We didn’t get into any routine — that may take a few more weeks. We did, however, take Niko on baby adventures in the world several times (and, that meant changing diapers in the car or public bathrooms and breastfeeding in public) and survived. I had a really short attention span for television and indulged in reality food and home shows during my time off— The Great Food Truck Race and Fixer Upper (don’t judge me!!!)
Something I did do fantastically was take care of the home and that was very important to me. The laundry got washed, dried, and folded; our bed got new sheets and pillow cases every few days; the kitty litter got scooped every morning; the trash got emptied and taken to the street, the kitchen got used and cleaned; and the dishwasher was run and emptied several times. As far as eating, we used a lot of paper plates and plastic utensils and thoroughly enjoyed all the frozen meals Nina prepared before the baby was born. I actually did an inventory of food (don’t judge me!!!) and we still have a lot left.
It is definitely going to be a culture shock for me because after being awake at awkward times throughout the night, I will actually need to get some long periods of sleep without interruptions.
Before the baby arrived, I was a very good sleeper and took full advantage of naps. I was able to get up in the morning very easily for work (most of the time, I would wake up before my alarm).
After the baby arrived, I am extremely sleep deprived and have no sense of what day or time it is. I know on Tuesday morning, I am going to struggle to wake up at 6am and may be in a where the hell am I at coma on my commute to work. And, I have to remember to run some errands after work. If you see post-it notes in my car, don’t judge me!!!
I can’t have a driver drive me to work before the sunrises (I probably could, but I like my own car and am looking forward to getting caught up in the podcasts I subscribe to), I can’t take a nap at work (I could on my breaks, but the couches are old and uncomfortable), and I can’t be a lazy worker as my job is pretty important since I work in the Unclaimed Property department for JPMorgan Chase.
I am going to have to clean myself up and be presentable!!! By that, I have to find my toothbrush, hairbrush, deodorant, razor blade, nail clippers, clean clothes (especially underwear), towels, shoes, belt, and the most important thing — my work ID. What is my work network password? If I have a pee or poo stain on my clothes, don’t judge me!!!
I don’t think my first day will be productive because I am a talker (in addition to a world class writer and photographer) and my co-workers are great listeners. Plus, I got lots of pictures to force them to see.
I have no clue how I will be after I get home work as I have a wife, baby, cat, and a house to take care of. I guess I will learn parental management skills on the fly. Nina did tell me she will do her best to make sure I have food when I get home from work — and it may be macaroni and cheese or top ramen (that sounds great to me).
Oh, during my time off from work, I have eaten really bad (basically, a lot of fast food and soda) and that will stop now as I want to drop some weight. I don’t want to get rid of my Dad Bod!!! I will start by cutting out the fast food and soda (I have done this before so I know I can do it again). Yes, I am going to try (that is a big word) to eat healthier and exercise, but it is easier written down than actually doing it. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
