https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/homepage daily 0.75 2024-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/3bd6ea98-65ea-45ef-89a6-18ae5000627d/IMG_1622.jpg https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/parenting daily 0.75 2024-05-07 https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/parenting/blog-post-title-one-dkssz-nsplb monthly 0.5 2024-03-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/1704404864599-1CADS1SLD18VN3YIV0BY/image-asset.jpeg Blogs - The 5 Best Things About Becoming a New Parent After 50 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/parenting/so-your-friends-think-youre-crazy monthly 0.5 2024-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/1704404216886-UOCA9GNMMK6BHFE76WMK/image-asset.jpeg Blogs - So Your Friends Think You’re Crazy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/parenting/how-to-know-if-youre-doing-the-right-thing-by-becoming-a-parent monthly 0.5 2024-03-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/1704404658581-A712NFKPH4ZHSIN13FS8/image-asset.jpeg Blogs - Are You Doing the Right Thing By Becoming a Parent After 40? - Whatever your reason for contemplating having kids at this time in life is, it’s a huge decision. A huge financial, emotional, physical and mental decision. You’re looking at an undoable lifetime commitment that will define everything about your future from this point on. From the second they are born (and somewhat before) it will cost you money, sleep, play time and a bit of your sanity. They will test your relationship and interfere with everything you plan and/or do day and night. Sound daunting? Just wait until you’re expected to volunteer for the school bake sale, and have to trade in that European vacation for a birthday party overrun by screaming two-year-olds. The days of kicking back with a nice glass of wine and turning on your favorite Netflix guilty pleasure after work are about to be a thing of the past (at least until you can get yourself into an “adult community” once the kids graduate high school). If you’re still reading, congratulations. You get it. You get the unequivocable fulfillment of not only the difficulties, but the fun of giggling and snuggling babies, the silliness and magic of toddlers, the sincerity and potential of adolescents and the overwhelming commitment of raising kind, competent, confident, healthy teens who are about to be released into society. You get that there is absolutely nothing more worthwhile than being a parent. A good, kind, committed parent. One who understands that having kids is not a selfish act of keeping the genetics going, but a selfless act of caring for unique little individuals who deserve the best life possible in order to become who they are destined to become (not what you think they are destined to become), and in return will love you like you’ve never been loved. You get that you will have lower lows and higher highs than you’ve ever had, depending entirely on how your babies at every age are fairing. You get that children are an honor and a privilege, not a right, and that all you do for them won’t be sacrifices, they will be choices. You get that there is undoubtedly nothing you could possibly do with the rest of your life that will matter more than the time very well spent raising your child/children. Congratulations. https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/healthtravel daily 0.75 2024-06-04 https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/healthtravel/qe7w2pfzf6it234gtuxateofgf7wmd monthly 0.5 2024-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/1717535192240-IDYYY5QZNVLFEUAGNBIN/image-asset.jpeg Health & Travel - Sleep. The ever elusive quest for sleep. - Hopefully we get a little smarter as we get older. And hopefully we work a little harder to stay healthy for ourselves and those around us. Check out this website… their whole existence revolves around giving us insider information on how to find natural ways to be our best selves, and good sleep is a good start. Enter [The Insomnia-Busting] Sandman (lucidtonix.com) https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/healthtravel/8homeremedies monthly 0.5 2024-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/033541c6-8a2d-4916-9965-29b24b759bd8/IMG_3018.jpg Health & Travel - 5 Incredibly Beneficial Herbs and Spices (& why) You Probably Already Have in Your Kitchen - Health benefits of Rosemary research shows inhaling rosemary oil helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is an important chemical for brain function. known to stimulate hair growth, especially for those suffering with Alopecia rosemary oil has been shown to be an effective pain reliever rosemary oil is a very effective bug repellant and pesticide reduces stress and anxiety short term may help expand your blood vessels, improving circulation anti-inflammatory, rosemary oil is especially beneficial for arthritis the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may fight cancer releases bile, which helps in fat digestion and activates antioxidants which protect the liver can inhibit the growth of bacteria which cause food poisoning, but requires a very small amount of food-grade oil may increase the effectiveness of certain antibiotics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/915e7252-6eb4-410c-a257-c33359332a8c/IMG_3001.jpg Health & Travel - 5 Incredibly Beneficial Herbs and Spices (& why) You Probably Already Have in Your Kitchen - Health benefits of Clove stabilizes blood sugar levels contains nutrients such as fiber, vitamin K and manganese for brains and bones high in antioxidants the eugenol found in clove has been found to stop the growth of cancerous tumors and promote cancer cell death. antibacterial, including against E. Coli improves gum health and lowers plaque and mouth bacteria may improve liver health, and has been shown to improve the health of livers with cirrhosis and fatty liver disease. HOWEVER, eugenol is toxic in high amounts, and can actually damage the liver if overused. may reduce stomach ulcers Clove is high in antioxidants, may help prevent cancer, kills bacteria, regulates blood sugar and promotes bone and liver health, to name a few of the vast number of benefits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/a3286bf9-7963-4d48-b2b1-b390ca3bcce4/IMG_3004.jpg Health & Travel - 5 Incredibly Beneficial Herbs and Spices (& why) You Probably Already Have in Your Kitchen - Health benefits of Ginger gingerol is the main bioactive compound responsible for its many medicinal properties, including digestion, nausea, and cold and flu symptoms anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effective in naturally treating morning sickness and nausea associated with chemotherapy may assist in weight loss can assist in the pain of osteoarthritis may lower blood sugar and improve the risk of heart disease speeds up the digestion of food, which decreases symptoms of IBS. Ginger and artichoke together before a meal significantly improves indigestion can be helpful in reducing menstrual pain the compounds in ginger may help prevent alzheimer’s, parkinson’s and MS by inhibiting brain inflammatory responses that occur in these diseases antimicrobial properties which fight bacteria and fungal infections, including staph, E.Coli and candida (which causes fungal infections in the mouth and vagina) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/7e128de7-e6aa-445b-8aaf-2ba0c9e8cab3/IMG_2998.jpg Health & Travel - 5 Incredibly Beneficial Herbs and Spices (& why) You Probably Already Have in Your Kitchen - Health benefits of Cinnamon loaded with antioxidants anti-inflammatory properties can reduce levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and blood sugar, protecting against heart disease can improve the body’s use of insulin for those who are resistent proving to inhibit the buildup of a protein called tau in the brain which is prevalent in Alzheimer’s patients. It’s also showing promise in protecting neurons and improving motor function for those with Parkinson’s disease showing promise in reducing the growth of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels in tumors, causing those cells to die. can prevent bacterial and fungal infections, and the antimicrobial effects may help prevent tooth decay and bad breath may have anti-viral properties There are two types of Cinnamon - Cassia (which is cheaper and easier to find) and Ceylon. Cassia contains significant amounts of coumaran which can be toxic if taken in large quantities. If you are considering adding cinnamon to your diet for medicinal purposes, Ceylon is the way to go. Cinnamon. This incredible spice is loaded with antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, lowers the risk of heart disease, helps lower blood sugar, may help insulin do it’s job, may be beneficial to those with neurodegenerative diseases such as alzheimer’s and parkinson’s, may prevent bacterial and fungal infections and has anti-viral properties. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/b6c84684-c868-492b-9501-1e9bd82675c1/IMG_3010.jpg Health & Travel - 5 Incredibly Beneficial Herbs and Spices (& why) You Probably Already Have in Your Kitchen - Health benefits of Mint rich in antioxidants and Vitamin A peppermint oil has been shown to alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome issues peppermint oil and caraway oil taken together are powerful in treating indigestion and stomach pain menthol oil has been effective in treating cracked, painful nipples associated with breastfeeding breathing menthol may improve congestion associated with a cold may be helpful in masking the odor and killing certain bacteria associated with bad breath To name a few, mint can help relive nausea and improve digestion, alleviate headaches, relieve stress, boost memory, improve weight loss efforts, skin care/cleanser, it may have antipruritic properties beneficial in treating bug bites, help with breastfeeding and alleviate allergies. https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/healthtravel/blog-post-title-two-fw3pk monthly 0.5 2024-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/1705963413211-5NAFRTDKOZWOBUIHY6EH/image-asset.jpeg Health & Travel - My Favorite Travel Sites For Family Vacations - 1. Viator.com Years ago on a family vacation to Europe, I stumbled upon a travel site which offered affordable, unique and entertaining things to do with our kids. There were a few that looked intriguing, but one really caught my eye. Viator ( Things to Do, Tickets, Tours & Attractions | 2024 | Viator) stood out like a sore thumb, and has proven over and over again to be a solid choice. Viator.com is now part of Trip Advisor (and a great addition in my opinion). Viator partners with local regional experts to show you the real deal… the local things you would probably never find. Everything from cooking classes to museum/brewery/winery hopping, to ghost tours, to professional photos of your clan, to the back alley speakeasys you would never find on your own. The prices are usually unusually affordable, and the experts really are local experts. Once you’re on the site, you can specify the details, and I promise you will be very pleasantly surprised at the variety of offerings. 2. Kensingtontours.com Although I only know Kensington Tours by reputation, I am seriously impressed with their comprehensive offerings. They specialize in families with kids, and will turn your family vacation into incredible lifelong memories. Their attention to detail has earned them many awards. Kensington Tours | Tailor-Made Private Tours | Award-Winning Tour Company offers tried and true itineraries from around the world, but they are also happy to customize your itinerary to fit your family. Unlike Viator, they specialize in multi-day (Usually 7-10 days) full service vacations with vetted hotels, restaurants and outings. Worth looking into. 3. MSCCruises.com I came across MSC cruise line about fifteen years ago when I decided to try a Mediterranean cruise with the kids. We had been on several cruises (on various cruise lines) in the past, including Alaska, the Carribean and Mexico and were ready for a change. I had never heard of MSC (even though they have been a presence in the sea for over 300 years) as they were predominantly a European line, but they looked good on paper. Kids under 18 sailed free, as long as they were in the same cabin as an adult, drinks were included and the entertainment was family friendly. But one of my favorite features was the itinerary, which included Spain, France, Italy and Africa. They offered the option of embarking at any of the stops and disembarking seven days later, instead of having to board on the one designated day, which we hadn’t seen before. This also allowed us to meet a variety of people from around the world (although mostly Europe) at our group dining as people came and went at every stop. Fifteen years later they have taken a strong foothold in the United States, and offer a variety of options in many parts of the world. Add their comittment to sustainability, incredible food and family friendly options, attention to service and detail, impressive excursions and incredible new ships, and I think you will be as happy with them as I am. Check out their vast array of options at MSC Cruises: Best Cruise Holidays and Vacations | MSC Cruises for all the details. https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/healthtravel/bigskymontana monthly 0.5 2024-02-18 https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/mediahttps/tetra-caper-sn5dsquarespacecom/allaboutthebaby daily 0.75 2024-05-09 https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/mediahttps/tetra-caper-sn5dsquarespacecom/allaboutthebaby/babyjourney monthly 0.5 2024-03-15 https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/mediahttps/tetra-caper-sn5dsquarespacecom/allaboutthebaby/babytalk monthly 0.5 2024-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/1706307372646-41QI64C7UG3DD2UB6HSM/image-asset.jpeg Baby Journey - Best Baby Bottle For My Infant Which Baby Bottle is Right For Your Baby? Honing in on the right bottle for your baby may be a bit trickier than you thought. Like so many baby related things, there’s a lot to choose from, so finding the one that feeds your little one without allowing them to swallow air and still get enough to eat can be a bit of a challenge. When my oldest two kids were infants there were two choices: Breastfeed until they quit asking for it, and/or fill the baby bottle (pretty sure there was only one choice) and scientifically test it on your wrist post heating to ensure the perfect temperature. Imagine my surprise when I went to purchase bottles for my infant boys only to find there are roughly 427 varieties of bottles to choose from. We had our share of hits and misses, and eventually landed on one bottle that works great for both very different feeders. Below are our picks and easy links to more information and purchase options on Amazon. We tried a variety of brands and bottle/nipple types, and narrowed it down to a few of our favorites. We really liked Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Baby Bottle (Dr. Brown’s has quite a variety of bottles - including glass bottles - and nipple types, along with sippy cups for the older babes. Amazon.com : Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Wide-Neck Baby Bottles which is known for it’s vent system designed to curb colic, gas and spitting up, and our bigger boy did well with it, but our littler, less developed guy had issues with the flow of the nipple. He was still swallowing air, it seemed to be a little too much too quick. Our next favorite was the Tommee Tippee Closer to Natural BottleAmazon.com : Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti-Colic Baby Bottle, 9oz, Slow Flow. which also has an anti-colic design and natural feel nipple. Between this brand and the Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle, Amazon.com : Philips AVENT Natural Baby Bottle, SCF010/37, Clear, 4 Ounce (Pack of 3) : Baby it was pretty much a tie, but in the end the Philips brand won by a drop. The design mimics the breast in feel and nipple shape and size, and has a slower flow for those babes that are still working on the whole drinking thing. Both babies love it, and in a month or two, when they get a smidge bigger, we will bring out the Dr. Brown’s again. If you are transitioning from breast feeding to bottle feeding, give the Medela Breastmilk Bottle a try. Amazon.com : Philips AVENT Natural Baby Bottle, SCF010/37, Clear, 4 Ounce (Pack of 3) They have a variety of necessities for moms transitioning from breast feeding to bottles, and are compatible with the Medela Breast Pumps, made with newborn feeding habits and moms in mind. All of the bottles we tested are highly rated and designed to feed similar to breast feeding, so bear in mind your baby’s personal choice is really what counts. Each brand also offers a variety of sizes and nipple choices to keep you and your baby happy at every stage. https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/mediahttps/tetra-caper-sn5dsquarespacecom/allaboutthebaby/isivfrightforyou monthly 0.5 2024-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/1706911961587-STQQ08PYP0LMQGN1F60I/image-asset.jpeg Baby Journey - IVF facts and success rates My guy and I were decidedly lucky when it came to having kids the new-fashioned way. We are in our 50s, and I am fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to raise my daughter and son from a former marriage, who are well launched, and he has spent the past 30 years or so wishing he had kids. After a lot of conversations and consideration, we decided to look into an egg donor and surrogate, and let the chips fall where they may. Fast forward about four years, which includes some significant trial and error along with a lot of hope, we became the parents of twin boys. Medicine and technology have been improving by leaps and bounds over the past few decades, and the results are impressive. We decided to give it one good shot, and found a surrogate willing to carry twins if we were fortunate enough for that to come to fruition. When the time came, she was implanted with two embryos (we could have asked for three, but were not willing to make the painful decision of narrowing it down to two if all three “took”). We found out early on that the two sacks containing the embryos were visible, but only one was viable. The other sack looked empty and would disappear with time. We were happy to have one healthy embryo growing as hoped, and decided having one child was wonderful. Three appointments later, our surrogate called us to tell us the mind-blowing news… the other sack did in fact contain a viable embryo, and we would be parents of twins in about seven months. In vitro fertilization (IVF) has revolutionized the field of reproductive medicine, offering hope to couples struggling with having a baby “the old fashioned way”. As a sophisticated assisted reproductive technology, IVF has enabled millions of individuals to fulfill their dreams of parenthood. However, the process can be financially and emotionally taxing, and understanding the associated costs, statistics, and available options is crucial for those considering this path to starting a family. IVF involves the fertilization of an egg with sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting. The process typically begins with ovarian stimulation, during which the woman receives fertility medications to encourage the development of multiple mature eggs. These eggs are then retrieved and combined with sperm in a laboratory dish, where fertilization occurs. The resulting embryos are cultured for a few days before one or more are transferred to the woman's uterus, with the hope that implantation will lead to a successful pregnancy. The cost of IVF can vary significantly based on several factors, including geographic location, clinic reputation, the specific procedures required, and any additional services such as genetic testing. On average, a single cycle of IVF in the United States can cost between $12,000 and $15,000, not including the price of medications, which can range from $3,000 to $5,000 per cycle. Furthermore, many couples require multiple cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy. While some insurance plans provide coverage for certain aspects of fertility treatment, including IVF, coverage is not universal, and out-of-pocket expenses can quickly accumulate. Statistically, the success rates of IVF have steadily improved since its inception, thanks to advancements in technology and medical expertise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average live birth success rate per IVF cycle in the United States ranges from 20% to 35% for women under 35, with the likelihood of success decreasing as the woman's age increases. However, it is important to note that individual success rates can vary based on a variety of factors, including the couple's specific circumstances and the clinic's expertise. - IVF accounts for 99% of assisted reproductive procedures in the US. Women 40-44 have an 11% chance of IVF being successful in their first attempt, which increases to up to 37% within eight cycles. Although the chromosomal quality of our eggs decreases as we age, the advancements in pre-implantation genetic screening are incredible. Options and Alternatives for individuals or couples considering IVF may include additional assisted reproductive technologies, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), preimplantation genetic testing, and egg or sperm donation. Furthermore, some individuals may benefit from exploring alternative paths to parenthood, such as adoption or surrogacy. Advancements in ongoing research and clinical trials contribute to the development of new treatments and technologies that may offer promising alternatives to traditional IVF. Bottom line… Maybe IVF is right for you and maybe it’s not. As life goes, men create new sperm all the time and women are born with all the eggs (millions of them) they will ever have. So as we age, their quality declines. This doesn’t mean there aren’t fabulous, viable eggs just waiting to do something useful, but it does mean the odds are not in our favor if we’re over 40, and much less so over 50. If you were born to be parents, keep in mind the options. The children of the world need people who were born to be parents, however that comes to be. https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/mediahttps/tetra-caper-sn5dsquarespacecom/allaboutthebaby/keepthatbabysafe monthly 0.5 2024-01-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/1704404965103-YL3IJRPV622W2A4INN0Y/image-asset.jpeg Baby Journey - Keep That Baby Safe - I know you don’t want to think about the unthinkable. Neither do I. But just give me a few minutes of your time to talk about the things we ALL need to know about keeping our infants safe. Unintentional injuries are one of the leading causes of infant mortality in the USA, taking thousands of babies annually (birth defects, SIDS and preterm births being slightly ahead). I’ll sum this up into the five top causes of accidental infant deaths, so file them away in the back of your mind and keep those babies safe. Car accidents. Car accidents are the leading cause of infant death in the United States. Take the time to ensure your infant is properly secured in their age/size appropriate car seat. All cars and all car seats since 2002 are designed to keep your children easily and properly secured, as long as you follow the guidelines when securing the seat and adjusting the straps. Falls. From the time your baby is tiny until they are toddling around on their own, falls are a serious risk and cause of injury and even death. Don’t underestimate your new baby’s ability to squirm around on top of a counter or bed or table until they squirm off the edge. Never leave your baby unattended and outside of a secure enclosure, like a portable bassinet. As they get bigger and more mobile, the risks continue… There’s always stairs, high chairs, playground equipment, the list goes on. Prevention is the key. Keep your hands and eyes close. Choking and suffocation. Fortunately, this number has been steadily decreasing over the past several years, thanks to increased caregiver awareness. Not letting your infant sleep on his/her tummy without supervision until they can control their heads, bodies and turn over on their own is a good start. Not propping bottles without supervision while feeding, and ensuring their sleeping area is free of anything that can obstruct their mouths (blankets, stuffed animals, etc) are key. Even though food or toy obstructions usually occur as infants begin eating solid food and putting everythign in their mouths, one of the first things we purchased when our boys were born was a choking resue devise like LifeVac or Arixmed. There are various brands which do basically the same thing… suctioning breathing obstructions from infants, children and even adults. The prices range from roughly $35-$80 and are well worth it. Just be sure you have it out of the box, ready to go and in an easy to get to place. Hopefully you’ll never need it, but better safe than sorry. Poisoning. Poisoning is the second leading cause of death among infants under one. Although child safety caps have helped lower the accidental poisoning of young children, opiods, household cleaners and over the counter medication administrated to them are all too common methods of accidental poisoning. Keep your medications and cleaning supplies locked up, and if you MUST administer any kind of medication to your infant, follow the guidelines. Drowning. Bottom line, even if your child is capable of sitting or even standing up on their own, don’t ever leave them alone in or near standing water (tub, kiddie pool, bucket of water, etc) for even a minute. Things can so south very quickly. The idea of losing a child we love with all our hearts, and for many of us have waited a lifetime for, is absolutely unimaginable. We would throw ourselves in front of a train, take down a grizzly bear and go to the ends of the earth to insure their happiness. So please…. please take these precautions seriously and not find yourself wishing with all your heart you could go back in time and undo a preventable situation. To you and your baby’s health and happiness. https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/mediahttps/tetra-caper-sn5dsquarespacecom/allaboutthebaby/blog-post-title-two-2lckf monthly 0.5 2024-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/1715294507595-4DPMJD60NEJ6WU6CH2KJ/image-asset.jpeg Baby Journey - How Much Does a Surrogate Cost - The lowdown on surrogacy Deciding what’s right for your journey into parenhood can be quite an undertaking. Adoption? Surrogacy? IVF? For those of you considering surrogacy, here is our story, and a little insider information. https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/mediahttps/tetra-caper-sn5dsquarespacecom/allaboutthebaby/blog-post-title-three-gkdxx monthly 0.5 2024-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/1704408116212-ZS3EJ0CQE1N1XW3377F2/image-asset.jpeg Baby Journey - Best Car Seats Out There and Why - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/mediahttps/tetra-caper-sn5dsquarespacecom/allaboutthebaby/blog-post-title-four-l4fch monthly 0.5 2024-01-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/1704496210581-0O1SPA3XNPHGBIYJ23XR/image-asset.jpeg Baby Journey - Best Baby Bottles for My Infant - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/good-reads-and-podcasts daily 0.75 2024-05-10 https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/good-reads-and-podcasts/from-and-for-the-dads monthly 0.5 2024-05-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/1715116986738-OUQG82CBZP40U37UQ3V0/image-asset.jpeg Good Reads & Podcasts - From and For the Dads - The Dad Podcast is full of great insights, information and comradery for all the dads out there. Funny and informative, a worthwhile way to spend a bit of time every day. https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/good-reads-and-podcasts/blog-post-title-one-9dr2b monthly 0.5 2024-05-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/1715117245805-KECZ4LIXCV0JHQZKXU64/image-asset.jpeg Good Reads & Podcasts - Podcast - Reassuring advice on baby and toddler behavior - Janet Lansbury’s parenting podcasts are well worth the time. My favorite? Her insights on babies and toddlers, whether it’s new information, or reminders, she’s the real deal. https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/the-dads daily 0.75 2024-04-24 https://www.wrinklesandrugrats.com/the-dads/dadsview monthly 0.5 2024-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/654a790e61e1b126f88e6edd/8dd6540c-3266-435e-b100-1c240d2e239d/IMG_2723.jpeg The Dads - Dad’s view - The unexpected in later-in-life daddyhood - Surprise-! 20 Unexpected aspects of having a baby (or babies) later in life. 1. The diaper changes are no big deal. It’s something people complain about, but it takes less than seconds in most cases, up to a couple of minutes in extreme cases. 2. Babies love being naked. From diaper changes to bath time, getting rid of those constricting clothes feels great to them. 3. On the opposite side of things, babies love being swaddled, it calms them right down. 4. Crying is their main form of communication, and it varies. There is a fussy cry when they communicate things such as “my butt is a little wet,” or “I’m bored,” or “I am not comfortable,” then there is a scream that sounds like the craziest person you’ve ever dated being told it’s over, which is meant to convey, “I’m literally about to starve to death – give me my bottle immediately if not sooner!” The in-between is “I’m tired,” or “I need some help burping.” But they don’t cry for no reason – they’re always trying to tell you something. 5. The snuggling, my God the snuggling. It feels like a zillion tons of love to have a baby trying to get closer and closer to you, as if they are melting into you. 6. Big eats. It’s as if they think they are at the buffet at the Bellagio and need to eat as much as they can as soon as they can and keep going. It sometimes seems as they want to eat every waking minute. 7. Babies are not exempt from the effect of morons. Please, sit down as you read and absorb this final piece of information: you WILL come across multiple people who not only do not stop to tell you how beautiful your baby is, they will appear to either not notice or fail to appreciate the perfection of your baby. Forgive them. Remember, they are stupid, and their idiot-ness is not about your baby, it’s about them. Their life is difficult enough without feeling your hate or disappointment. 8. On the other side of things again, they bring people together. Often people are thrilled to meet your babies and want to talk about their babies, their kids, their grandkids, and sometimes even their dogs. 9. Hypothetical babysitting. Many people offer to babysit “sometime,” and they would always love to and never, ever have a free enough day or night that they actually will. 10. The love and the angst you have toward your partner both come to the surface more. I’ve been called “they best daddy ever” by my wife on the same day I feel like she may stab me in the throat. 11. Sleep is better. It may not be more, but it’s way beyond cozy sleeping near or with a sleeping baby. 12. The nicknames right themselves. You have to make an effort to call them by their names. 13. It’s easy to talk constantly to them. My wife tells me their first words are going to not be “dada,” or “mama” or “doggy” but “ssshhhh,” or “be quiet.” 14. You go back and forth between trying to enjoy every moment with them and looking forward to all the great the future will bring. 15. The perfect excuse. If you’re slow returning a call, it’s that you were preoccupied with a baby. If you cannot attend an event, it’s because your sitter cancelled at the last minute. The little dudes have a great ability to get you out of social commitments. 16. Even when you’re old enough to be grandparents, people can spot parents. Maybe you look more committed, more stressed, but that mistaken assumption is rare. 17. Most friends are supportive, and the ones that are not are good about keeping their foolish opinions to talking behind your back about how crazy you are. The most common refrain is something to the effect of “I would never do that,” or “I couldn’t do that.” All good people, we’re not asking you to. 18. Other parents of youngsters are dying to help you. They assume you don’t know what to buy and that you can afford whatever you want. 19. You don’t actually want to be with them every second. You need a break. They’re needy. 20. You will do anything to see them smile, to make them comfortable, to make them happy. 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