We also had very little support. On the one hand, I needed solitude, on the other hand I needed real company. My friends were almost all single and still having fun, being very fit and the worst part, many of them criticizing how I stopped doing the things I love and stay in good health.

I am a high performer in my field, and I always told my wife I felt like those incredibly smart animals, like orangutans in the zoo trapped inside a small cage.

My kids are now 2y/o and 6y/o. Things are still tiring some days, but nothing compared to when the little one was smaller. We just had that breakthrough a-ha moment when things feel easier. I am borderline exhausted 70% of the days, but I also have a great time most of the days. My older one makes me laugh often doing silly things or saying stupid jokes. YMMV but they will eventually give you your loved time.

I deeply thanks my friends who had two kids and listened to me every time I needed it. No judgement or bullshit tips. When kids are sick we don't need any tricks. We need a helping hand or a hearing ear.

If anything, remembering the Stoic philosophy ("the obstacle is the way") and reminding me that I used to whine about just anything before kids kept me sane. Thanks to my kids I am much tougher than I would have ever been. Many people choose not to have kids because life will be easier, but they are missing on the opportunity of becoming super-human. I have now literally not eaten anything for 24 hours, walked more than 10 hours straight with a child on a 100 F day in my arms, and felt like nothing was going on. Who else can do that?

Hang in there.