Beat the drums and blow the horns! You are soon going to become the father of a beautiful baby. We know that you are over the moon after hearing the big news. Here are a few ways to put that energy to good use.
Get Creative
kellysikkema/Unsplash: Couple holding sonogram photo
Aside from doing usual things with the sonogram, you can tinker around with it for a bit. Add a filter to the digitized version of the imagery and send out cool emails saying that a baby is around the corner. You can also turn it into a phone wallpaper, t-shirt, or get mugs printed if you are feeling adventurous.
Toy Around
itsrandyrooi/Unsplash: Overjoyed father-to-be
While your spouse is picturing a baby, you are most probably seeing a playmate in the unborn one! Greg Bishop, the founder of a boot camp for new fathers, mentions that dads tend to dream of activities that would cement their bond. Prepare for the arrival by getting the latest hot wheels, a tiny basketball, or an extra-small size t-shirt of your favorite sports team.
Take Parenting Lessons
Doug Gertner, the author of First Year of Fatherhood, encourages expecting dads to attend every pre-natal doctor’s appointment and parenting class. Your knowledge gained from books and other sources would be handy for the mom as well. After all, who doesn’t want to make well-informed decisions?
Read to Them
We don’t know if the fetus loves Dr.Seuss or Curious George more, so you might as well read all of them! It is a great way to be involved during the pregnancy period. If the habit is carried on after the baby is born, it can surely help in developing their literary taste.
Get Handsy
nadineshaabana/Unsplash: Couple cradling pregnant belly in winter
Deborah Petersburg, a childbirth educator, says that placing a hand on the mother’s belly is a great way of bonding with the child. At times the fetus tends to playfully kick in the places where you lay your touch is felt. While you can surely go hands-on bump for some time, don’t go to the extent of annoying your partner!
Take Them On a Virtual Road Trip
Yes, we know that your relatives live in far-off lands, but it does not mean that you deprive the bump of their love. Try utero-introductions over FaceTime or Hangouts. Let them say hello to your cousin from New York or an aunt from Philadelphia.
It is a battle of who connects better with the baby between you and your spouse, and she has the undue advantage of extra alone-time! So ensure that you are leaving no stones unturned here.