Am I ready for this?

Being a dad is scary. Very scary.
I don't know this because I am a dad, but because I am about to become one.

This will be my first son, so it's all new to me, and I'm sure there are other dad's like me out there who are just about to have their first son, and who are absolutely terrified of what they should do.
It's not like a job where you go for an interview and they see if you have the right skills for the job, and if not then they train you for a few weeks and then check again to see if you can handle the position.
This is something that you have to be ready for even if you aren't, because it's defines the life of the most important person in the world to you.

There are a billion thoughts and questions in my head every day. "Will my son like me?", "will he look like me?" 'Will there be any complications?" "What clothes would suit him best, and should I splash out for those baby nike shoes?", "should we give him a normal name or an unusual name?" "What is the correct way to hold a baby?" ( although I've already been practising  holding other people's babies that are less important than mine......just kidding.....I've had no practice at all )

We're all looking for a study course for this. "Be a dad in 90 days because you're going to be one whether you're ready or not", but there's not too much you can do to fully prepare yourself.

I think there are alot of dad's like me out there. I try and appear calm and strong to my wife. I want her to know that I am ready for this and that it's no big deal. I know it's hard for her so I don't want her to worry about me, because she has much greater things to worry about.

For me, it's important to know that every dad has been through that first baby experience, the first time where they don't know what to expect. All dad's have been through this and they've been ok.
It's going to be a challenge, but it's going to be a rewarding challenge. I feel as excited as I used to be on christmas eve as a kid, and a the same time, I feel as nervous as I was taking my driving test.

I don't feel ready now, but somehow, I get the feeling that as soon as my son comes into the world....that will be the exact moment that I will feel ready.

I wish all the prospective father's out there the best of luck, and don't worry, no matter what.....you'll get through this.

Jacob

www.oddbaby.com