hey i'm a soon to be first time father and idk what to really expect. I think I will be a good father like my dad but who really knows. I am conflicted with emotions and thoughts of being a failure as a father and a husband. That's crazy, i'm a very confident person but the last 2 years have been trying and exciting at the same time. I hope all will be well.

First, CONGRATULATIONS!

Second, WELCOME to the Labs! We're glad you're here!

Being a Dad is the greatest thing ever for me. When I find myself worrying about failing, I try to focus on positive stuff instead. (Be it as a Dad or a Husband.) That generally keeps me from actually failing. And if I do have a misstep and yell, or have a dumb argument, or don't reach TheBoy in time to catch him before he does an accidental belly flop from the PlayDeck, well... Gotta get over it and move on. Think about what to do to prevent that same misstep in the future.

It's a roller coaster, no doubt! But also the greatest ride of my life.

Thanks for jumping in some conversations already! Feel free to ask anything you like. And when you need a laugh or two, check out some of the videos. We're gettin' close to 900 episodes!

Welcome to the site, John. The thoughts you are having are actually very typical. Before the arrival of the baby, that's the time to look inward, to wonder what kind of dad you will be. Try making that into a positive thing -- by concentrating on the kind of dad you want to be. Sounds like you had a good role model there -- a really important thing.

Most of this dad stuff is just showing up. Be present as much as you can when the baby arrives and you'll be fine. Before you know it, you'll be too busy to worry much about whether or not you're doing it right.

Looking forward to seeing you around the site.

congrats