Dear Charlie,

The only sound that can be heard throughout the house is the clicking of the keys on my computer. You are sleeping in your crib and your mother is finally getting some much-needed rest.

You have been home for only about an hour, as this morning, you and your mother were still in the hospital. We are both so glad that you are home and that we can start our lives together as a father, mother and son.

I’ll be honest with you, there was a time that we didn’t think that this day would ever come. Your mom and I got married in June 2018 and waited a while before trying to start a family. We decided in November 2019 that we were both ready to be parents.

We tried for years and didn’t have any luck. There was even a time when we were told that the chances of having a baby were pretty slim. Nevertheless, we didn’t let that stop us and we were determined to do whatever it took to have you.

I’d say one of the biggest reasons why you are here today is because of your mother. The things that she put her body through just to even get the chance to possibly get pregnant was truly inspiring. And month after month, seeing her so sad with every negative pregnancy test was so painful to watch, and yet, she continued to do everything she could to make sure that she could get pregnant.

And I know that you are currently only three days old but let me give you some fatherly advice. When you are looking for a woman to marry, find someone who you know will make a great mother. From the moment that your mother and I started dating, not only did I know that she’d be a wonderful wife, but that she’d be an outstanding mother. She proved me right in seeing everything that she put her body through while doing fertility treatments.

In September 2022, we both got the news of a lifetime when we learned that your mother was pregnant with you. We were so excited to tell everyone about you and every day for nine months, you were our main topic of conversation and our most important thought.

After months of watching your mommy grow you in her belly, it was time for you to enter the world. We checked into the hospital on a Wednesday morning and waited for you to come. Your mother said that I could go home to sleep around 10 p.m. and by 1 a.m., I was back in the room with her, as the contractions were the most painful thing that she’s ever experienced.

Your mother was in so much pain, that is until she got an epidural. She went from pain to not feeling anything. I was very thankful that she was no longer having to deal with the pain. I slept in the hospital room that night and woke up the next morning knowing that in less than 24 hours, you would be in our arms.

Around 1:45 p.m., the nurse told your mother that it was time to push. For the next 1-hour, 45 minutes, your mom was so brave and strong, as she continued to push, and push, and push. And as for me, I stayed at the front of the bed and held her hand and that’s where I remained the majority of the time.

At 3:56 p.m., you came into the world. The doctor put you on your mother’s stomach and I watched as she fell in love with you the moment she laid eyes on you. She started crying and yet, had the biggest smile on her face. I was so proud of her for everything that she had to do to bring you into this world.

They cleaned you up and we were told that you weighed 8.72 pounds and were 21 inches long. You had bright blue eyes and some hair on your oddly shaped head. You were beautiful.

For the next couple of days, your mother did all she could to feed you. The first time you started eating, she had the biggest smile on her face. And as for me, I changed a diaper for the first time. I’ve gotta say, I wasn’t a fan of it, but I’m sure over time, I’ll get used to it.

You and I watched the Giants together from the hospital room the first two days you were here, and they won both games. I’d waited a long time to watch the Giants with you and they could have lost by 100 and it still would have been worth it.

On Sunday, we were told that you got to come home. We put you in your car seat and into the Bronco. I don’t think I had ever been more nervous to drive in my life, but you got home safe and sound.

I know that this is only the start of your life and my life being your father, but I want to make a couple of promises to you right off the bat. Firstly, I will do everything that I can to be the best father I can to you. I know that I will make mistakes and will mess up, but that won’t stop me from loving you and trying my best.

Secondly, you are entering a world that can be scary. Your mother and I will always be there to love you and we will do everything that we can to protect you.

And lastly, I cannot wait to see who you turn out to be. I never knew what my calling in life was and if my calling is nothing more than to be your father, then I’ll take it. You are going to be better than me in every way and I can’t wait to watch you grow from a little baby to a young boy, to a teenager and then, into a man. While I may never change the world, you just might.

You made me a father and that is the greatest gift I have ever received. I will forever be honored to be your dad. I love you.

– Dad