I've been a Dad now for two weeks and it's just now beginning to set in. It's really impossible to prepare for this experience. There wasn't anything that I could point to and say, "Having a baby is just like this".  When we first learned we were pregnant, I bemoaned the loss of freedom that accompanied it. I was excited, but also worried and scared.
    It's kind of like the Price is Right. You always pass on the first showcase. Sure there was some good stuff in there and you don't know what the second one holds, but you know it's better. You stand there wondering if maybe you should have stuck with first one until they open those doors and you are so glad you held out.
    Now that we have Dahlia, I don't care about the loss of freedom. The 'joy' of being able to go out and do whatever whenever is nothing compared to holding a tiny person in your arms. Sure I can't just up and go to a movie, but frankly, I'd rather just sit on my couch and stare at my baby.