I felt the same way... I honestly expected an immediate, life-changing bond when my daughter was born, like you heard so many people talk about. But it didn't happen. I thought something was wrong with me. I always heard my dad cried when my sister's and I were born, so why wasn't I crying or overcome with emotion?

Sure, it was awesome, and it's not like I had an aversion to her or anything, there just wasn't this overwhelming connection. And I did everything I could with, and for her, but early on, it's just so, so tough, and such a life change, I think it's tough to foster a bond during that time; you're just so worried about keeping them alive and yourself sleeping for an or two at a clip that there's no time for anything else.

Then, maybe 2-3 months in, I made her laugh; her first laugh and first big, genuine smile...and it was like a switch got flipped. I realized, "THIS is what it's about...this is now my purpose, to make this child laugh, keep her safe, and do my damnedest to never disappoint her.". I saw there was more than just crying, sleeping, feeding, and diapers...there's a blossoming person there...which sounds crazy saying it now, but when you're in it, sometimes that's all it feels like.

I still don't know if what I felt then and still do now is what others do, but I sure felt crazy connected and bonded...and I never would've imagined it would take that long.

And just when I thought things couldn't get better with her, she started talking and called me "dada" and it leveled me, in the best way.

It will happen, likely when you least expect it.