Mike Eli’s Baby Burping Technique Improves

Eli Young Band frontman Mike Eli is adjusting to his new role as a first-time father. The singer-songwriter welcomed daughter Kline Olivia in August, and says the transition to a family of three has been a happy adjustment.

"It's been me, my wife [Kacey] and our dogs in the house since we got married, but when we brought Kline home it really changed the dynamic in so many ways," he tells People magazine. "The house definitely feels more like a home now that she's here."

Mike admits to plenty of anxiety as he began to care for the newborn. "I really didn't want to mess it up, but your instincts kick in. I'm not going to lie -- I was incredibly nervous and made some mistakes here and there, but you figure it out."

The Texas native remembers a particular moment early on that, although he can laugh about now, made him realize he would never do things perfectly every time. "One of my first times burping Kline, Kacey was talking to me, telling me what I need to do and I'm looking up at her," he recalls. "Then Kacey giggles and I realize I'm patting the back of [Kline's] head instead of her back. It's one of those things [Kacey's] giving me a hard time about. I know you have to pat the back and not the head! I was like, 'You're making me nervous! Go away!'"

The proud dad says he can already see a resemblance in his little girl. "She's definitely my kid. When I wake up, I can't open both eyes for 10 or 15 minutes. The other morning, Kacey and her mom were laughing at me -- Kline's looking to the side with her left eye closed and her right eye halfway opened and I was doing the same thing."

Mike acknowledges that the entire parenting experience has been eye-opening for him. "A lot of people tell you that they can't explain [fatherhood] because no one can know that feeling until you actually hold your child for the first time. It's even better than you think it is. I've always wanted to be a father. I never had that moment where I thought I'd wait forever or loved having no responsibility. I've always looked forward to having kids."

Mike will have to juggle time with his daughter with time on the road, as his band continues serving as an opening act on Rascal Flatts' Changed tour, alongside Little Big Town and Edens Edge. Keep track of the group's upcoming shows here.