It takes a baby to turn a guy into a man.

Hard-won lessons of a first-time father — the good, the bad, and the big-time changes.

"When I used to see a father holding a baby, I thought he was either a poor sap or else an übermensch possessed with talents and levels of forbearance that I would never attain. Now I live on the other side. I´m someone´s daddy, and it´s the best thing that ever happened to me."

From pregnancy and childbirth through the whirlwind first year of fatherhood, Quinton Skinner shares the adventure of a lifetime: becoming a daddy — and loving it. Nobody said it would be easy. But if imminent fatherhood made Quinton sit up and take notice, baby Natasha´s arrival was the making of the man.

Here, with the infinite wisdom of hindsight, is his survival guide for first-time fathers everywhere, filled with hilarious anecdotes and practical advice on how to negotiate that critical first year of your baby´s wonderful life.

After a year of on-the-job training, Skinner explores:

• Dealing with the pride — and panic — of your wife´s pregnancy
• To be or not to be (in birthing class)
• The moment of truth in the delivery room
• Finding romance after parenthood
• Being the perfect dad while spacing out in front of the TV
• The joys of sleep deprivation
• Becoming a baby chef
• Avoiding the poorhouse