Don’t discount first-time dads when it comes to giving advice. They learn pretty quickly how to function in life with a munchkin. We asked some of the community’s newest fathers to share the biggest surprise of being a new dad, and what advice they’d offer future fathers.
Sean Furilla
My technical title is the director of bands at Marie Archer Teasley Middle School, but what I really do is help students realize their potential through the vehicle of music. Agnes Rose is 1½.
• Biggest Surprise
“I thought I knew what it would feel like to have a child, but I had no idea. That amount of love for another person is indescribable. Just seeing her makes my day a better day. I wouldn’t think twice about trading my life for hers, if I had to.
I also didn’t realize I would love changing diapers so much — the smell isn’t as bad as I thought (although I hear the smell will worsen — and occasionally it does).”
• Best Advice
“Be a part of the whole process — as much as you can.
My wife had complications after our daughter Agnes Rose was born. In order to save Lisa’s life, they had to do an emergency hysterectomy. Even with that, the doctors say that it was a miracle that Lisa made it through. You just don’t know what the future will hold.
Soak it all in, and love the process before and after, as much as the moment of your child’s birth.
Go to the doctors appointments. Set a great environment in the delivery room — we had essential oils, dim lights and relaxing music. Take pictures. Take video. Document the process — I’m so glad we did. Change the diapers. Volunteer to change more diapers. There will be times she doesn’t want to go to you, but there will be times she does.
Cherish every second. Every day. Every moment. It’s a pretty incredible ride!”
Ben Reilly
Corporal for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Son Artem is 9 months old.
• Biggest Surprise
“How beautiful he was.”
• Best Advice
“Get as much sleep as possible before the baby comes.”
Adam Dodson
Parks and recreation manager for the city of Canton. Daughter Charlie turned 1 on May 29.
• Biggest Surprise
“The biggest surprise for me was how all my worries and fears about becoming a father never happened. As soon as my daughter was born, it was like I knew what to do and when to do it. The fear of being responsible for someone other than yourself turns to determination to succeed as a parent. But, my wife was the biggest surprise of all. You never think what she has to go through until you see it firsthand.”
• Best Advice
“Enjoy every step of the process! Because, before you know it, your child is turning 1 and you wonder where your baby is, and where the time has gone.”
Michael Buckner
Owner of Audio Intersection. Daughter Nora Jo is 8 months old.
• Biggest Surprise
“That life goes on and all obligations still exist. I sort of expected time to stand still for a little while, and it didn’t.”
• Best Advice
“Take your time. I was so excited, and am still stoked to be a dad, but I’m so glad I waited until I was 38. It’s a lot to take in.”
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