Happy Father's Day!

SkyWater has had a bit of a baby boom in the last year and a half. We would be remiss if we didn't spend this weekend's blog post highlighting the fellas at SkyWater who are brand new to parenthood. We polled Alex Bowes, Adam Rosenthal, Corey Thonn, and Ben Lehmann with the goal of gaining some insight into what it is like to be a father on fathers day for the very first time.

Here's what they had to share...

Meet The Newest Dads at SkyWater

Corey Thonn

The advice I would give to a friend or colleague who is about to become a dad for the first time soon is: Find the joy through the struggle. When times are difficult, just know that it’s temporary and always worth it. Enjoy every little moment because as they grow up, you never know when it’ll be the last time, they allow you to do something.

Maeve is full of surprises, but here's something I didn't see coming: Maeve spits up everywhere, all the time and it’s never convenient. We were walking through Home Depot the other day and she was strapped to my chest. Just as we’re ready to check out, she throws up all over the floor. They’ve obviously seen it before because they were ready with a mop within seconds but you just have to take those mini defeats with humility and a laugh and move on.

One personality trait I didn't know I had, or only surfaced after becoming a father is the combination of patience and a deep admiration/appreciation for mothers. My role as a Dad is so insignificant in comparison to Mom’s responsibilities, especially since Maeve is only 5 months old. I’ve never been so grateful for my wife and how having a daughter has taught me to be calm, forgiving, understanding, and even-keeled.

Alex Bowes

So many times, as expecting parents you hear about how hard things will be or the lack of sleep, but to be honest, being a parent is the most rewarding job I have had yet. Focus on the positives and be a team. Personally, I try to help however I can (change diapers, do laundry, help wash dishes/meals).

Parenting is full of surprises of course. I knew babies pooped a lot, but no one told me that babies can shoot a poop stream across the room. I would highly recommend always keeping your head on a swivel.

Ben Lehmann

The advice I would give a friend or colleague who is about to become a dad for the first time soon is: It’s the most rewarding and exciting thing in life, but it can be the most challenging at times. Get your sleep now…

I knew becoming a parent would be full of surprises but here's something funny I did:  The first time I dressed my child to go out into the public, I put her outfit on backward!

One word that describes a personality trait that parenthood has surfaced in me: Patience.

Adam 'Rosey' Rosenthal 

A piece of advice I would pass along to a friend or colleague who is expecting is: When the baby naps, take a NAP as well, you’ll never regret a mini snooze!

Newly found behaviors now that I'm a dad: After I put her to sleep, I then find myself watching her sleep on the owlet app, and she’s sleeping… there are so many cool things to watch on Netflix but here I am watching my daughter sleep. I’ve lost it! Lol!

One trait that surprisingly surfaced was PATIENCE. For being a spaz, I’ve gained quite a bit of patience being a dad of a little girl, and I'm loving it.

What's something beautiful about your kid?

Corey: Similar to when I met my wife Julia, I knew I was put on this earth to be a husband. Even more so, now with Maeve. I know I’m supposed to love her with all my heart and be there for her, forever. The most beautiful thing about her is that she’s letting me do that every day.

Ben: Everly is social and waves at everyone in sight.

Bowes: Baylor is such a happy baby and now that she has some teeth starting to come in her smile is so cute. Another thing that I would say is beautiful about Baylor is her eyes.

Rosey: Biased opinion but little Ren aka Renchkin has a beautiful smile :)