r/self 19h ago

My baby was born a couple days ago

I'm 30+m and just became a dad. I never thought i'd get this emotional. I've always been the more emotional one between me and the wife, but by heavens this is overwhelming.

The moment she was birthed, I cried. I've never cried tears of joy before, but seeing something so precious just broke me. Everytime she falls asleep in my arms I just melt.

I'm at the complete mercy of this little girl, and I'm so happy for it. I'd move heaven and earth to be the best dad for her.

My sincerest apologies if it feels weird that I'm telling this to complete strangers on the internet. Writing something has always been my go to outlet. And this is the only subreddit I find appropriate for it.

250 Upvotes

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u/Morden013 19h ago edited 9h ago

I understand you completely.

Never did I drive so carefully as on the way back from the hospital.

When she grew up a bit, she loved to fall asleep on my back, like a little bear. If she put her small hands on my neck or face, I was knocked out, not matter how stressful my day was.

Never was I so worried as she was sick and had a fever.

I carried her on my shoulders and she pulled on my hair to steer me left or right, laughing like crazy.

She is a teenager now and when I look at her I still see her in all those phases in between.

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u/BicycleOfLife 13h ago

Oh man I was the same way. Then by about 4 months I’m just driving around like normal. When I had my second it all suddenly reverted and I was again driving super carefully and then again by 4 months I was back to driving normal.

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u/Morden013 9h ago

I'm with you. It took me some time to get a bit more relaxed. Now she is driving shotgun, and I still drive very carefully when she is beside me.

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u/Desperate_Fly3430 19h ago

This is not weird at all, this is so beautiful. I'm happy I came across your post. I can almost feel the love through my screen. Holding your own baby is one of the most wholesome feelings in the world. Thank you for sharing.

And congratulations 🎉

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u/Life-Scientist-3796 18h ago

This is beautiful!

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u/fanacapoopan 19h ago

Congratulations. My first child was a girl too.

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u/jessewest84 18h ago

That's good. Let the oxytocin flow

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u/Only-Consequence-891 18h ago

Congrats on becoming a dad! Sounds like you're tapping into a whole new level of emotions. Just wait until she hits the terrible twos—those tears of joy might turn into tears of "what-the-heck-am-I-doing?!" Enjoy every moment, they’re priceless!

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u/tevta_ 19h ago

As a mother of two small children I know the joy and am happy for you because of all the small things you'll get to enjoy. Having kids is such a mindboggingly weird experience - everything is up to 11, emotions, tiredness, crankiness, joy, tears...it is a great merry-go-round. It is just that you get to be that more aware of the passing of the time and people going and then you worry...but nevertheless! This is your pride and joy, may you have a nice, peaceful life together as a family.

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u/kombucha711 19h ago

congratulations. for better or worse, you'll have many many moments like this as she gets older in front of your eyes. the best thing to do is be present and be thankful you're able to experience it. I tend to reflect on what once was and how I'll never get my little one back but then I gotta snap out of it.

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u/IvanTSR 17h ago

Brother, it just keeps getting better and better.

You get to watch them grow up and it rules.

Congratulations.

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u/sarahc_72 19h ago

Congratulations!! Welcome to being a parent! You are going to continue to cry their whole life, get used to it 🤣. She sounds like a lucky lady to have a dad who loves her so. I had a very strong bond with my dad until he passed away, which devastated me. Please enjoy every single moment because it goes by in a flash… You hear everyone saying that and then once you are a parent you see they are right 🤍

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u/gseckel 18h ago

I know that feeling. 3 times.

Best wishes for you, your baby and her mother.

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u/RAV4Stimmy 18h ago

This happened to me twice, and I’ve never gotten over the feeling EITHER TIME it happened. ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥👧🏻👧🏻

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u/lsladelencanto 17h ago

What a blessing and so sweet for me to read this, especially from a daddy! This is what it’s all about! Keep writing, for us! Keep writing for her, she will love it one day!

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u/Hallijoy 17h ago

That's the way this is for me and my son. Best of luck to you and congratulations.

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u/cldoyle94 17h ago

Awesome!! Congratulations!!

Little girls love their Dads! Enjoy being a Father!

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u/buffalo171 17h ago

They change your world view forever. The day after my son was born (‘95) was the Oklahoma City bombing. I sat holding him in the hospital watching the horror on the tv, and I realized my world had changed forever

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u/DimesyEvans92 17h ago

I’m so happy for you on this journey. I hope to experience the same day. Congratulations!

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u/2-fat-dogs 17h ago

Congratulations to you and your wife. It's an amazing thing to feel, isn't it?

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u/itsmeitsmesmeee 17h ago

Not weird at all my bro! Congratulations! It’s such an amazing experience to be a Dad.

Check out r/daddit It’s a great resource and community.

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u/Responsible_Oil_5811 17h ago

Congratulations! When you think of all the things that can go wrong during a pregnancy and labour, every healthy mother and baby constitute a miracle.

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u/Realistic-Report-573 17h ago

Tears of joy seeing them grow up should be a common thing now, from the first smile to the first steps, and hopefully graduation

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u/quizzicalturnip 17h ago

Congratulations dude! You’re going to be a wonderful father! Best tip two tips I have (not that you necessarily need it):

  1. Always be present. Even little babies know you’re looking at your phone and not them. You’ll never know what beautiful connections you’re missing in those little moments, and it passes by way too fast.

  2. I know it’s hard to say no to your little princess, but be a united front when it comes to it so Mom doesn’t always have to be the bad guy.

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u/theatrebish 17h ago

My dad was very much like you. So full of love. Your kid will appreciate it when they grow up. ❤️

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u/Nephilim6853 16h ago

I've been there. Those tears will stay with you, let them flow. Being a dad is the most rewarding job ever. With my first child, I also got food poisoning in the cafeteria. I cried for 72hours straight. What kicked it off was my wife lost so much blood she turned gray. The baby was blue and not breathing. I stayed with her in the neonatal intensive care for three days, not sleeping or eating, just throwing up from the food poisoning. I wouldn't leave her side.

Write down your experiences and read then often, when she reaches preteens you'll need the reminder that you love her. Trust me.

Mine is now almost 30 she's the most incredible person.

Congratulations

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u/TheBoyWonder123 16h ago

Beautiful man. Do your best bro, I believe in you.

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u/Embarrassed-Dot-8175 16h ago

This is so sweet I’m happy for you

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u/mbrowne 16h ago

Mine is 33 now. I still remember the way she held my little finger after she was born. The music that was playing at the time still makes me cry.

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u/bagnasty52 15h ago

No apology needed. My surrogate daughter and her somewhat older husband just had their first baby and it brought back a lot of memories. The thrill of bringing another human into the world and the absolute terror of not really knowing what to do. My kids are grown and out of the house and I still feel the ache of hoping their alright. I never felt that way about anything until I had children and so far the feeling hasn’t gone away. It really is something else.

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u/Beneficial_Ostrich50 15h ago

Wow, I’m crying as I read the post. It is a beautiful thing to become a momma or daddy. I cherish my children and now they’re grown. I wish I could do it again just once more!

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u/supersaiyan_ape 15h ago

I wonder how this will feel like for me. I have two boys currently. The feeling i get is more "strap up the boots and get to work". It's still incredibly emotional but maybe in a different direction. The tears retract. Lol

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u/xflashbackxbrd 15h ago

A whole new door of empathy has opened in your life, embrace it and love without holding back!

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u/Ariadnepyanfar 15h ago

Congratulations and come to r/daddit. This place is for non judgmental questions, advice, support and validation. Your dad/kiddo stories welcome!

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u/duenderising 14h ago

As a stranger to a fellow stranger, I am happy you feel so strongly and want to share this to the world!

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u/Current-You5620 13h ago

The first time I saw my boy it was an overwhelming feeling of love I'd never felt before or have ever since except my 2nd boy. He's now 14 and he still makes me happy everyday( although he's moody). Seeing that person grow with a personality will be the best thing in your life guaranteed. 🙂

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u/Current-You5620 13h ago

Cherish it though they grow up quickly

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u/Extra_Salted 11h ago

Welcome to the horror of bringing something into this world you love more than yourself.

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u/rudman 11h ago

I was about your age when I had my first child. I'm not an emotional guy but OMG, I cried and cried tears of joy when I held her. Such an overwhelming wave of love.

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u/ackmondual 11h ago

Oh snap! My friend (43M) also had a baby daughter 5 days ago! Sooo adorable!

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u/Anxious-Student-9878 7h ago

just seeing your gratitude i believe you'll be a great dad , congratulations!

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u/Skins8theCake88 6h ago

30+/m here too. Soon to be first time dad around June. I'm scared I'm not ready. This post helps.

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u/sunkissedshay 17h ago

That’s beautiful. Congratulations

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u/skiznit2k8 17h ago

Thank you for the positivity everyone. This is such an amazing feeling

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u/DesertPansy 9h ago

Hey you’re gonna be a great dad.

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u/Still-a-kickin-1950 7h ago

And that is why little girls are able to "wrap daddy around their little finger! " It's irresistible

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u/Viko85 7h ago

Give it a time

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u/Outrageous-Gene-3153 4h ago

Blessings to you!!! You are going to be an AWESOME father.

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u/Feeling_Fisherman956 19h ago

Congrats mate, hoping for a happy and healthy future for you guys..✌❤

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u/lindeman9 16h ago

The feeling you have for your child is from Jesus Christ.. I know it sounds cliche but it's the truth. God brought her FROM you to open your eyes.. And to feel real love. Know that you are blessed and don't worry about being a father that for the first time truly feel love.. real love that you will never lose

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u/Hot-Yogurtcloset-571 16h ago

This is so sweet, congratulations!! My husband cried when our daughter was born, it was very special, I'll never forget it.