8 Months of Fatherhood: What I’ve Learned So Far
Left: 8 month photoshoot we did with Miles.
Right: Our maternity photoshoot.
It’s hard to believe that 8 months have already passed since Miles was born. These months have been a whirlwind of milestones, lessons, and more joy than I could have imagined. Fatherhood has changed me in so many ways, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on this incredible journey—what I’ve learned, how I’ve grown, and the moments that have truly made it all worth it.
The Joy of Watching Miles Grow
I remember when I was younger, I was so excited for each age milestone: turning 13, 16, then 18, and finally 21. As I got older and passed those milestones, I realized life was going by so fast, and I didn’t even know why I was so eager to reach those ages. Now, as I watch my son grow, it feels the same in many ways. Time is flying by, but with him, I want to slow it down and savor every single moment.
Miles waving to the camera at our 8 month photoshoot. Also a little milestone, the wave he’s learned.
Here we are—Miles is 8 months old, and it feels like just yesterday we were in the hospital, holding him for the first time. I remember the first night he was born and the day after. He didn’t cry and wasn’t very vocal, which made me so nervous. Everyone had told me how much babies cry, so when he didn’t, I couldn’t help but worry. The nurses assured me he was healthy and that his hearing tests were perfect, and shortly after we were home, he started finding his voice. I never thought I’d actually look forward to hearing a baby cry, but when he started using his vocals, it was such a relief. Now, Miles hardly cries—unless he’s seriously tired, has a wet diaper, or gets frustrated watching us shake the bottle to mix his formula. Watching him grow into his own personality has been such a gift.
One of the most surprising milestones came at just 2.5 months when Miles started sleeping through the night. That was an incredible moment for my wife and me—we felt so much excitement and relief knowing we could finally get some sleep again. It was a huge step, but what blew our minds even more was when he began associating his crib with sleep. One night after changing his diaper, my wife placed him in his crib to keep him safe while she searched for his binky. By the time we returned, he had already fallen asleep. It was amazing to see him start to understand that his crib was a space for rest. Little milestones like these felt so big to us as parents.
The three little bears.
Then there were the giggles. That first little giggle turned into full-on laughter, and I don’t know how anyone can hear a baby laugh and not smile. Whether we’re playing with him or he’s excited by something simple—like us shaking his bottle—his giggles light up the whole room. Moments like these remind me just how much joy he brings to our lives.
He’s sitting up on his own now and starting to crawl, but it’s almost like he’s skipping straight to walking. Watching him play with the walker he got for Christmas has been such a joy. He grabbed the handle, pulled himself up, leaned forward, and instead of falling, he took his first step! Then he took three more. It reminded me of that saying, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." For Miles, those small steps were a huge accomplishment. His face lit up with excitement—until he bounced too happily and landed on his butt. These moments make me realize how much I love watching him grow and discover the world around him. It’s an incredible journey.
I could go on and on about the milestones, but the journey of being a parent and seeing him grow has been truly amazing.
Lessons I’ve Learned as a Father
Miles and I spending time together during a movie.
Fatherhood has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Every day, I’m learning something new—not just about parenting, but about myself.
Proper focus: Miles has really taught me to slow down and be grateful for everything, including the small things. He’s helped me open my eyes and realign with what truly matters. It’s not about that fancy thing I always wanted or chasing material things. Life is so much more than that, and being present in the moment is where the real joy is.
Patience: Before Miles, I thought I had patience, but being a dad has taken it to a whole new level. Whether it’s soothing him when he’s fussy, waiting for him to figure out a new skill, or simply slowing down to match his pace, patience has become one of the most important tools in my life. It’s taught me to appreciate the process rather than rushing to the outcome.
Letting go of perfection: I’ve realized that being a good dad isn’t about getting everything right. It’s about showing up, being present, and giving it your all—even if some days are messy or don’t go as planned. Miles doesn’t care if the house is spotless or if every little detail is perfect. What matters to him is the love and attention he gets.
Time management: Balancing work, personal goals, and family life has been a challenge, but it’s also been a growth opportunity. I’ve learned to prioritize what truly matters and to let go of things that don’t serve my family or our future. Miles has shown me the value of being intentional with my time.
The Challenges I Didn’t Expect
There are still the occasional sleepless nights.
Parenthood is an incredible journey, but it’s not without its challenges. Some of the toughest moments have taught me the most.
Lack of sleep: Those early months were exhausting. Adjusting to the constant waking and learning to function on limited rest was harder than I imagined, but it made me appreciate those moments of peace even more.
Guilt about missed moments: There were weekends when I spent too much time gaming instead of soaking up these precious moments. Looking back, I regret not being more present during those times. It’s a hard lesson, but one that has pushed me to grow and refocus on what matters.
Learning to lean on my wife: My wife has been my rock through it all. Watching her navigate motherhood with strength and grace has been inspiring. She’s taught me the importance of teamwork and communication, and I’m so grateful for her partnership.
What My Wife Has Learned
The biggest thing I’ve noticed and appreciated so much is seeing everything for the first time again.
Miles is always amazed by everything—the sky, car rides, flowers, baths, and watching snow fall. I had forgotten how beautiful those things could be.
Here are a few things he’s taught me:
My wife holding a quite sleepy Miles.
Take your time: There’s no need to rush; enjoy the moment.
Routine is important: A predictable rhythm makes life smoother.
Growth feels slow: But when you look back, you realize how far you’ve come.
Food is meant to be enjoyed: Savor every bite and moment.
A happy home is better than a clean one: Joy and connection matter more than perfection.
How Fatherhood Has Changed Me
Being a dad has completely shifted my perspective on life. Before Miles, I worried about things that, in hindsight, don’t matter. Now, my focus is on building a life he can be proud of.
Perspective on priorities: Every decision I make now is guided by one question: Will this make life better for my family? It’s a mindset shift that has given me a clearer sense of purpose. Before I felt so unmotivated because it seemed I was lacking purpose.
Increased motivation: Miles inspires me to be better every day. Whether it’s pursuing my goals, improving myself, or simply being present, he’s my constant reminder of why it all matters.
Something I continually remind myself, because it’s to easy to forget.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
As I reflect on these 8 months, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude—for the lessons, the laughter, and the love. Miles has taught me so much already, and I know this is just the beginning. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for us as a family.
