The first thing that crosses my mind when I’m asked how it is like to be a father is: it is tiring.
It is trying because their sleeping routines don’t really match your own, and most of the time the sleeping times are desynchronised. In fact, I have found that we are rushing to do homely chores at the times at which Luis takes his naps. During the nights, Luis’ sleeping pattern is such that he wakes up very often—sometimes every hour or so—, which means that for many days in a row we are sleep deprived.
And still we are functioning. Because that’s how raising a baby is like, right? But then we notice (at least I have), that we get mad at little things; things that normally wouldn’t upset you become annoying, and you get a (very) short fuse. I’ve felt this many times during the last eight months, and I’ve had to remind myself that nothing ever improved with angry confrontation, and that instead I should keep on doing things for just a bit longer.
It is amazing how this has helped me keep—or should I say increased?—my patience when dealing with stressing situations. Just when I thought I couldn’t handle it any longer, I take a deep breath and keep on pushing. The result? Quickly after, the situation has improved and I can put my mind to rest: it’s over, it’s done, it’s okay.
Tomorrow we’ll start over.