One of the things that changed the most since I became a dad is how I start my day. Before I use to wake up and either get ready to take off for a client or answer emails and get to the key things I had to start in the morning.
Since my daughter was born things have changed greatly and I have to say I enjoy my mornings (and the rest of the day) even more.
The Alarm Clock I love
I have never enjoyed using Alarm clocks in the morning. I have always been very good at getting up in the morning at the time I needed to get up at. Plus having a beeping sound alert you to have you wake up is not probably the best way to start the day.
I guess than since I live on a tropical island and the sun is always beaming that is nature’s way of waking you up in a relaxed manner. At my house know I have two alarm clocks one is my Black Labrador Juanga and the other one is my 15 month old daughter.
Our daughter sleeps in her room and we have decided not to put her in a crib so mom sleeps with her on a mattress on the floor. We don’t need to worry about falling out of a crib or climbing over. She rolls right up and goes straight for toys or books that are at arms lengths for her. For the last few weeks she has decided to walk over to my bed in the early morning and wake me up with the most enchanting smile only a Dad would understand.
Wake Up Call
Once she wakes me up she makes hand gestures so I can play music. I reach for my iPhone turn on Spotify and play a diverse selection of my favorite waking up music. We also read a bit especially when she brings books to me. She is more into the images than the text so she ends up pointing at the images in the book so I can name the items or people in them.
Embracing Technology
She also enjoys playing with the few apps we have for her on the iPad. One of her favorites is a wood puzzle app that was recommended by our friends of Daddy On Board and Mommy Beta.
While we are running through these activities we might let Mom rest a bit more since she normally takes care of the late night shift. When mom is up it also gives mom the chance to prepare breakfast for everybody.
I have to say that the opportunity I have to spend time with my daughter is one that starts my day in a good way. Running a business with my business and life partner and running other efforts takes up a huge part of my day and sometimes I feel like I have not spent as much time as I wanted. Spending time with her in the morning allows me to have quality time with her and then focus on the tasks at hand the rest of the day.
Working from home also gives me the opportunity that the almost 2 hours I use to spend in traffic in the morning I can enjoy my daughter and walk to my desk.
How do you start the morning? What time of day do you make sure you spend time with your kids or loved ones?
This was cool, it made me smile as I wondered how my mornings are going to be in a couple of months when my wife gives birth 🙂
Congratulations on the new addition! The best thing to do is to coordinate the mornings and for that matter any time of the day. Since Raul knows our daughter gets up once a night still (all children are different) he lets me rest a little until I feel the energy to get up. I do appreciate the help even if at times I want or think I can do it all by myself. (SuperWoman Syndrome.)
I wondered a lot and I remember sharing the experience of becoming a father with @gabrielrodz.
Keep us updated on the progress of your journey with your wife. 🙂
The very best alarm clocks!!! I also remembered the sundays wakeup call: “Papi cafe” advising me that coffee was ready…she had 5-6 years only! Those are memories that will stay with you! Congratulations Raul, very nice post!!!!
Juvencio,
Sounds great. I get amazed every time she learns a new word and communicates with me in different ways. Thanks for your comment!