Fatherhood is an adventure few are fully prepared for and when it happens, nothing is ever the same.
Dale Johnston, who is a new father, shared his experiences about how life has changed after his son, Taden, was born only three months ago.
One of the biggest changes Dale noticed, was having to give up a few things, which might sound terrifying to some, but is worth it.
“It’s pretty life altering. Now, you’re looking out for them and you put your own stuff on the backburner,” said Dale. “It’s somewhat of a sacrifice, but totally worth it. It’s pretty cool, I’m not going to lie.”
Dale Johnston holds his three-month-old son Taden, with his wife Dana. Taden is the couple’s first child and Dale described how his life has changed since learning he was to become a dad. Though he has put some of his own interests aside, he is excited to embark on the adventure of being a father to Taden.
Dale and his wife Dana learned a year ago that they were expecting their first child. Up until then, the pressure was off. The news created some mixed emotions in Dale, who wasn’t sure he was ready for the challenge that would come from being a father.
“Excitement, shock, and scared for the unknown. You’re never 100 per cent to be a father, no matter how much you try to prepare yourself,” said Dale.
Dale is learning each day he has what it takes to be a dad, although he could do with a little more sleep.
“The sleep is not as consistent as it once was. You just survive on little sleep, but it gets better and better. Every night the little guy gets closer and closer to sleeping through the night,” said Dale.
Perhaps the most exciting part about being a father for Dale, is the opportunity to watch Taden grow and teach him.
“As one of the old farmers used to tell me, he’s growing like a ragweed. I can’t wait for him to grow up so we can play some catch, because I’m a big baseball nerd. I’m looking forward to doing stuff like that and seeing what the whole adventure entails,” said Dale. “He’s starting to learn more things, smile, and do all the little things. You can’t wait to see what happens next.”
Perhaps the biggest change Dale noticed after becoming a dad, is how it changed his perspective on his life.
“You don’t understand your life without them,” said Dale. “You can’t figure out why you didn’t have them earlier.”
