Congratulations!

My first child just turned 28 on the 10th, so my memory's a little rusty. I think the biggest surprise was how much I didn't know, inspite of all the books, classes and advice I got. You're going to learn best like everyone does - by doing.

What I would have done diffently is not let those sweet, innocent, beautiful eyes, sucker me as much when my son was little because he still knows how manipulate me with them to this day.

Your world is going to change and sleep will be a foreign concept for a good while but I think you can handle it. You are KingSausage, after all.

[Edited 10/28/14 18:13pm]

HatrinaHaterwitz said:

KingSausage said:

Congratulations!

BTW--immediate changes: lack of sleep, lack of time to one's self (this will increase as the child matures), lack of time for sex (plan date nights--hope you can get a sitter! LOL), lots of cuddle-me moments, heart-arresting episodes, and indescribable experiences that will last a lifetime...if you work it right!

[Edited 10/29/14 2:15am]

congrats

the lack of sleep thing is a big one

Teach them well...................

Surprises? They pay attention 2 EVERYTHING.

Congratulations! I don't have any kids, so I can't comment on it.

Congratulations!

"RenHoek's kid sleeps through the night method"

1. Change the baby, nothin' beats a clean butt.
2. Get a really nice warm bottle, like, sooooothing warm.
3. Plug bottle into kid.
4. Burp baby generously, seriously, like a bar belch.

After this your little one should sleep like a rock... worked awesome for me, twice!

* your mileage may vary...

morningsong said:

Yay, congratulations!! Advice? They will need a sibling.

Congratulations! Children have been such a blessing to my wife and I. We wish you nothing but joy!

A couple things we learned:

1. The magic weight is 12 pounds. That's when the baby's stomach is big enough to take enough formula/breast milk to last through the night. Until they hit 12 pounds, you will have the dreaded 3 AM feeding

2. When you hear them wake up for that feeding, they will NOT go back to sleep no matter how much you want, LOL. So get up and get it done!

3. This one is the hardest to do, but SLEEP WHEN THE BABY SLEEPS. Whoever is staying with the baby during the day will be tempted to "get things done" when the baby goes to sleep. But it's a really good idea to take a nap because you can't sleep when the baby is awake

4. Babies cry for generally two reasons - they are hungry; or they are sick. Unless your baby has a high temperature, the only "sick' reason they cry is because they have an upset stomach. The best medicine we ever found for gas is Mylacon. It's a liquid that you give in two-drop doses, and it is a MIRACLE DRUG! Get some before baby comes home!

5. Last but not least, let your baby learn early on that their bedroom is where they go to sleep. Don't spend much time getting them ready for bed in their bedroom. What happens is that they are taught that at night, their bedroom means an hour or two more with mom or dad. While that is fine once in awhile, you'll end up with sleeping issues. The best thing is to read the book, sing the songs, or whatever in the family room. Then, when it's time for bed, tell them it's time for bed and put them in their bedroom. Say your prayers, kiss them goodnight, and LEAVE.

Once again, congratulations!

Congrats!

I re-wrote this thread a dozen times, trying to offer you the best advice. But the truth of the matter is that every child is unique...every human is unique. So just expect the unexpected, appreciate the little things, don't lose your temper TOO much, be firm while being loving, and above all; love that child more than you love yourself. That's my advice to all parents.