We Were Two. Now, We Are Three.

Being a designer, my days are filled with joy (because I love what I do), frustration (because no design ever meets my high expectations) and satisfaction (because when I finally get it right, the feeling trumps all previous anxieties). I’m very familiar with all of these emotions, but now I’m experiencing them all within a much different context, while being multiplied by a large factor. As of two weeks ago, I’ve become a dad.

Becoming a dad is, hands-down, the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced. All with due reward though. Even when I can’t keep my eyes open while I’m trying to work because of the sleepless night I just had, I still can’t wait to get home to do it all over again. While the recent challenge of actually parenting has created it’s own set of obstacles, the initial challenge started just over 9 months ago.

After settling into this new concept of becoming parents, Jen and I decided we wanted to document the process as much as possible. So, we took a series of photos each week and marked them accordingly. As each week went by, Jen posted the photos to her blog and wrote about what she was experiencing along with a letter to the baby. I’ve enjoyed reading each and every one of her posts, and have now decided to publish the entire collection of photos here, as a set. As I was organizing the photos for this post, I was able to look back at each individual photo and relive what we were going through each specific week. I don’t think those memories will ever fade.

Fast-forward 42 weeks, and we’re here today with our two-week-old daughter, Rowan Winter. She’s beautiful. She’s a handful. She’s the love of our life.

I think that the 40 weeks of pregnancy are not just for the development of the baby, but also for the development of the parents. Knowing I had an innocent little baby on the way made me want to become a better man. Not eventually, but immediately. While that’s still a work-in-progress, I feel confident that God brought me to exactly where I need to be for this current moment. The journey’s far from over though.

The Light At The End of The Tunnel

Rowan Winter was born 9 days late. That felt appropriate to me because I don’t think her parents have ever been on time for anything. She was born 8lbs 11oz. The whole birth process lasted about 5 hours. Jen was a rock star, delivering her 100% naturally. I’ve got a new respect for her and mothers everywhere.

Despite the ups and downs, this little girl has stolen my heart. I’m pleased to introduce you to our very own daughter; Rowan Winter Richardson.