Featured Father Jimboski

JIMMY

Naval Combat & Intelligence - NCIOP at Royal Canadian Navy

1. What was your first feeling & thought when you found out that your wife was pregnant?

I remember that night vividly as I just finished basic training and came back to Vancouver to meet my friends. We were going to Hapa that night for some drinks, and I remember Michelle was already feeling naucious and pukey at the time so we decided to pick up a pregnancy test at a shoppers drug mart before she decides to order a drink. All her girlfriends were there at the time and I knew right away when she came out from the washroom with a glow in her eye. That moment I knew my life was about to change. I can't remember the rest because I got really drunk that night with the boys. :D

2. What was your reaction when you found out the gender of your child?

My reaction was a huge shock because both Michelle and I were anticipating a boy. I remember receiving the call in the middle of lunch at Nelle's Block. Michelle had just left the doctor's office and called me right away. I'm not going to lie it was freightening. All these thoughts going through my head on how to deal with a daughter. All those fears that a father could have when your little girls comes to age and when she starts dating boys etc etc. I was so scared and didnt know what to think. Maddy is over a year and half now, and I wouldnt want it any other way. She's the most beautiful thing thats ever happened to me. She's the best gift my wife has ever given me, I feel like my life has a whole other meaning now.

3. How did you think of your child's name?

I didn't, Michelle did :P

4. How did you prepare yourself in becoming a first time father?

There's actually not much you can really prepare, but just be mentally ready to make certain sacrifices. I've also did a few reading on some articles from various websites, but at the end, its how you make your experiences. Other people may have their own opinion on how to handle certain things but finding your own way is the most important. There's also a really cool app called Babycenter.ca and some really cool tips on there. I highly recommend it.

5. How are you preparing yourself for your second child this time around?

I think im just going with the flow. In terms of preparation, I think I will be taking some time off from work this time. During Maddy's birth I still worked so that Michelle was able to take a full year off.

6. How do you manage your busy work schedule with your family especially travelling abroad?

That is a really tough one. I have to give all the credit to Michelle and also my family. I'm lucky that im stationed in Victoria so family is only an hour and half ferry ride away. Whenever I'm sailing, I can only contact Michelle through email and when I get to a foreign port or next port of call, I try to Skype with her and Maddy as much as I could. Its really hard though, at sea sometimes I have no time to check email or internet would be laggy so I only have pictures on Michelle and Maddy on my phone to keep me going. Its a gentle reminder on why I'm doing all this. 

7. Word of advice to other fathers to be:

Be patient to your pregnant wife and just try and be understanding as much as possible. Try not to be selfish, or have the mentality that "YOU" are bringing home the bread and butter because sometimes its not just about you. Money can always be made, but wounds are harder to heal and they may never heal over time so be appreciative of your pregnant wife as she is sacrificing just as much, if not more than you think. She made the choice to be with you and she will be giving up a year of her life, her work, her looks, her drinks and social life, eating her favourite seafood, just so she can help YOU carry on your legacy. So yes be loving and be appreciative of your future child's mother to be. Remember, a happy wife equals a happy life. :)