Congratulations, Jamie, for taking the plunge. We'll be here with you, every step of the way!
I hope the patches work well for you. It took me a couple of days to figure out that the best place for mine was a spot that didn't stretch a lot while I was moving around. I chose the general area below my belly and they have all stayed put since the first couple.
I've read that the patches supposedly cause more rapid breast growth than other delivery methods but not necessarily *more* growth, so try not to be thrown off if you see some changes pretty quickly (in 3 months or less). Of course, we know that everyone responds differently.
I think it's wonderful that your wife was able to joke about the estrogen in your system. To me, that's a good sign. A sense of humor is a must, as we're in some weird territory by "conventional" standards. We (and the people we love) have to accept that what we're doing is going to seem crazy at times and to embrace the unusual.
The only suggestion I can make, since I'm new at this, too, is to give yourself a break from time to time. If you're like me, you're going to be watching, waiting and checking, wondering what's happening with your body and your mind, and you might be trying to stay one step ahead of things, analyzing, planning and problem-solving as a sort of preemptive strike. But it will be good for your spirit if you spend some time in the present, taking in the changes that occur and being mindful of them while trying not to worry too much about the future. I'm thinking that, like most of us, this is the puberty you've always dreamed of and it will pass by quicker than you think, so try to take time to enjoy it in all its manifestations. That's what I'm working on right now.
