Got 8 weeks with my daughter and it's been incredible. I know that's privileged as hell compared to what most guys get. But going back to the office Monday feels like abandoning her. My wife will be home another 4 months and logically I know she's in good hands. But emotionally? This sucks. Anyone else struggle with this transition?
Real talk: the devastation fades but the connection doesn't. You're going to find new routines. Morning bottle feeds before work, bath time before bed. It's different but still yours.
8 weeks is incredible though man. I got 6 and felt the same way. The return to work hit different than I expected. Those early morning diaper changes somehow became the best part of my day by week 7.
This is actually really healthy to admit. A lot of dads won't say it out loud but the transition back is brutal. You built something real with those 8 weeks and that doesn't just disappear when you clock back in.
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Don't feel bad about the privilege angle. Just means you got to experience something amazing that a lot of guys don't get. Soak it in now and try to stay involved however you can once you're back.
I'm in week 3 of mine right now and already dreading the end. Seeing everyone's paternity leave posts lately honestly. How many weeks did your company offer? Trying to figure out what's even normal these days.