A New Pair of Sneakers
Start exercising – now. You will need it. Think about walking as an exercise choice – it’s something you and your wife can do together and the time out of the house will be hugely beneficial for both of you. Also, look over what you’re eating, BUT DO NOT use this as an excuse to look at what your wife is eating. As a matter of fact, use this huge transition point in your life to review all your lifestyle choices. A drinker? Consider quitting – or at least don’t do it in front of your wife. A smoker? Stop – now! No debates: Get help, get serious, get God, but STOP smoking. In 40 years, your children will thank you – as you’re holding your grandchild in your arms.
Loving Hands and Massage Oil|
There is nothing more helpful, calming and loving than a good massage – unfortunately don’t expect to be getting one any time soon. And remember, as the old saying goes, “It is far better to give than to receive.” Have your massage oil and loving hands ready to give a foot, back, or shoulder massage at the drop of a dime. Your wife will thank you. Your baby will thank you – not directly, of course. Your peace of mind will thank you. You will thank you.
A Large Notepad
Be prepared to make a lot of lists. You’ve started to do the shopping for your family – you’ll need a list. How about a who-do-you-call-list for when the baby arrives? You’ll need a list of names. The same goes for the items you’ll need to take to the hospital, safety measures for your home, and dates for your birthing class. Also, since you are in list-making mode, put these on your to do list: Review your life insurance (or get it if you don’t have it), W-2 forms, disability, and health insurance, as well as talk to your human resources department at work to inquire about possible paternity leave, etc.
A Toolbox
This is exactly what it seems. A toolbox - filled with wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, drills, etc., and you’ll want to take care of any last minute repairs around your home now. Trust me, you will not be doing them when the baby arrives. Also, you will be doing a lot of assembling: cribs, strollers, etc. You’ll need some or all of these tools at one time or another.
These tools will definitely help as the Big Day arrives, but like all good fathers and repair men already know, you’ll be picking up new tools, replacing old ones and learning on the job for the rest of your life – and there is no better job in the whole wide world.
About The Author
Blessed with two wonderful children, Alan continues to amaze himself at how much he has to learn about this master class called Parenthood. Originally from Boston, he settled down in Los Angeles in 1993 (just in time for the big earthquake).
Happy to be part of The Cradle, Alan also writes for the stage and screen where several of his plays and short films have been produced here in LA and NY. Most recently, Alan's short film, The Passion of the Couch, premiered at the Faux Film Festival in Portland, Oregon (reviewed on IMDB), and his children's book, The Great City on the Hill was seen on a PBS TV channel in western Massachusetts. For more information, on these, and other projects, go to alanaymie.com. Alan, his lovely wife Heather, and their children live in Beverly Hills, CA.
