Risquit on 14/2/2013 at 00:05
Well, 45 years on earth and finally having a baby. Next month our little girl will arrive. Going to the baby basics class was overwhelming, to say the least (those films!).
I just went to an Enslaved concert last weekend. And I play Dishonored in my free time. Time to grow up now I guess :)
So what advice do you moms and dads have for me? Help!!!
Angel Dust on 14/2/2013 at 02:25
Firstly, congrats!:D
I'm assuming you're the Dad: help as much, and as often, as you can. Obviously, at first you probably won't be able to help with everything baby related (breast feeding and therefore night feeds) but pick up the slack with housework, cooking etc. The Mum is going to be doing all the heavy lifting so try not to complain about 'being tired' when you get home from work - when my wife suffered from post-natal depression and I was left solo with a newborn bub, and toddler, for two weeks I got a real understanding of what is like to operate on fuck all sleep for an extended period of time. It's horrible and general tiredness is simply not in the same ballpark.
It's not all doom and gloom of course, it's also a wonderful experience and you'll have a huge amount of fun too.
fett on 14/2/2013 at 03:52
Sleep now. Sleep even if you're not tired. Take medication to make you sleep if you have to. Go to bed early. Sleep in late. Sleep at work. Sleep when riding in a car. Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. Because you're going to have to give that shit up permanently next month.
Also, don't grow up. Be responsible, but be child-like. Play games, roll around in the floor, play jokes, wrestle, and be a good playmate.
But first, sleep your ass off.
Dia on 15/2/2013 at 13:09
What fett & AD said. Also, remember that she's the one doing the hard part til that baby is born, so have some compassion - especially when her mood swings give you whiplash, you need to remember that she can't help it, her hormones are up & down like a cow havin' a calf. Be a 'hands-on' dad and take turns with feeding and diaper changing; make sure you give the mom a couple hours to herself as often as possible after the baby's born (ideally that would be every day).
Grow up? Naw ..... only in the ways that count, such as compassion for what she's going through and LOTS of moral support. Otherwise, there's no need to give up your gaming, only curtail the amount of time you spend playing your games after the baby's born. Just remember that you're partly responsible for procreating this new life, take that responsibility seriously and you'll do just fine.
Well - as fine as you can do while suffering from sleep deprivation, of course. ;)
Oh yeah; take LOTS of pictures and videos with which to torment friends and family.
gunsmoke on 15/2/2013 at 15:49
Let me tell you this much, you will be challenged in every aspect of your life to the limits. This is no cake walk. Just relax, though. You will learn you cannot be Superman. The baby will feed off of stress, so try not to get worked up into a frenzy. Being 45 should help, I know I am a lot more calm and measured at 37 than when I was planning Lena 14 years ago.
3 main points to success:
Get yourself ORGANIZED. Have everything at least somewhat handy for the kid at all times. A good diaper bag pays for itself 10 times over.
Don't be afraid to ask family and friends for advice and help. Jen wouldn't ask ANYONE for anything and ended up going her first week home without eating or a shower. Find a good babysitter. Start looking now.
CHEERIOS. The miracle product for wee folk.
Vasquez on 15/2/2013 at 16:49
I guess "don't have any" comes a bit too late :p
Volitions Advocate on 15/2/2013 at 18:21
What everybody said is good advice.
Do Not Let Her Sleep In Your Bed.
or you'll never have it to yourself. Our son never sleeps in our bed, he is 2 now and even as an infant, he has his own room and his own crib. Some people think its cruel or something (wat?) but it helps the baby learn a bit of independence and she wont get in the habit of never being able to sleep without you cuddling her. It might be hard, and you wont be able to talk your wife into it if she isn't going to do it, but: Separate beds, and a separate room if you can manage it. It'll be hard for the first 6 months, but after that it will pay off.
That and you won't suffocate your child in her sleep with your body.
Good luck man, It's a blast. (my second will be here end of april, looking forward to it)
EDIT: (
http://www.amazon.ca/The-Baby-Owners-Manual-Trouble-Shooting/dp/1931686238)
theBlackman on 15/2/2013 at 18:35
As she gets older do not treat her like an imbicel. Don't use cutsie pooh baby talk. She is, and should be treated like, a person in her own right.
As she grows up never, ever argue with her. Just state your position and lay out the rules. If she wants to bicker and argue, "Ah Dad, blah blah" Just end the conversation.
If she is twelve years old and you argue, you have just made yourself twelve years old. You are the adult, be firm, fair and the boss. I suggest you don't do as my parents did and use the willow switch (not that it caused me any problems in my adulthood) it usually is against societies rules, but it never hurt me or my siblings.
Good luck, girls are tougher than boys. I went through two of each. It's actually simple in the long run. There are rules in the house, there are rules in society. Break either and penalties follow. My kids understood and, when in err, accepted the consequences.
Peanuckle on 15/2/2013 at 19:23
At 45?
Maybe have the baby screened for genetic defects? As you get older the likelihood of such things increases dramatically.
SubJeff on 15/2/2013 at 20:10
Please mods remove this idiocy and this idiot.
