Sean Dengler.

Being my first Father’s Day this past Sunday, here are 40 pieces of learned knowledge. I thought I would share the wisdom of what I have learned over the last six months.

1. Always respect Asher’s bedtime. If the bedtime is not respected, chaos ensues.

2. No matter how hard (i.e., crying and fussiness) it is during any day, seeing Asher smile or having a baby laugh always makes the tough days worth it.

3. I have heard this phrase more times than diapers I have changed, but babies grow so fast.

4. Rubbing the eyes means Asher is tired.

5. Yawning means Asher is tired.

6. If one does not follow the previous two steps, you will regret it.

7. Anytime Asher can sleep is good.

8. Asher crying and anxiety are a 1:1 ratio.

9. No baby is cuter than Asher.

10. Asher has a death grip.

11. A happy baby makes a delightful baby.

12. An upset baby makes for the longest amount of time, no matter how short the actual time is.

13. Asher cuddles are worth it.

14. There is no sweeter feeling than waking up in the morning with a baby who did not wake up overnight.

15. Watching Asher start to observe the real world after being a log for two months is a phenomenal feeling.

16. The love people have for babies is amazing.

17. People love chubby-cheeked babies.

18. A white noise machine is the best investment.

19. A bottle-washing machine is the second-best investment.

20. A baby who can hold its head up is a whole lot less scary.

21. Self-soothing for a baby comes in many forms.

22. Life revolves around a baby.

23. Asher hates naps.

24. Babies are a lot smarter than I used to give them credit for.

25. Asher loves to scoot back before the scoot forward.

26. Ear infections are the worst.

27. Sleep sacks do wonders.

28. Asher picked up eating purees faster than I thought possible.

29. Do not have long hair with a baby unless you want it ripped out.

30. Shhing a baby does work.

31. Butt taps also work.

32. Spit up gets everywhere.

33. Seriously, spit up gets everywhere.

34. Despite all the struggles, every day is a new day and the love keeps growing.

35. Watching Asher figure life out is worth it every day.

36. Nothing is more precious than Asher waking up in the morning and smiling when he sees his parents.

37. Sometimes, babies are long, heavy, or, in Asher’s case, have a big head.

38. Baby socks are not worth it.

39. A baby’s life is simple, yet complicated.

40. While being on the fence about having children before having a child, I will never regret having a child.

Sean Dengler is a writer, award-winning columnist, comedian, now-retired beginning farmer, and host of the Pandaring Talk podcast who grew up on a farm between Traer and Dysart. You can reach him at sean.h.dengler@gmail.com.