I forget what brand it was, but one of those fancy bamboo ones I think? The diapers are just white. The only way to tell front and back is by the tabs. I had a free sample. Did not purchase more.

You’re doing great. The fact that you care and are worried about screwing up speak volumes.

Babies are lazy. Milk doesn’t come instantly. It takes a little work on their side to trigger a letdown. Bottles are immediate. A lactation consultant may help, not sure if that’s already something you’ve tried. Some babies have a terrible latch so it can be super painful for the breastfeeding parent. There are tongue ties and there are lip ties. Both of my kiddos had mild lip ties that didn’t cause pain most of the time. The site kellymom was super helpful to me in the early weeks. Just ignore the super strict stance on BF-only. Just go for the tips.

Your wife is doing great. Do things for her, don’t just ask her what she needs and do it. Do things proactively. Bring her water, snacks, a blanket, etc.

My grandma did this and it made pancakes AMAZING!

It’s scary and I hate it. It’s giving me stress shits.

Have you had the smartfood popcorn with Cheeto flavoring?

Hm kid hiking boots/shoes? Protect the feet so she’s not kicking stones with cheap shoes that’ll bust her toes.

My youngest lost her mind tonight because we didn’t have a purple toothbrush with the cartoon character she wanted. She was still mad about it when she threw a Yoto mini at me.

Good thing Mother’s Day is tomorrow here. Right? Sigh.

Your brother is lucky to have such a thoughtful and proactive sibling.

How old are you, OP?

Can’t won’t

I think they can run to the restroom while others briefly have the floor to ask their very long questions.

I suggested she go potty before bedtime.

Those 12 weeks will be no walk in the park. You rightfully state you’ll be taking care of everyone, and it’s 24/7 juggling new dynamics and a whole new human being’s needs.

Yes, people survive with less time or no time off at all. I’m convinced some brag about it like some badge of honor to make themselves feel better.

Thank you for being considerate of your family’s needs. Good luck!

Just put them in a bubble.

I’m coming down with whatever plague my kid has, which was inevitable because she coughs and sneezes in my face regularly. The other night, she stuck her thumb in my mouth. The thumb she sucks.

You’re doing great. These tiny humans are very stressful and can be very difficult. It’s hard for everyone when they have limited means of communication. You are human, with human reactions. Be gentle with yourself.

And you probably shouldn’t throw things at them.

For sure. I told her that she didn’t have to, it’s not her job or chore. She’s 4, for context. I just want her to pick up her toys at the end of the day 😭

Mostly though, I want her to know that I appreciate her, and that I notice the little things.

What do you think would have been helpful for you growing up?

I like to tell my husband about various things our daughter does when I know she’s probably listening. “She helped me with dishes, I didn’t even ask. She just came over and said she wanted to help, so when I asked her to dry a pile of bowls, she didn’t even hesitate. She was so careful and gentle and so thorough.”

I didn’t want kids for the longest time. Then I met my husband and wanted to make a family. We were fortunate to have two lovely girls (after three unfortunate miscarriages). Actually, I think it was after the first miscarriage that my desire for a baby was truly solidified.

Life is chaotic and busy and expensive but I wouldn’t trade it for life before kids.

Heading Home With Your Newborn was probably the only useful one I read.

One interesting thing I noticed was that What to Expect and Mayo Clinic’s Guide and whatever else I read were really verbose whereas whatever book my husband had (targeted towards fathers) were more straightforward and to-the-point.