's not a fearbomb like What To Expect When You're Expecting.
Was your birthing experience easier, harder or as you expected it to be?
Piece of cake for me! Actually, I had a fever of 102 and had been battling diarrhea and vomiting all day when Dana went into labor. This was on baby's due date: Martin Luther King, Jr, Day. Of course the hospital was short-staffed because babies aren't born on holidays. All that aside, the experience was much more pleasant that I had anticipated. Dana was really strong and patient with the process of getting to the hospital (there was snow on the car, I was moving sluggishly). The labor process was much less alarming than I expected. I thought it would like a scene from ER... with the background drums and all. When Sydney was finally projected into the outside world, it was just amazing. Holding her in my arms... I never felt anything like it. And I felt so close to Dana.
What one piece of advice would you give to expecting parents about childbirth?
Dads: hold her hand.
Describe the first 7 days with your newborn
Whirlwind. We had family staying with us for some of the nights, and while it was nice to have help, it was a bit tight in our apartment. It was nice to get into our little "family groove" once we were on our own. Sydney would often only sleep on another human body. I didn't mind holding her against my chest for hours.
Bottle or Breast?
I tried breast, but she wouldn't take it. Thankfully she took to Dana's.
Who is on diaper duty?
I have no problem changing a fully loaded poop surprise, but we take turns, mostly. Dana's more tuned into her cry and sometimes (most times) she hears Sydney while I continue snoring away.
What resource was the most helpful to you during the first 2 months (book, website, person, anything)
BabyCenter.com was enjoyable and informative in the months leading up to Sydney's birth. I still read it weekly.
Was there an age when it "suddenly got easier"?
As she gets older, some things get easier while new difficulties arise. For example, once she started sleeping longer stretches, she needed more attention while she was awake. I love the laughter and smiling. It's a niceauditory alternative to crying. That makes things a bit easier. I'm looking forward to when she can make coffee for me.
What type of stroller do you use?
Toro Micralite Newborn System. Sydney slept in the bassinet part for the first few weeks. It's one of those fancypants strollers, but it folds up, unlike most fancypants strollers. That's a nice touch when you live in a 600 square foot apartment.
What was the best newborn gift you received?
I really can't pick just one. She loved Sofie the Giraffe... and still does.
Baby Bjorn - once she was big enough to go in it.
Bibs, onesies - just about everything we got was useful.
What is your current can't-live-without gear for baby?
Camo diaper bag loaded with burp cloths. Baby Bjorn. Camera. iPhone so I can instantly add photos to Facebook and videos to YouTube.
Are you getting any "me" time?
You mean when I hang out with myself and I? From time to time we (me, myself and I) head out with some friends, but I enjoy time with Sydney and if I'm going out, it's better if Dana can come along. Our social life is obviously very different... we do try to go out with her and have people over to our place. Sydney makes a mean mojito.
What did you find most surprising about your newborn?
Every little new thing she becomes capable of: When her tear ducts started working; when she suddenly noticed that she was controlling her hands; when a smile meant she was happy (rather "I have gas").