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I don't have a LO yet so I can't say how this went for us. But I do wonder if you just feel a little detached because at this point Olive needs Mrs. Bee more than she needs you. I think it's natural that a mother would connect to a newborn sooner and that a father's connection would grow over time as he's able to do more and more for the baby. I think as long as Mrs. Bee feels like you are the partner she needs in parenting Olive that's all that matters right now. Obviously you love Olive... you just don't have as many opportunities to connect with her yet as you do with Charlie.

Same thing with my hubby... I think this time around though, it's nice to know that he will definitely come around once Baby 2.0 is a bit older since this is something we've gone through before. He is SO great with my toddler and I can't wait to see him bond with her sister in the same way. We both just know his parenting strengths tend to shine after the newborn stage and that's totally okay.

Don't feel guilty... With all you're doing with Charlie, it benefits the family as a whole. I'm so grateful my hubby spends so much time with our toddler these days. It allows me to care for 2.0 much better than when I'm alone with the two.

he does though make it his mission to make 2.0 laugh about once a day. It's cute to see the different things he does... Silly faces, tickling, etc so in that respect it's not too "work" like. at 2 months Olive should be coming around soon with the giggles and reaching for toys. she'll be a daddy's girl soon I bet!

We've both always been into our LO but the mom is definitely at an advantage because she breastfeeds, usually gets to spend more time with the baby, and well - just IS the mom. And babies don't do all that much so I can see how it would be hard to bond with one. I'm sure you still help out Mrs. Bee in so many ways and she's the one who is going to remember the infant stage, not Olive. Just like how Charlie won't remember if you did this or that with him as an infant, but he will start to form memories of you now that he is a toddler and you have a great relationship so that's what matters.

I wouldn't beat yourself up for it. Even as the mom I wasn't into the newborn phase. It was a lot to give and give and not
Get a reaction back. But now that she's 9 months and she is more
Engaging we are both better with her and enjoying it much more. Although its also a lot more work!

But I truly don't think dh will be really into it until she can swing a golf club!