I guess you never notice diapers (except for making the occasional Depends joke) in drug stores and super markets but when you have a child, diapers become mission #1 and all of a sudden you’re faced with buying ’em, changing ’em and what ever else you do with ’em.

So, I made a trip out to the drug store last week for diapers and that’s all I was told…. NEVER tell a man general information! Be specific, otherwise we’ll come home with something nowhere near what is actually needed. When I got to the store, and finally found the illusive “diaper” area, I was presented with (probably) a million different brands, sizes and absorbency types. Needless to say I was completely clueless, and contemplated quietly turning around and wrapping her up in a bath rag or paper towels. What size? Huh?

I guess I took for granted that the amount of diapers we got at our baby shower was enough. Who knew a thing so small could sh*t that much. I’m blown away with the sheer amount of #2’s my daughter is capable of in a day. So anyway, I thought I wouldn’t have to do this, because of the massive stock from the shower, but low and behold, here I am…sigh…the day has arrived, the baby shower stock is GONE!

Now Sylvia has been home for about a month, give or take a few days and – I’m so exhausted from being on standby, the day job, domestic homework and lets not forget to mention my wife; who resembles more of a walking zombie woman of the dead [read: Sleep, Sleep, NO SLEEP!] trying to make sure she’s supported the best I can – some of these diapers are listed in weeks, months and weight, WTF? How do I know where my daughter is? I overheard that while at her two-week stay at the hospital she managed to grow two diaper levels (whatever that means). How do I know when she has upgraded? There has got to be an easier way. But wait there’s more?!

This is today’s Trials of Being Dad!

Michael J. Carrasquillo is a NYC musician, filmmaker, speaker, organizer of NYC Media Makers & new father. He blogs at Issue De ‘Quillo and produces a podcast called “The Trials of Being Mike” and an upcoming podcast called “moments”. You can follow him on Twitter @mjcarrasquillo.