nanami is that type of husband who would make full use of his paternity leave. he can't deny that he loves your clingy, needy side since you got pregnant and gave birth. you've let your guard down completely, and not forgetting that he insists you ask him for help with anything—even the silliest little thing. it makes him feel special like the happiest man on earth.
he is busying himself with household chores while taking care of you during your postpartum period and your baby's growth period.
he's there through the endless nights, staying up with you or taking the night shift himself so you can sleep and get enough rest.
during your lower moments, he’s your steady anchor. he'd hold you safely in his arms, his voice a soft murmur against your hair, “it’s alright, sweetheart. i’ve got you," while his fingers gently caressing your hair.
as the weeks and months pass, your baby grows healthier and stronger, and so does his bond with his little one. one afternoon, after you wake from a nap, you find him asleep in the backyard hanging chair with your baby sleeping on his chest. their faces look so alike—your baby took after him completely just like a carbon copy of him but in a tiny size. they share the same peaceful sleeping expression as a gentle, warm breeze ruffles their hair. that sight of them make your heart flutter and warm before you leave them both alone and don't have heart to wake them up.
when it's time for the baby to try real food, like puree, he does thorough serious research, jotting down notes and recipes in his notebook. he is the chef in the house and of course he prepares the food seriously, making the softest banana puree as if it were a Michelin-starred dish.
beside from that, he carefully applies all the methods he researched for introducing solids to your little one. in the back of your and nanami's minds, you both worry that your baby might spit it out and reject it, but surprisingly, your baby responds with a soft, tiny gurgle and a wide, toothless smile.
oh but they actually spit out a little of the puree mischievously but willingly accept more until the very last scoop. a look of pure pride and happiness shines on nanami's face—the look of a man who has just conquered the most important mission of his life as the greatest dad for his baby.
with the last bite finished, he gently wipes your baby's face and cleans the high chair, telling them how proud he is while peppering kisses all over their round cheeks. this moment feels like a victory, making him eager to try another recipe from his notebook. he makes a mental note to take a picture and jot down on his notebook next to each purees receipt—which purees the baby likes and dislikes.
after his paternity leave ends, he always spends every morning playing with your baby first before he leave your baby with you to get ready, but his heart already longing for them before he even leaves for work. when you and the baby send him off at the door, he wraps you both in a tight hug, kissing the top of each of your heads and whispering that he'll miss you both terribly at the office and can't wait to come home as soon as possible.
