Congrats!! As a family doctor, I find that parents often make the best decisions when they get a general sense of recommendations from a variety of sources (books, friends, family, healthcare, etc) but adapt those guidelines in a way that works for them and their baby. There is no BEST way of doing any of it, babies are adaptable, flexible and resilient. If you go with your gut and intuition, you’ll probably be correct most of the time. Have fun, it’s a great ride!!!
Congratulations, new dad! I'm happy to support you through your paternity leave but can't help saying, "welcome to the world of being self-employed". I just retired from 30 years of self-employment that involved my own unpaid vacations, which are always harder to take, plus unpaid hiatuses for medical treatment. It's part of the deal for many people who work this way, especially if they are small businesses run by one person. No worries, backing you all the way through. So glad you are out there.
Congratulations to your family! The most common advice is also the most essential: when the baby sleeps, you sleep. DO NOT use baby sleep time as your time to "get things done." NO. Go take a nap. Also: put your phone on airplane mode or just turn it off when you take those naps. If anything is THAT important, they'll call back or email you. [This advice, albeit for a landline phone, was given to me by our pediatrician, 43 years ago next Friday, when our son was born. Best advice ever.] Enjoy every day!
Elliott - good news your child is unique! bad news your child is unique! Consider all the child rearing advice but approach just like you do polling. If something works, do more of that. If something doesn't work, try something else. Your natural curiosity will serve you well. Maybe a nature vs nurture poll should be your re-entry into strength in numbers.
When you feel the weight of fatigue or fear that you are not enough press upon you, remember this: parenting isn’t about being “enough” (whatever that might mean). It’s about allowing yourself to be transformed along with your child into a new person.
Let yourself change and let yourself be stubborn in the changing. Let the moments happen and just be in it.
Congratulations and enjoy your well-earned paternity leave!
Congrats!! As a family doctor, I find that parents often make the best decisions when they get a general sense of recommendations from a variety of sources (books, friends, family, healthcare, etc) but adapt those guidelines in a way that works for them and their baby. There is no BEST way of doing any of it, babies are adaptable, flexible and resilient. If you go with your gut and intuition, you’ll probably be correct most of the time. Have fun, it’s a great ride!!!
Best wishes for a healthy young one. Take all the time you need…. Best
Mazel tov for being OFFICIALLY on paternity leave.
Now you are OFFICIALLY required to post a photo of your kid.
As Joe Biden said to Obama when the ACA passed, this is a big fucking deal.
Remember that your kid is the only person in the whole world who is OFFICIALLY allowed to call you Daddy.
Mazel tov.
Congratulations!
Congratulations, enjoy this time with your family! As a mother and grandmother of four you will cherish this magical time forever.
Congratulations! Treasure every moment! Both of you, rest whenever baby sleeps! Resist the urge to catch up! Let others do for you during this time!
Congratulations, new dad! I'm happy to support you through your paternity leave but can't help saying, "welcome to the world of being self-employed". I just retired from 30 years of self-employment that involved my own unpaid vacations, which are always harder to take, plus unpaid hiatuses for medical treatment. It's part of the deal for many people who work this way, especially if they are small businesses run by one person. No worries, backing you all the way through. So glad you are out there.
congrats Elliott!
Congratulations to your family! The most common advice is also the most essential: when the baby sleeps, you sleep. DO NOT use baby sleep time as your time to "get things done." NO. Go take a nap. Also: put your phone on airplane mode or just turn it off when you take those naps. If anything is THAT important, they'll call back or email you. [This advice, albeit for a landline phone, was given to me by our pediatrician, 43 years ago next Friday, when our son was born. Best advice ever.] Enjoy every day!
Elliott - good news your child is unique! bad news your child is unique! Consider all the child rearing advice but approach just like you do polling. If something works, do more of that. If something doesn't work, try something else. Your natural curiosity will serve you well. Maybe a nature vs nurture poll should be your re-entry into strength in numbers.
Congratulations!! Enjoy this wonderful start of a fantastic adventure.
Congratulations! I wholeheartedly support your paternity leave! Enjoy every moment!
Take care, help everyone get rest! but most of all, ENJOY!
You will not be perfect.
There is no “perfect”.
There is only this moment. Right now.
When you feel the weight of fatigue or fear that you are not enough press upon you, remember this: parenting isn’t about being “enough” (whatever that might mean). It’s about allowing yourself to be transformed along with your child into a new person.
Let yourself change and let yourself be stubborn in the changing. Let the moments happen and just be in it.
In each moment.
Congratulations!! Enjoy the time with your family.