A lot has changed since my last entry...a new website for Okanagan4kids, which looks fantastic by the way and a brand new daughter has entered the world, making me Dad x2.  Addison Linnea Elizabeth was born October 14, two years and three days after my son Aiden....I know, great planning huh? It’s been interesting becoming a parent of two, especially a whole new ball game with a girl part of our team.  At first when my wife Jen and I found out we were having a girl....yes we found out early, and there ain’t nothing wrong with that...a Dad can never start too early thinking about how he will keep his daughter out of the dating world until she’s 25 ;).   Anywho, like I was saying, when we first found out we were having a girl, as a Dad you get mixed emotions.  First is obviously happy, but then the reality of ‘holy smokes, what in the world do I know about girls?’    I felt WAY more comfortable when I knew Aiden was on the way, because let’s face it; I have the parts....not so much with Addison.

On the other hand becoming a parent the second time around is a little easier than the first.  Mostly because you know some things come to an end...like burping.  Good golly burping a baby is tough!  When people say you forget some things after your first, they’re not kidding.  I totally forgot how tricky burping is.  Aiden by all accounts seemed to be easy to burp after nursing or a bottle...Addison needs to take a page from his book.  Why does it take longer to get a burp out, then it does for the entire feed?  Addison will eat for about 15 minutes total, but sometimes it seems like burping takes up 30 minutes...patting or rubbing her tiny back, walking around listening to Nora Jones gets old after oh about the fifth time...then when she does burp she sounds a like a trucker after a fine meal at the local IHOP.  Thank goodness they learn how to burp on their own!

So many things are the same and different when you have your second...you’re definitely way more calm...but also way more tired.  In our case, Aiden is 26 months and doesn’t slow down and is starting to enter the ‘terrible 2s.’  Trying to keep up with him and his battles with the dog AND the endless burping, I’m flat out tired, and I’m not the one nursing a new baby.  Bravo Jen.

All that being said, it’s pretty cool to have one of each! We’ll get to experience the best and worse things about both genders...something my parents knew all too well and they seemed to be able to keep it together. My sister and I are three years apart.  I’m happy to report after 14 weeks since the birth of Addy I am starting to feel comfortable...just in time for her to change at the three month mark...but boy when that dude comes to the door for the first time to pick her up (in 25 years), he better know how to burp!

About the Author

Ryan Watters

Ryan Watters is a father of two young kids, two years and three days apart and Kelowna’s local sports authority at http://www.ryanwatters.ca. When Ryan is not chasing after Aiden or playing with Addison you can find him interviewing and telling the stories of some of Kelowna’s top sports personalities or doing the play by play for the “Game of the Month.” Join Ryan’s “Dad Chronicles” as he grows alongside his kids as they try to entertain you with some of the funnier things that happen in life, from the Dad’s point of view. Like Ryan on Facebook – Ryan “2ts” Watters or follow him on Twitter @ryan2tswatters.

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